TIPS Holiday Rice Recipes to Impress Your Guests

Holiday Rice Recipes to Impress Your Guests

by Thelittleshine
by Thelittleshine

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday feast, rice dishes are an easy way to elevate your table without spending hours in the kitchen. These 6 quick and delicious rice recipes use simple pantry ingredients, take minimal effort, and are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks—or any weeknight meal.

From flavorful fried rice made with leftover turkey to creamy mushroom rice and indulgent garlic butter shrimp rice, there’s something for everyone!
Let’s dive in 👇

🥢 1. Turkey Fried Rice

A great use for leftover Thanksgiving turkey—quick, savory, and comforting.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1–1.5 cups shredded turkey (or chicken)
  • 1 cup chopped veggies (peas, carrots, green onion)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Pepper to taste

Method

  1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic & veggies for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add shredded turkey and stir-fry.
  3. Add cooked rice and soy sauce; toss on high heat for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Season with pepper and serve hot.

Optional: Add scrambled egg or sesame oil drizzle for extra flavor.

💛 2. Turmeric Golden Rice

A vibrant immune-boosting rice dish full of color and antioxidants.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups water or vegetable/chicken broth
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: Mixed veggies

Method

  1. Heat butter in a pot and add turmeric.
  2. Add rice, stir to coat, and pour in water/broth.
  3. Add salt and bring to a boil; then cover and cook until fluffy.
  4. Add veggies if using and fluff with a fork before serving.

Serving idea: Pair with roasted chicken or grilled tofu.

🍄 3. Creamy Mushroom Rice

Rich, comforting, and perfect as a side for holiday dinners.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup cream or milk
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method

  1. Sauté mushrooms in butter until soft.
  2. Add cream and simmer until slightly thick.
  3. Stir in cooked rice; mix until creamy and heated through.
  4. Season with salt & pepper and serve warm.

Optional: Add parmesan cheese or parsley.

🌿 4. Herb Butter Rice

Fresh, buttery, and full of aroma—works with any main course.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2–3 tbsp mixed herbs (cilantro, parsley, chives, dill)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method

  1. Melt butter and sauté garlic briefly.
  2. Add rice and toss well.
  3. Mix in herbs, salt & pepper.
  4. Serve with lime juice for brightness.

🍁 5. Cranberry Pecan Rice Pilaf

A festive sweet-savory holiday rice with nutty crunch and tart berries.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked basmati rice
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup pecans, toasted
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Method

  1. Warm oil in a pan.
  2. Add cranberries & pecans and sauté 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add cooked rice, salt, and cinnamon. Toss gently.
  4. Serve warm as a holiday side.

Pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, fish, or salad.

🍤 6. Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

A restaurant-style dish made in minutes!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 12–14 shrimp, cleaned
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method

  1. Melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic.
  2. Add shrimp, salt & pepper; cook 3–4 minutes until pink.
  3. Add rice and toss gently.
  4. Finish with lemon juice & serve hot.

Optional: Add chili flakes or parsley.

🎉 Final Notes

✔ All recipes work best with day-old rice
✔ Use vegetable stock instead of water for richer flavor
✔ Swap butter with olive oil for dairy-free options
✔ Add protein or seasonal veggies to customize