Silky Wild Rice Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Cozy winter evenings call for a comforting wild rice soup that warms you from the inside out.

This hearty wild rice soup blends rich, earthy flavors with creamy textures that dance on your palate.

Tender vegetables and perfectly cooked rice create a symphony of deliciousness in every spoonful.

Packed with nutrients and robust ingredients, the soup offers a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Each carefully selected ingredient contributes depth and complexity to this soul-soothing recipe.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to savor this nourishing meal.

Prepare to be transported by this classic comfort food that promises warmth and pure culinary joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 6

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup Ingredient Essentials

• Wild Rice: Nutty and hearty grain packed with nutrients, choose organic varieties for richer flavor and better texture.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic flavor base that adds depth and sweetness, select fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that elevates the soup's overall taste profile, opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced versions.

• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory foundation for the soup, choose low-sodium versions for better control of salt levels.
• Milk: Adds creamy smoothness and helps bind ingredients, whole milk recommended for fuller texture.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements wild rice and vegetable flavors, fresh sprigs offer more intense taste than dried.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle, complex flavor enhancer that adds sophisticated undertone to the soup.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create luxurious, velvety consistency, sharp cheddar or gruyere recommended for robust flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that balance and highlight other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, cheesy soup, choose artisan or sourdough varieties.

Gear to Cook a Creamy Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking the entire soup base.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate broth and milk measurements.
• Cheese Grater: Necessary for shredding cheese smoothly and quickly.
• Colander: Useful for draining cooked wild rice.
• Ladle: Great for serving soup into individual bowls.

Step-by-Step Cheesy Wild Rice Soup Cooking Guide

• Prep Wild Rice Blast the rice in boiling water, following package timing. Once perfectly cooked, drain and set aside.
• Veggie Dance Warm oil in a large pot, toss in onions, carrots, and celery. Swirl and sizzle until vegetables soften and release their delicious aroma. Sprinkle garlic and let it sing for a minute.
• Liquid Pour chicken broth, milk, thyme, and bay leaf into the pot. Let everything bubble and blend, creating a harmonious flavor symphony for about 10 minutes.
• Rice Integration Gently fold the cooked wild rice into the simmering liquid. Allow ingredients to mingle and get acquainted for another 5 minutes.
• Cheesy Transformation Reduce heat and introduce shredded cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a luxurious, creamy embrace. Season with salt and pepper to your heart's content.
• Serve and Enjoy Pluck out the bay leaf. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, crown with extra cheese sprinkles, and pair with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tricks to Enhance Your Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

• Rinse wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, ensuring a perfectly fluffy texture in your soup.
• Swap dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a delicious vegan version that's equally creamy and satisfying.
• Prepare the soup base and rice separately, storing them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine and reheat gently to maintain the soup's smooth consistency and prevent cheese from separating.
• Add cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or crispy bacon to transform this soup into a heartier meal that's perfect for cold nights or when you need extra protein.
• Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the chicken broth and any added seasonings, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Serve Cheesy Wild Rice Soup Just Right

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice up a crispy, golden baguette or hearty sourdough to dunk into the creamy soup, soaking up all those delicious cheesy flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to transform it into a more substantial meal that keeps you full.
• Herbal Freshness Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives, parsley, or green onions on top for a bright pop of color and a zesty, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Cozy Side Salad: Pair the soup with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture and add a refreshing crunch to your meal.

Best Storage Tips for Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

• Store the soup in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Perfect for quick future meals, the soup will stay delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Gently warm the soup on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent cheese separation. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick, restoring its creamy consistency.
• Repurpose remaining soup by adding cooked chicken, extra vegetables, or stirring into a casserole for a delightful second-life meal that reduces food waste and maximizes flavor potential.

FAQs

• Is wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It’s more nutritious, with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, native to North America and traditionally harvested by Native American tribes.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this soup?

Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses work well. Just ensure they melt smoothly and complement the wild rice’s earthy flavor. Avoid very hard or crumbly cheeses.

• How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based milk. For protein, you could add mushrooms or tofu to maintain the soup’s heartiness and texture.

• What makes wild rice take longer to cook compared to white rice?

Wild rice has a tough outer bran layer that requires more cooking time and water. This protective layer also contributes to its high fiber content and distinctive chewy texture.

Velvety Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Wild Rice Soup brings Wisconsin comfort to winter dining tables. Creamy Wisconsin cheddar and tender wild rice combine in a satisfying bowl that warms souls from the first spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 5 cups (1.2 L) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) wild rice, uncooked
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup (120 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• salt and pepper, to taste
• fresh parsley, chopped
• crusty bread for serving

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Boil water in a pot, then simmer wild rice until tender and split, about 40-45 minutes. Drain completely and reserve.
2. Vegetable Foundation: Heat cooking fat in a Dutch oven over medium flame. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables soften and develop rich aromatics, approximately 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute to release intense flavors.
3. Liquid Base Creation: Pour chicken broth into the pot. Integrate milk, thyme, and bay leaf, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop nuanced flavor profiles for 10 minutes. Incorporate prepared wild rice, permitting grains to meld with liquid for 5 additional minutes.
4. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk shredded cheese into the soup, creating a smooth, luxurious texture. Season with salt and pepper, balancing the overall taste profile.
5. Finishing Touch: Remove bay leaf to prevent bitter undertones. Ladle soup into serving bowls, garnish with an extra cheese sprinkle, and serve alongside crusty artisan bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

Choose High-Quality Wild Rice: Select whole-grain wild rice with an intact dark exterior for maximum nutty flavor and nutritional benefits.

Prevent Cheese Separation: Reduce heat to low when adding cheese and whisk slowly to ensure smooth, creamy texture without curdling or clumping.

Control Cooking Liquid: Adjust broth and milk quantities based on desired soup thickness – more liquid creates thinner consistency, less creates heartier soup.

Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Swap chicken broth with vegetable stock for vegetarian version, use gluten-free flour for thickening, and substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 458
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg