If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm, comforting embrace during those crisp autumn days, you’ve got to try this Creamy Fall Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It’s a velvety, hearty soup loaded with the nutty goodness of RiceSelect wild rice, tender butternut squash, fresh veggies, and just the right touch of cream to make it irresistibly rich. Each spoonful is like a cozy celebration of fall flavors, perfectly filling and deeply satisfying, whether you’re unwinding after a busy day or feeding the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A golden metal tray holds several white bowls and containers with ingredients arranged neatly. In the top left, a bowl is filled with bright orange cubed vegetables. To the right, another bowl contains two layers of sliced vegetables: the bottom layer is orange carrot slices, and the top layer is green celery pieces. Below them is a small black bowl filled with chopped white onions. In the center is a small metal cup holding a mix of white and red grains. To its right is a tiny bowl with salt and pepper, next to fresh green herbs. On the bottom left, a wooden bowl holds dark green leafy vegetables. Near its top right, a white bowl contains light beige pieces of cooked poultry. In the bottom center, a glass measuring cup contains clear light brown broth, and behind it, a small glass jar holds a creamy white liquid. The tray is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Fall Wild Rice Soup Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that play together beautifully to create its unforgettable taste and texture. Each element brings something special—from the earthy, nutty wild rice to the sweet softness of butternut squash and the fresh aroma of herbs and garlic.

2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
2 celery stalks, diced: Provides a subtle crunch and aromatic depth.
1 small onion, diced: Builds a flavorful base when cooked until tender.
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into small chunks: Brings creamy texture and autumnal sweetness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing veggies while adding a mild fruity richness.
2 tablespoons butter: Deepens the soup’s flavor and enriches its texture.
3-4 garlic cloves, finely minced: Imparts a warm, fragrant kick.
2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the soup into that silky consistency.
2 teaspoons umami mushroom seasoning: Adds a savory boost that rounds out the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion’s natural sweetness.
Salt and pepper to taste (about 2 teaspoons salt): Essential to balance and highlight all the flavors.
8 cups broth: The hearty liquid base that infuses the dish with warmth.
1 cup RiceSelect Royal Blend wild rice: Offers a nutty, chewy contrast and whole grain goodness.
4-5 stalks fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note that’s perfect for fall.
2 sage leaves: Introduces a subtle woodsy aroma.
1 bay leaf: Provides gentle background depth.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy richness.
2 cups kale: Packs in nutrition and vibrant green color, with a slight bite.

How to Make Creamy Fall Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the carrots, celery, onion, and butternut squash. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften and the kitchen fills with that inviting roasted veggie aroma. This step builds a robust foundation of flavor that makes the soup sing.

Step 2: Add Butter and Garlic

Next, stir in the butter and garlic, cooking everything together until the garlic releases its beautiful fragrance—about one minute. This little addition deepens the warmth and spices up the base in the most delightful way, making each spoonful aromatic and comforting.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour along with umami mushroom seasoning and onion powder, making sure the flour evenly coats the vegetables. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste. This step is crucial—it thickens the soup naturally without heaviness, giving it that dreamy, creamy texture that is the hallmark of this Creamy Fall Wild Rice Soup Recipe.

Step 4: Add Broth, Rice, and Herbs

Pour in the broth and add the wild rice and fresh herbs—thyme, sage, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the wild rice is tender and full of flavor. This simmering stage brings all the ingredients together, melding textures and infusing the soup with those unforgettable autumnal herb notes. Don’t forget to remove the herbs before the next step.

Step 5: Stir in Cream, Chicken, and Kale

Finally, stir in the heavy cream, cooked chopped chicken (optional but highly recommended for extra heartiness), and kale leaves. Let it cook just until the kale wilts and the chicken is warmed through. This last flourish makes the soup feel indulgent, nourishing, and perfectly balanced for those chilly days.

How to Serve Creamy Fall Wild Rice Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with creamy soup that has a light yellow color. Inside the soup are visible bright orange carrot slices, bits of green leafy kale, small pieces of light brown chicken, and cooked rice grains. There are also fresh herbs like sage and thyme floating on top. A white spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the soup. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth nearby. A container of Royal Blend rice is tilted next to the pot, with some rice spilled out next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green color and mild freshness. A drizzle of olive oil or a few grates of nutmeg can add subtle layers of flavor that elevate the presentation and taste. Garnishes turn every bowl into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Side Dishes

Serve this soup alongside a crusty artisan bread or warm cornbread to soak up every creamy, flavorful drop. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a refreshing counterpoint, making for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the Creamy Fall Wild Rice Soup Recipe in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls. This elevated approach adds charm and creates an extra-special fall vibe that your guests will remember. Plus, it’s so fun to scoop up every last spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to recombine the ingredients.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Leave out the kale and add it fresh when reheating to keep its texture vibrant. Defrost overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. This slow, gentle heat keeps the soup creamy and smooth, just like when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken for extra hearty vegetables or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The wild rice and umami mushroom seasoning keep it richly flavorful without meat.

Is RiceSelect Royal Blend wild rice essential?

While you can experiment with other wild rice blends, RiceSelect Royal Blend is ideal for this recipe because of its perfect chewy texture and nutty flavor. It really makes the Creamy Fall Wild Rice Soup Recipe stand out.

Can I use heavy cream substitute?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, but keep in mind that it might slightly change the soup’s richness and texture.

How long does it take to cook the wild rice?

The wild rice in this recipe cooks in about 15 to 20 minutes within the soup, absorbing the broth and flavors perfectly. Just make sure to simmer gently and check it for tenderness.

Can I prepare this recipe without a Dutch oven?

Definitely! A large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep saucepan works just as well. The key is to have enough room to sauté the vegetables and simmer the soup without overcrowding the pot.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Fall Wild Rice Soup Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again—each bowl filled with cozy, wholesome goodness that warms both heart and soul. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season, needing only simple ingredients to create something truly special in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become a beloved staple in your home during those crisp autumn days and beyond.