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When the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, there’s no better time to bring warm, comforting dishes to the table—and rice is one of the most versatile ingredients to do just that.
From hearty casseroles and spiced pilafs to creamy soups and festive stuffings, these 24+ fall rice recipes celebrate the flavors of the season with every bite.
Think roasted squash, caramelized onions, apples, wild mushrooms, and aromatic herbs—all beautifully paired with rice to create soul-satisfying meals and sides.
Whether you’re prepping for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering, these rice-based recipes bring autumn’s best straight to your plate.
24+ Must-Try Fall Rice Recipes That Are Perfect for Cozy Dinners
Fall is the season of comfort, and these 24+ fall rice recipes are the perfect way to bring that comfort to your table.
With rich flavors, warm spices, and hearty ingredients, each dish offers a delicious reminder of why we love this time of year.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these recipes promise to deliver the cozy, soul-warming goodness you’re craving.
Autumn Harvest Wild Rice Salad
Nutty wild rice mingles with roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, and crunchy pecans in this vibrant Autumn Harvest Wild Rice Salad.
The earthy aroma of toasted rice paired with the warmth of cinnamon and maple vinaigrette evokes the essence of fall in every bite.
This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart, with bursts of flavor from dried fruits and fresh herbs.
Enjoy it as a hearty side for roasted poultry or serve it solo as a satisfying vegetarian main.
Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
Creamy, golden-hued Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto captures fall’s coziest flavors in a single spoonful.
Fragrant sage melds with the sweet richness of roasted squash and the comforting texture of arborio rice for a luxurious dish that soothes the soul.
Each bite delivers warmth and depth, making it a perfect complement to a holiday roast or an elegant standalone entrée.
A gentle sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of brown butter elevate it to a seasonal showstopper.
Apple Cider Rice Pilaf
Aromatic and subtly sweet, Apple Cider Rice Pilaf blends tender rice with caramelized onions, crisp apples, and warm spices.
Infused with apple cider and a touch of thyme, this dish exudes a cozy scent reminiscent of crisp orchard walks.
Its light, fluffy texture contrasts beautifully with the juicy apple chunks and hints of toasted almonds.
Serve alongside pork chops or enjoy as a festive, fruit-forward twist on traditional rice dishes.
Mushroom and Brown Rice Casserole
Earthy, hearty, and deeply savory, Mushroom and Brown Rice Casserole is a fall favorite that wraps you in comfort.
Packed with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and creamy Gruyère, the aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the table.
The chewy texture of brown rice complements the melt-in-your-mouth mushrooms, creating a satisfying, umami-rich experience.
This casserole pairs well with roasted vegetables or can stand alone as a robust vegetarian meal.
Pumpkin Curry Rice
Warm, spicy, and wonderfully creamy, Pumpkin Curry Rice brings bold autumn flavor with every forkful.
Cooked with coconut milk, curry spices, and tender chunks of pumpkin, this dish is both comforting and exotic.
The vibrant orange hue and heady aroma of ginger and cumin make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
It’s a perfect side for grilled meats or tofu, yet hearty enough to shine as a main course.
Cranberry Pecan Rice Stuffing
Bursting with the sweet tang of dried cranberries and the buttery crunch of toasted pecans, Cranberry Pecan Rice Stuffing reinvents a classic fall side.
Savory herbs like sage and thyme add aromatic depth, while wild rice and brown rice provide a toothsome bite.
This stuffing alternative is a gluten-free delight that’s ideal for holiday feasts or weeknight comfort.
Serve it inside a roasted squash or alongside turkey for a seasonal celebration on a plate.
Roasted Vegetable Rice
Colorful and hearty, Roasted Vegetable Rice brings together the smoky sweetness of oven-roasted root veggies with the nutty chew of brown rice.
The caramelized edges of carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts add a rich depth, while garlic and herbs infuse the dish with irresistible autumn warmth.
The golden hue and rustic aroma make it feel right at home next to roast chicken or as a cozy meatless meal.
It’s an easy way to bring vibrant fall produce to the center of your plate.
Acorn Squash Rice Bowl
With its natural sweetness and tender texture, Acorn Squash Rice Bowl turns seasonal ingredients into a comforting, nourishing dish.
Steamed rice absorbs the maple glaze from the roasted squash, while a sprinkle of goat cheese and pepitas adds creamy tang and satisfying crunch.
The subtle scent of cinnamon and sage drifts through the kitchen as it bakes, inviting everyone to gather.
This bowl is perfect for meal prep or a colorful lunch packed with fall flavors.
Spiced Rice and Lentils
Deeply spiced and wonderfully hearty, Spiced Rice and Lentils brings a warm, earthy kick to your fall dinner rotation.
Cinnamon, cumin, and coriander mingle with tender lentils and fluffy rice for a dish that’s as aromatic as it is filling.
Hints of onion and garlic round out the flavor, while toasted pine nuts add a pleasant crunch.
Serve it with a dollop of yogurt or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying, protein-rich vegetarian option.
Carrot Rice
Sweet and savory notes combine beautifully in Carrot Rice, a simple yet flavorful dish that celebrates fall’s most underrated vegetable.
