Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Creamy Soup Recipe – A Warm Hug in a Bowl

There’s something comforting about a pot of soup bubbling away on the stove, filling the kitchen with fragrant aromas that invite everyone to gather ’round. Just the sound of the gentle simmering brings back memories of family dinners on chilly evenings, where laughter and stories flowed freely alongside hearty food. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that perfectly captures that cozy feeling: Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Creamy Soup.

Made with tender morsels of turkey, earthy wild rice, and a blend of fresh veggies bathed in a creamy broth, this soup is truly a celebration of warmth and comfort. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights.
• Comforting homemade flavor that warms the soul.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
• Always a crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Creamy Soup, you’ll need:

• 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded
  Leftover roast, grilled turkey, or even turkey breast works great here!
• 1 cup wild rice (cooked or uncooked)
  Wild rice adds a nutty flavor that complements the turkey beautifully.
• 3 carrots, diced
  Sweetness from the carrots brightens every spoonful.
• 2 celery stalks, diced
  Celery brings that lovely crunch and depth.
• 1 small onion, chopped
  Onions bring a comforting aromatic base to the soup.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 6 cups chicken broth
  Use low-sodium broth for better control over the seasoning.
• 1 cup heavy cream
  This is what makes the soup rich and luxurious.
• 2 tbsp butter
  Always a good choice; it makes everything better!
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  This adds a nice touch of herby goodness to the soup.

How to Make It

Now, let’s make this heartwarming soup together!

1. Start by placing your shredded turkey, wild rice, diced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic right into your trusty crockpot. Just picture the vibrant colors coming together; it’s a feast for the eyes before it even hits the table!

2. Pour in the chicken broth, letting it envelop the ingredients like a warm blanket. Then, add the butter, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until everything is well mixed. You’ll hear that soft splash, and it’s just right!

3. Set your crockpot to LOW and let it work its magic for about 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, switch it to HIGH and let it go for around 3 to 4 hours. While it cooks, the rich aroma will draw everyone in — trust me!

4. When the rice and veggies are tender, add the heavy cream for those last 10 to 15 minutes. Stir gently and watch as the soup thickens to a luscious, creamy delight.

5. Taste, and don’t be shy to adjust the seasoning. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs or next to some crusty bread, and watch smiles spread around the table!

Kitchen Tips

• Time-Saving Trick: If you already have cooked wild rice, it can save you a whole step! Just toss it in when you add the broth.
• Common Mistake Fix: If you find your soup a bit too thick, stir in a little extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Creative Variation: Feel free to add in some frozen peas or corn for pops of color and sweetness — or some spinach or kale for a healthier twist!

Serving Ideas

This Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Creamy Soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, relaxed Sunday brunches, or special holiday meals. Serve it in deep bowls topped with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for that extra touch. And don’t forget a side of crusty bread or buttery rolls for dipping — nothing beats the combination!

Storing & Leftovers

• Storing: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Reheat: To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly without losing its creamy texture.
• Fun Leftover Idea: Use the soup as a base for a turkey pot pie, transferring it into a baking dish and topping it with pastry or biscuits for a comforting twist!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! It’s very forgiving; feel free to use what you have on hand, like different vegetables or grains.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the crockpot is always best, while it’s still warm and aromatic.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for tender veggies and that delicious, fragrant smell wafting through your kitchen — that’s your sign!

Final Thoughts

Every spoonful of this Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Creamy Soup is like a warm hug, reminding me of cherished family moments and the comfort of home. I hope it brings the same joy and comfort to your table. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — tweak the ingredients, experiment with flavors, and create your own cozy memories. Try this recipe out, and make it a part of your home as the lovely Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Creamy Soup fills your kitchen with warmth and love!

Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Creamy Soup

This creamy soup made with leftover turkey and wild rice is a comforting dish perfect for busy nights and gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded Leftover roast, grilled turkey, or even turkey breast works great here!
• 1 cup wild rice (cooked or uncooked) Wild rice adds a nutty flavor that complements the turkey beautifully.
• 3 carrots, diced Sweetness from the carrots brightens every spoonful.
• 2 celery stalks, diced Celery brings that lovely crunch and depth.
• 1 small onion, chopped Onions bring a comforting aromatic base to the soup.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 6 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium broth for better control over the seasoning.
• 1 cup heavy cream This is what makes the soup rich and luxurious.
• 2 tbsp butter Always a good choice; it makes everything better!
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning This adds a nice touch of herby goodness to the soup.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by placing your shredded turkey, wild rice, diced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic right into your trusty crockpot.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, adding the butter, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently until everything is well mixed.
3. Set your crockpot to LOW and let it cook for about 6 to 7 hours or switch it to HIGH for around 3 to 4 hours.
4. When the rice and veggies are tender, add the heavy cream for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Taste, and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving.

Notes

Add frozen peas or corn for pops of color or spinach or kale for a healthier twist. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.