If you’re craving a warm, cozy bowl of deliciousness, this creamy wild rice and mushroom soup is exactly what you need. Earthy mushrooms, nutty wild rice, and a velvety broth come together to create the ultimate comfort soup, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a hearty, nourishing meal.
From fans of classic mushroom soup recipes to those looking for a homemade soup recipe that feels gourmet yet easy, this dish is for you. Whether served as the star of a soup dinner, alongside a crisp salad, or as part of a soup and sandwich combo, this soup is versatile, filling, and absolutely satisfying.
Here’s everything you need to know about making it and enjoying it!
Table of Contents
Who Will Love This Dish? From Comfort Soup Fans to Soup And Sandwich Lovers
This recipe is ideal for:
✅ Anyone looking for a cozy, savory soup to warm up with on a cold day.
✅ Home cooks who want a straightforward yet elegant homemade soup recipe.
✅ Families looking to add more hearty easy soup recipes to their dinner rotation.
✅ People who love chowder recipes and want to try a lighter but still creamy alternative.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping meals for the week, or enjoying a simple soup dinner for one, this creamy wild rice and mushroom soup is a fantastic choice.
Why This Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup Stands Out Among Mushroom Soup Recipes and Chowder Recipes
Here’s why this soup deserves a place on your table:
✅ Packed with deep, earthy flavor thanks to the mushrooms and herbs.
✅ Naturally hearty and filling from the wild rice and vegetables.
✅ Creamy without being overly heavy — a perfect balance.
✅ Versatile: make it vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free with simple swaps.
Among mushroom soup recipes, this one bridges the gap between light brothy soups and indulgent chowder recipes, giving you the best of both worlds.
Ingredients: What You Need for Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
For about 4–6 servings, you’ll need:
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Carrots – 2, diced
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Mushrooms – 16 oz (cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
- Wild rice blend – 1 cup, uncooked
- Chicken or vegetable broth – 8 cups
- Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
- Bay leaf – 1
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (or use half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter options)
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, grated Parmesan
Kitchen Equipment: Tools for Cooking Soup Like a Pro
✅ Large soup pot or Dutch oven
✅ Wooden spoon
✅ Ladle
✅ Sharp knife and cutting board
✅ Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Homemade Soup Recipe
1️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
2️⃣ Cook the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 7–8 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
3️⃣ Simmer the Soup
Stir in the wild rice, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 45–50 minutes, until the rice is tender.
4️⃣ Finish with Cream
Once the rice is cooked, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the cream and adjust seasoning as needed. Heat gently for another 2–3 minutes without boiling.
5️⃣ Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for Success: Mastering Easy Soup Recipes Every Time
✅ Rinse the wild rice before adding to remove excess starch.
✅ Sauté the mushrooms until golden — it deepens the flavor.
✅ Simmer gently to avoid overcooking the rice and vegetables.
✅ Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving for perfect flavor balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Savory Soups Like This One
🚫 Using instant wild rice — it can become mushy.
🚫 Skipping the sauté step — it builds the base flavor.
🚫 Boiling after adding cream — it can cause curdling.
🚫 Overloading with too much rice — it absorbs broth and thickens excessively.
For another cozy dinner idea, check out our best Tuscan white bean soup — another hearty, healthy choice!
Serving Suggestions: How to Present Your Soup Dinner Beautifully
✨ Serve in wide bowls with a sprinkle of parsley or thyme.
✨ Offer warm crusty bread, biscuits, or breadsticks for dipping.
✨ Pair with a simple mixed green salad for a lighter touch.
✨ Add a dollop of sour cream or drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Creative Variations: From Chowder Recipes Inspiration to Vegan Options
🥛 Make It a Chowder: Add diced potatoes and a handful of corn for a chowder-like texture.
🌱 Vegan-Friendly: Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth, and coconut milk in place of cream.
🍗 Add Protein: Stir in shredded chicken or cooked turkey for extra heartiness.
🍄 Mushroom Variety: Mix shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for deeper umami flavor.
These creative touches let you make this soup your own every time.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
✅ Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✅ Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
✅ Freeze (before adding cream) for up to 3 months. Stir in fresh cream when reheating.
Best Pairings: Soup And Sandwich or Other Delicious Combos
🥪 A grilled cheese or panini for the perfect soup and sandwich pairing.
🥗 A crisp Caesar or Greek salad.
🥖 Garlic bread or herbed focaccia.
🍷 Sparkling water with lemon or a cup of herbal tea.
For another satisfying and cozy dinner, try our lasagna soup — a hearty twist on a classic Italian dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.
What’s the best rice to use?
A wild rice blend works best for its nutty flavor and chewy texture.
Can I use dried mushrooms?
Yes — rehydrate them first and add to the sauté step.
How can I lighten the soup?
Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, or omit entirely for a brothier soup.
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We hope you enjoy making and savoring this creamy wild rice and mushroom soup — a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re exploring new mushroom soup recipes, looking for a cozy comfort soup for dinner, or simply expanding your collection of easy soup recipes, this one will become a favorite.
If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family — and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more homemade soup recipe ideas, savory soups, and creative dinner inspiration.
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Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup : A Hearty Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining earthy mushrooms, nutty wild rice, and a velvety broth. Easy, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this homemade soup recipe is rich in flavor and endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients
1 cup wild rice, uncooked 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 16 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced ¼ cup all-purpose flour 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried) Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the wild rice according to package directions, drain, and set aside. 2. In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened. 3. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and begin to brown. 4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir to form a roux, and cook for 1–2 minutes. 5. Slowly whisk in broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. 6. Stir in cooked wild rice, thyme, and cream. Simmer another 5–10 minutes. 7. Season to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
• Use half-and-half for a lighter soup or heavy cream for extra richness. • Substitute cornstarch for flour to make it gluten-free. • Try a mix of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for more depth. • Add shredded chicken or turkey for a protein boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: creamy wild rice mushroom soup, homemade soup recipe, easy soup recipes, comfort soup, cozy soup dinner
