When the leaves start turning and sweater weather arrives, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a steaming bowl of homemade soup. If you’re searching for the best fall soup recipes to keep you warm this season, look no further than this Turkey & Wild Rice Soup from The Complete Soup Cookbook. Creamy, hearty, and full of seasonal flavor, it’s everything you want in a cozy autumn dinner idea.
Why Turkey & Wild Rice Soup Belongs in Your Fall Recipe Rotation
This recipe is the ultimate balance of cozy and hearty. The smoky crunch of bacon, the earthy bite of wild rice, and the richness of cream all come together in one satisfying bowl. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan:
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Great for using leftovers – Got extra turkey from a holiday roast or weekend dinner? This is the perfect way to repurpose it.
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Meal-prep friendly – Make a big pot on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week.
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Cozy and filling – The combo of rice and shredded turkey makes this soup hearty enough to be a full meal.
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Beautiful presentation – Garnish with crispy bacon and edible flowers, and it looks like it came straight from a restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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6 cups turkey stock
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3 scallions, sliced
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½ cup wild rice
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3 thyme sprigs, leaves removed and chopped
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2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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2 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
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2 carrots, chopped
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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6 tablespoons butter
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3 cups milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups cooked turkey meat, shredded
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Edible flowers, for garnish (optional but gorgeous!)
Step-by-Step Directions
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Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine turkey stock, scallions, wild rice, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 35 minutes, until the rice is tender.
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Crisp the bacon: While the rice simmers, cook bacon in a large saucepan until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Build flavor: Add carrots, onion, and garlic to the bacon fat and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and butter, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Make it creamy: Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in heavy cream.
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Combine everything: Add the cooked rice mixture and shredded turkey. Simmer for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls, top with reserved bacon and edible flowers, and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey & Wild Rice Soup
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Use homemade stock if you can. It adds incredible depth of flavor, but store-bought turkey or chicken stock works beautifully too.
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Don’t rush the roux. Cooking the butter and flour together helps eliminate any raw flour taste and makes the soup ultra-creamy.
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Try a rice blend. If you can’t find pure wild rice, a wild rice blend will still give you that nutty, hearty texture.
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Make it ahead. This soup keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge, and the flavors deepen as it sits.
Storage and Freezer Tips
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if it gets too thick.
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Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low for best texture.
What to Serve with Turkey & Wild Rice Soup
This hearty soup is filling on its own, but you can easily turn it into a full fall feast with:
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Crusty sourdough bread for dunking.
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A crisp green salad with apples, pecans, and goat cheese.
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Pumpkin or butternut squash biscuits for an extra autumnal touch.
- A glass of dry white wine or sparkling cider to balance the creaminess.
Celebrate Soup-tember with Comfort in a Bowl
As the leaves begin to change and the days grow cooler, let this Turkey & Wild Rice Soup be your cozy companion. It’s rich enough to warm you up on the coldest evenings, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.
You’ll find this recipe and so many more in our hand-picked cookbook collection—designed to bring warmth, comfort, and creativity into your kitchen. Browse the full collection here and discover your next favorite fall recipe.
This Soup-tember, let’s raise a spoon to cozy nights, full hearts, and bowls of soup that feel like home. 🍂