This Christmas Rice will bring joy and flavor to your holiday celebrations. With the fragrant aroma of garlic and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds, this dish is not only beautiful but absolutely delicious. Perfect for family gatherings and festive feasts!

Christmas Rice recipe
Description
This Christmas Rice will bring joy and flavor to your holiday celebrations. With the fragrant aroma of garlic and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds, this dish is not only beautiful but absolutely delicious. Perfect for family gatherings and festive feasts!
Ingredients for Christmas Rice
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
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Cooking the Rice
In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the rice, coating it with the butter, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add the hot water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer until the water is mostly absorbed (about 10 minutes). Once the initial water is absorbed, add the dry sparkling apple cider. Stir gently and continue cooking over low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed (about 10 more minutes).
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Mixing and Serving
Transfer the cooked rice to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly. Stir in the toasted almond slices and the additional butter. Mix well to distribute the butter evenly. Pack the rice mixture firmly into a lightly greased bundt pan or a medium-sized serving bowl. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before unmolding onto a serving plate. Garnish the rice with extra sliced almonds and golden raisins. If desired, place the molded rice in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to warm through before serving.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1443kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 59.2g92%
- Saturated Fat 30.0g150%
- Trans Fat 0.0g
- Cholesterol 122mg41%
- Sodium 1834.0mg77%
- Potassium 928.3mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 211.0g71%
- Dietary Fiber 7.0g29%
- Sugars 49.0g
- Protein 20.2g41%
- Vitamin A 388.51 IU
- Vitamin C 4.33 mg
- Calcium 183.98 mg
- Iron 3.06 mg
- Vitamin D 0.00 IU
- Vitamin E 7.48 IU
- Vitamin K 5.48 mcg
- Thiamin 0.24 mg
- Riboflavin 0.49 mg
- Niacin 4.43 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.54 mg
- Folate 27.80 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.10 mcg
- Phosphorus 395.57 mg
- Magnesium 137.74 mg
- Zinc 3.03 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and warmed just before serving for a stress-free festive dinner.
User Reviews
Perfectly festive and a great side dish!
This is now my go-to recipe for holidays!
A delightful recipe! Easy to follow and delicious.
I loved the addition of almonds. Will make it again!
This rice was a hit at our holiday dinner! So flavorful and festive.