Fruity Rice Casserole
Brighten up your dinner table with this Fruity Rice Casserole, a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory flavors that’s both hearty and wholesome. Perfectly cooked white rice is combined with juicy pineapple chunks, tart dried cranberries, and crisp apple cubes, all brought together with a drizzle of orange juice and honey for a naturally vibrant sweetness. Infused with a hint of cinnamon and topped with slivered almonds and optional shredded coconut, this baked casserole is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Quick to prepare and ready in under an hour, it makes for a versatile side dish or a light vegetarian main. Whether you're looking for a stunning holiday addition or a cozy weeknight treat, this fruity casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (drained)
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 1 apple (cubed, skin on)
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds
- 0.25 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
Add the rice to the boiling water, lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is fully cooked, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the cubed apple to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed apple, pineapple chunks, dried cranberries, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
Grease a 9x9-inch casserole dish with a little butter or cooking spray.
Transfer the rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the slivered almonds over the top, followed by the shredded coconut if using.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the aluminum foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1608 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.6 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.7 g | 249% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 806 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 214.8 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.5 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 131.6 g | ||
| Protein | 18.9 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 212 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 1314 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
