Pumpkin Rice Pilaf recipe (the perfect rice for Thanksgiving)

Rice is my number one comfort food. It’s always been my preferred side dish, so why shouldn’t it be included in a holiday feast as well? The Pumpkin Rice Pilaf side dish recipe I’m sharing today has seasonal flavors that make it perfect for fall and winter holidays. You can serve it as an alternative side dish idea for Thanksgiving, or just a rice recipe for Thanksgiving in addition to the other classics. If you’re searching for rice side dishes for Thanksgiving, this one is easy and delicious! After making it you’ll wonder what took you so long to make rice for Thanksgiving! Need more easy Thanksgiving inspiration? Be sure to check out my tips for having a low-stress Thanksgiving with my easy Thanksgiving menu and shopping list. 

More holiday side dish recipes like this rice side dish for Thanksgiving

• Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
• Bacon Pesto Mac and Cheese Bake
• Easiest Sausage Stuffing Recipe
• Better-Than-Boxed Vegan Gluten-Free Stuffing
• Jalapeño Popper Stuffing
• Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Balls
• Zesty Orange-Ginger Cranberry Sauce
• Lighter Truffled Polenta
• Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Aioli
• Instant Pot Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe
• Instant Pot Cornbread Muffins
• Buttery Buttermilk Biscuits

What you need to make this rice recipe for Thanksgiving (or anytime)

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup orzo
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• Optional garnish: Chopped fresh sage

How to make Pumpkin Rice Pilaf

To make this rice recipe for Thanksgiving, start by adding the vegetable broth, coconut milk, pumpkin puree, butter, salt, pepper, ground sage, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a simmer, then reduce the heat to low to keep the mixture warm.

Next, add the olive oil to a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat. When the oil is hot, add the orzo and cook until brown (about 4-6 minutes). Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, followed by the rice until everything is evenly coated in the oil, then cook until the rice turns bright white (about 5-7 minutes, but be sure to watch and make sure the garlic isn’t over-cooking).

Pour the warm broth and pumpkin mixture into the skillet with the rice. Stir to combine everything, then bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook the Pumpkin Rice Pilaf for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and stir the rice from the bottom to top. Cover again and continue cooking for 15-20 more minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the white rice is tender.

Fluff the Pumpkin Rice Pilaf with a fork and serve warm. Garnish with fresh sage, if desired.

The fall flavors make this a great option for rice side dishes for Thanksgiving!

So what do you think? Would you serve rice for Thanksgiving? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Here’s the full Pumpkin Rice Pilaf recipe!