Crockpot Wild Rice with Cherries and Pecans: A Delicious Twist

Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans is one of those cozy dishes that works for any season 🍒. It is hearty, a little sweet, and perfect as a side or a meal on its own. The cherries add a pop of flavor, and the pecans bring the crunch. This is one of those recipes you will want to keep on repeat all week long.

Close-up of Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans in a white dish, showing vibrant colors and hearty texture of rice, fruit, and nuts.

Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans quickly became a favorite of mine. I have several Bibles and just as many Crockpot cookbooks. So when I was in one of my favorite country stores and saw The Southern Slow Cooker Bible, I knew I had to have it! It has been one of my most cherished cookbooks because everything I have tried has been easy, tasty, and the epitome of down-home cookin’.

I particularly loved this recipe for Crockpot wild rice because it called for cherries and pecans… two of my favorite add-ins to salads. I knew I was going to enjoy it, and I bet you will too!

How to Make Crockpot Wild Rice With Cherries and Pecans

Creating Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your meal. This recipe combines hearty grains, sweet and tart cherries, and the crunch of toasted pecans for a dish that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Base

First, pour a cup of wild rice and a cup of brown rice into a slightly greased slow cooker. If you don’t have both rice options, using 2 cups of just one type is totally fine. Sometimes you can also find wild rice blends already mixed for you. I personally like to mix in brown rice to create a softer texture. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and mix all the rice together so that it is thoroughly coated.

Uncooked wild and brown rice mix in a Crockpot, the first step in preparing Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Add a 32-ounce container of low-sodium chicken broth and a chopped yellow onion. Then sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If you don’t already have a peppercorn grinder, I highly suggest investing in one. Fresh spices make all the difference in cooking. Cover the Crockpot and cook the rice on HIGH for 4 hours.

Chopped onions and seasonings added to chicken broth in a Crockpot with rice, creating the flavor base for Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans.

Step 3: Stir in the Dried Fruit

Once the Crockpot wild rice with is done cooking, add in a cup of dried cherries. You can also use dried cranberries. I chose the cherries because they have a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. You will find both of these berries in the raisin section of your grocery store, which is usually near the hot cereals and granola bars. Turn off the slow cooker and stir everything together. Let it rest for 15 minutes so that all the flavors can meld together.

Dried cherries added to cooked wild rice in a Crockpot, part of the finishing step for Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans.

Step 4: Add Pecans and Parsley

When you are ready to serve the Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans, stir in a cup of toasted pecans and sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of freshly minced parsley.

Serving dish of Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans, garnished with parsley and displayed on a wooden table for a warm presentation.

Why Crockpot Wild Rice With Cherries and Pecans is So Versatile

Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans is such a warm and inviting dish. It is hearty enough to stand alone as an entree for a meatless meal, but it is also a great compliment to a piece of protein. It would be perfect on your Thanksgiving table as a vegetarian option. And you know what else? It would be amazing with a fried egg on top. One of those perfectly cooked eggs where the whites are crispy, but the yolk is still runny? Oh mylanta! I can taste it now!

Serving spoon in Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans, showing the hearty texture and colorful mix of grains, fruit, and nuts.

As if that weren’t enough, Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans is a great meal prep base as well. It pairs well with all vegetables and proteins and stays good in an airtight container in the fridge for several days. I like things that save me time!

More Crockpot Ideas to Love

If you love your Crockpot as much as I do, check out my extensive list of Crockpot meals on my recipe index. My favorites are healthy Crockpot enchilada quinoa, 5-ingredient Crockpot orange chicken, and Crockpot bolognese sauce. Whatever you make for dinner tonight, I hope you enjoy it! Happy cooking, y’all!

Overhead view of Crockpot wild rice with cherries and pecans in a white dish, topped with chopped parsley and ready for serving.