Finely shredded carrots melt into the rice as it cooks, adding both color and a gentle sweetness.
A touch of ginger and turmeric brings subtle heat and a golden hue that warms from the inside out.
It’s the perfect side for grilled meats, or a quick, comforting lunch all on its own.
Harvest Rice Bake
Golden and bubbling from the oven, Harvest Rice Bake is layered with rich autumn vegetables, sharp cheddar, and fluffy rice.
Each forkful is creamy, cheesy, and full of rustic flavor from leeks, squash, and hearty greens.
The scent of thyme and roasted garlic fills the kitchen as it bakes to perfection.
Serve it as a main for chilly weeknights or bring it to the table as a holiday-ready side.
Maple Rice Pudding
Creamy, lightly spiced, and kissed with sweetness, Maple Rice Pudding is a fall dessert that doubles as a cozy breakfast.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure maple syrup infuse the slow-cooked rice with deep seasonal flavor.
The texture is luxuriously thick, with soft grains and warm milk forming a spoonable hug.
Top with chopped pecans or roasted apples for an irresistible finishing touch.
Wild Rice Soup
Hearty and comforting, Wild Rice Soup wraps you in warmth with every creamy, savory spoonful.
Loaded with nutty wild rice, tender vegetables, and often shredded chicken or mushrooms, this soup delivers layers of flavor in a rich, silky broth.
Hints of thyme and garlic infuse the air as it simmers, making your kitchen smell like a fall dream.
Pair it with crusty bread or enjoy on its own for a soul-soothing meal.
Apple Rice
Sweet, tart, and subtly spiced, Apple Rice is a unique dish that captures fall’s orchard-fresh flavors.
Cooked with cinnamon, cloves, and chopped apples, it delivers a tender, fragrant experience perfect for breakfast or as a festive side.
The apples soften into the rice, creating a warm, almost dessert-like feel with just the right hint of sweetness.
It’s a cozy companion to roasted pork or a warm, seasonal treat on its own.
Turkey Rice Skillet
Savory and satisfying, Turkey Rice Skillet transforms leftover turkey into a hearty one-pan wonder.
Infused with fall vegetables like celery, carrots, and mushrooms, this dish brings richness and balance in every bite.
The rice absorbs all the flavors, while a dash of sage and black pepper adds that classic Thanksgiving flair.
It’s a simple, nourishing way to enjoy holiday flavors any night of the week.
Rice and Pumpkin Soup
Velvety and aromatic, Rice and Pumpkin Soup combines fall’s favorite squash with tender rice in a golden, gently spiced broth.
A touch of ginger and garlic deepens the flavor while coconut milk or cream adds luscious texture.
The result is smooth, hearty, and perfect for sipping beside a warm fire.
Serve it with a swirl of yogurt or roasted seeds for added richness and crunch.
Sausage Rice Bake
Bold, savory, and deeply comforting, Sausage Rice Bake layers spicy sausage, sweet onions, and fluffy rice under a bubbly cheese topping.
As it bakes, the sausage flavors melt into the rice, releasing a rich, smoky aroma that fills the kitchen.
With herbs like rosemary or thyme tucked in, it’s a dish made for chilly evenings.
Perfect as a weeknight main or potluck favorite, it delivers serious comfort with minimal effort.
Cinnamon Rice
Warm and delicately sweet, Cinnamon Rice is a simple dish that fills the air with the scent of fall spices.
With hints of vanilla and brown sugar, it’s a creamy, comforting option for breakfast or dessert.
Each bite is soft, aromatic, and lightly spiced—like rice pudding without the fuss.
Top with raisins or toasted nuts for a cozy treat that satisfies all season long.
Brown Rice Stuffing
Savory, hearty, and full of fall flavor, Brown Rice Stuffing offers a wholesome twist on a holiday classic.
Packed with sautéed onions, celery, herbs, and toasted nuts, it delivers a satisfying texture with every bite.
Dried cranberries or chopped apples add subtle sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory base.
Serve it alongside roasted turkey or enjoy it solo as a cozy, gluten-free comfort dish.
Curried Rice
Fragrant and warming, Curried Rice brings gentle spice and golden color to your autumn meals.
Infused with turmeric, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon, it has a mellow heat that’s balanced by the natural nuttiness of long-grain rice.
Toss in roasted fall veggies or chickpeas for extra heartiness and color.
This versatile dish is perfect as a side or a quick, flavorful main.
Caramelized Onion Rice
Rich, sweet, and deeply savory, Caramelized Onion Rice is the ultimate fall comfort dish.
Slow-cooked onions melt into golden softness, infusing the rice with layers of umami and warmth.
A touch of butter and fresh thyme enhances the aroma, creating a dish that feels both rustic and refined.
It pairs effortlessly with roasted meats or serves as a cozy, satisfying standalone meal.
Conclusion
Ready to make the most of autumn ingredients? These 24+ fall rice recipes are not only packed with seasonal flavor but also flexible, easy to prepare, and ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Bookmark your favorites, mix and match with your go-to fall sides, and bring the taste of the season to your table in a way that fits your lifestyle.
