Cheesy Wild Rice Soup Recipe Bursting with Cozy Comfort

Cozy winter nights call for a hearty wild rice soup that blends creamy textures with rich, comforting flavors.

My grandma’s secret recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the depth of flavor in this warming dish.

Mediterranean herbs and tender rice create a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Most home cooks hesitate to attempt complex soups, but this version breaks down every step with ease.

Robust vegetables and a velvety cheese base promise a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Come explore this soul-satisfying recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup That’s Smooth and Filling

• Packed with wholesome wild rice, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich cheese, this soup delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup that impresses without breaking the bank, making it an economical choice for home cooking enthusiasts.
• Easily modify the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding different vegetables, or making it vegetarian by using vegetable broth, ensuring versatility for various dietary preferences.

What to Shop For to Make Wild Rice Soup

Main Ingredients:

Wild Rice: A hearty, nutty grain that adds texture and earthy flavor to the soup. Choose long-grain wild rice for best results and richer taste.

Chicken Broth: The liquid base that provides depth and savory foundation for the soup. Low-sodium broth allows better control of salt levels.

Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency and smoothness of the soup. Whole milk works best for richer texture.

Cheese Ingredients:

Shredded Cheese: Melts smoothly to create a creamy, rich soup. Mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses provides the best flavor profile.

Vegetable Ingredients:

Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that build a flavor base. Fresh, crisp vegetables enhance the overall taste and nutrition.

Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and subtle pungent flavor. Fresh garlic cloves offer the most intense taste.

Herbs and Seasonings:

Thyme: Provides an herbal, earthy undertone to complement the rice and vegetables. Fresh thyme offers more vibrant flavor.

Bay Leaf: Adds subtle complexity and depth to the soup’s overall taste. Remove before serving.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the soup’s flavors.

Additional Ingredients:

Olive Oil or Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a rich base. Choose based on personal preference or dietary needs.

How to Cook Cheesy Wild Rice Soup with Depth

Step 1: Cook Wild Rice

Boil water in a pot. Add wild rice and cook following package directions (typically 40-45 minutes). Drain excess water and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Sauté until vegetables soften (5-7 minutes). Introduce minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Develop Soup Base

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Thyme
• Bay leaf

Bring to gentle simmer and let flavors marry for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Cooked Rice

Fold in prepared wild rice. Continue simmering for 5 additional minutes.

Step 5: Create Cheesy Perfection

Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheese, stirring constantly until melted and soup reaches creamy consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Discard bay leaf. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle extra cheese on top. Accompany with crusty bread for dipping.

Cooking Tips for Creamy Texture and Bold Cheese Flavor

• Boost Rice Texture: Rinse wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy, separate grain texture that enhances the soup's overall mouthfeel.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Grate cheese at room temperature and add it gradually while stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety consistency without unwanted lumps.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free flour and dairy-free milk alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast thyme and bay leaf briefly in the pot before adding liquid to release their aromatic oils and intensify the soup's herbal undertones.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base in advance and store separately from the rice to maintain optimal texture, reheating gently and stirring in cheese just before serving.

Best Way to Keep Leftover Wild Rice Soup Tasty

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. The wild rice may absorb more liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
• Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent cheese from separating. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• For longer storage, freeze soup without cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and add fresh cheese when reheating to maintain creamy texture.

Great Accompaniments for Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

• A buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay complements the creamy soup's rich cheese and wild rice texture, balancing the dish's hearty flavors with its smooth white wine notes.
• Grab a thick slice of crusty sourdough to dip into the cheesy soup, soaking up the creamy broth and adding a delightful tangy crunch to each bite.
• Create a light, fresh side salad featuring roasted root vegetables like parsnips and carrots, dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness.
• Top small toasted bread slices with creamy herbed goat cheese, providing a zesty and tangy counterpoint to the warm, comforting wild rice soup.

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup Variants

• Vegetarian Wild Rice Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese like cashew or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking wild rice and broth labels for potential cross-contamination.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked shredded chicken or diced ham for extra protein, creating a heartier meal for meat lovers.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Soup: Use low-sodium chicken broth, eliminate added salt, and incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives for enhanced flavor without increasing sodium content.

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Wisconsin wild rice soup brings comfort with its creamy blend of nutty rice, tender chicken, and sharp cheddar cheese. Warm kitchen memories unfold as you savor each spoonful of this soul-satisfying midwestern classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
• 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the wild rice by bringing water to a rolling boil in a pot, then gently simmer the grains until they become tender and split open, approximately 40-45 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Select a robust pot or Dutch oven and warm the cooking fat over medium flame. Introduce finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence, roughly 5-7 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to release its fragrant notes for an additional minute.
3. Pour in chicken broth, creating a rich liquid base. Blend in milk, thyme, and bay leaf, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop complex flavor profiles for about 10 minutes.
4. Fold the prepared wild rice into the simmering liquid, letting the grains integrate and absorb the surrounding flavors for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to a gentle warmth and gradually introduce shredded cheese, whisking continuously until the soup transforms into a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste experience.
6. Extract the bay leaf to prevent any bitter undertones. Distribute the velvety soup into serving vessels, crown with an extra sprinkle of cheese, and present alongside crusty artisan bread for an indulgent accompaniment.

Notes

• Opt for a mix of wild rice varieties to add depth and visual interest to the soup, creating a more complex texture and flavor profile.
• Toast the rice briefly in the pot before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and release natural oils for a richer taste experience.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
• Keep the cheese at low heat when melting to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency without becoming grainy or stringy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg