Name: Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice, cooked; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend); 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp thyme (dried or 1 tbsp fresh); 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or coconut milk for dairy-free); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is cozy, flavorful, and loaded with texture. The wild rice adds a delightful chewiness, while the creamy base makes it indulgent and satisfying. It’s easy to make in one pot, freezer-friendly, and can be adapted for vegetarian or dairy-free diets. Whether served for a family dinner or meal prep, this soup delivers on both taste and comfort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wild rice
Olive oil or butter
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Mushrooms (optional but recommended for umami flavor)
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
Vegetable broth or chicken broth
Bay leaf
Thyme (dried or fresh)
Heavy cream or half-and-half (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
Salt
Pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the wild rice according to package instructions until tender. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
Sprinkle in flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
Add cooked wild rice and continue simmering for 15–20 minutes to blend the flavors.
Reduce heat and stir in the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings and takes approximately 50 minutes total — 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking.

Variations

Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and skip any meat additions.
Dairy-free: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or white beans for a heartier version.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for thickening or skip the flour and use a cornstarch slurry instead.
Extra veggies: Add chopped spinach, kale, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
Earthier flavor: Use all wild rice or a wild rice blend for deeper texture and taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding cream and stir it in after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a wild rice blend instead of pure wild rice?

Yes, a blend of wild and brown rice works well, but true wild rice will give the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

How can I make it thicker?

Let it simmer uncovered for longer, or add more flour or a cornstarch slurry.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, cooked chicken or turkey pairs perfectly with the creamy broth and wild rice.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be if you use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.

What’s the best way to cook wild rice?

Simmer in a 3:1 ratio of water to rice until the grains burst open and are tender, usually 40–50 minutes.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, stir it in at the end to avoid overcooking.

Does this soup freeze well?

Yes, but for best texture, freeze before adding the cream and add it fresh after reheating.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, a green salad, or a grilled sandwich makes a great pairing.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add all ingredients except the cream and flour, cook on low for 6–8 hours, then stir in the cream and a cornstarch slurry before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that delivers rich flavors and hearty textures in every bite. Whether you’re craving a warm bowl on a chilly night or looking for a meal prep-friendly option, this soup is a timeless favorite. Customize it to your taste and enjoy its wholesome, feel-good comfort any time of year.