If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It combines tender turkey, earthy wild rice, and fragrant herbs in a savory broth that feels both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or making it from scratch, this soup brings together simple ingredients into something truly special that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three side-by-side views of a white pot on a white marbled surface. In the first view, the pot contains small sliced mushrooms with a dark browned texture and bits of browned residue around the edges. In the second view, approximately half of the mushrooms remain, and a pile of black wild rice and a bay leaf sit on top. The third view shows the wild rice spread out, mixing with the mushrooms and bay leaf, sitting in a dark liquid inside the pot. The pot’s handles are visible on the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is effortless, but each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture in this soup. From the earthiness of cremini mushrooms to the subtle punch of garlic, every element contributes to creating that rich, satisfying profile you crave in a homemade soup.

1 tablespoon olive oil: This is your cooking fat that adds a slight fruity richness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Their meaty texture and deep flavor add umami and depth to the soup.
1 cup chopped onion: A foundational aromatic that infuses sweetness as it softens.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a warm, aromatic kick that brightens the broth.
6 cups turkey broth: The heart of the soup — using turkey broth intensifies the poultry flavor and keeps things light yet robust.
¾ cup long grain wild rice: This adds a wonderful chewy texture and nutty taste, making the soup satisfying and hearty.
1 bay leaf: A subtle herbaceous hint that rounds out the flavor profile without overpowering.
4 cups cooked turkey, cut into bite-size pieces: Tender turkey provides protein and the star flavor in this recipe.
¼ cup chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of fresh, grassy brightness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Always the finishing touch to elevate every ingredient’s flavor.

How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté until they release their juices and turn golden, about 5 minutes. Next, toss in the chopped onions and continue cooking until they are soft and translucent. Finish this step by stirring in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just a minute until fragrant. This process unlocks and builds the deep, savory foundation that will define your soup.

Step 2: Add Broth, Rice, and Bay Leaf

Pour in the turkey broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the wild rice and tuck in the bay leaf. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer, covered, for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the wild rice softens but still holds a bit of chew. The rice absorbs the rich turkey broth flavors while thickening the soup naturally — creating that perfect balance between creamy and textured.

Step 3: Incorporate Turkey and Season

Once the rice is tender, stir in your cooked turkey pieces to warm them through. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let everything meld together beautifully. Remove the bay leaf before serving. This step brings your soup to life, showcasing the tender turkey in every spoonful.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the soup to add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the warm, earthy ingredients. The parsley not only brightens the flavor but also makes your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe look as inviting as it tastes.

How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

The image shows a large white pot filled with a clear brown broth soup containing chunks of light beige mushrooms and small dark mushrooms, topped with fresh green parsley leaves in the center. Near the top right is a white bowl with a similar mushroom soup, garnished with chopped green herbs. There is a light beige cloth under the pot and bowl resting on a white marbled surface. To the right are two gold-colored spoons placed on another beige cloth, while pieces of torn bread with soft, white interior are scattered at the top and bottom left of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can take your soup from comforting to elegant in seconds. A handful of fresh parsley is always a winner, but you can also try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for creaminess. Crispy toasted bread crumbs or a drizzle of truffle oil are fancy upgrades if you want to impress guests without much work.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with simple sides. Crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop. A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. For a truly cozy meal, roasted root vegetables or mashed potatoes make wonderful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this soup at a gathering or want to make it feel special, try ladling it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a rustic touch. Individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs add charm. You could also layer the ingredients in a clear glass bowl or jar to show off the beautiful colors and textures before heating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps remarkably well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The flavors tend to deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

Freeze the soup in portions for a convenient meal anytime. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Keep in mind wild rice tends to soften further after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 months for optimal texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to keep the soup from breaking down too much. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Avoid boiling to preserve the integrity of the turkey and rice textures — warm it slowly to that perfect cozy temperature.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice, but the soup will have a different texture and slightly milder flavor. Wild rice adds a chewier bite and nutty taste that really makes this recipe unique.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the turkey broth and turkey meat for vegetable broth and hearty mushrooms or tofu. While it won’t have the same depth of poultry flavor, it will still be comforting and delicious.

Can I use fresh turkey or leftover turkey?

Both options work wonderfully! Leftover roasted turkey is a great way to repurpose dinner scraps, while fresh cooked turkey gives you more control over the texture and seasoning.

What can I do if I don’t have cremini mushrooms?

Button mushrooms are a fine substitute. If you want a bit more flavor, shiitake or portobello mushrooms also work well to add umami.

How thick should the soup be?

This soup should be moderately thick but still spoonable and brothy. The wild rice thickens it naturally without becoming too pasty — think comforting stew consistency rather than a thin broth.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade soup that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and ends with a bowl full of warmth and comfort. This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is simple, nourishing, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple you reach for time and time again.

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe