Name: Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice blend; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Nothing warms up a chilly day quite like a comforting bowl of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup. This hearty, creamy, and nourishing dish brings together earthy wild rice, sweet carrots, tender celery, and a medley of herbs for a soup that’s as filling as it is flavorful. With a velvety texture and a soul-hugging aroma, it embodies everything we love about fall.

Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner, this soup is satisfying enough to be served on its own but versatile enough to pair with your favorite crusty bread or fall-inspired salad. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a cozy meal to curl up with, this soup is your new cold-weather go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Naturally creamy with no heavy cream.
Hearty and filling thanks to wild rice and vegetables.
Meal prep friendly — it tastes even better the next day!
Easy to adapt for vegetarian or dairy-free needs.
One pot magic — less cleanup and more flavor.

What Kind of Wild Rice Should I Use?

Wild rice blends are great for this recipe as they provide a range of textures and a more budget-friendly option. However, if you want a nuttier and chewier experience, go for 100% wild rice. Just remember that true wild rice takes longer to cook, so allow for extra time or cook it separately and stir it in.

Ingredients for the Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Every ingredient in this soup has a comforting role to play, and nothing feels out of place. Here’s what makes it shine:

Wild Rice Blend – The star of the show. Adds nuttiness, texture, and makes the soup hearty.
Carrots – Bring subtle sweetness and beautiful color.
Celery – Offers a savory balance and a bit of crunch.
Onion & Garlic – The aromatic base that builds deep flavor.
Vegetable Broth – Creates the rich, cozy liquid base.
Olive Oil – Helps sauté the veggies and rounds out the flavor.
Thyme and Bay Leaf – Add earthiness and complexity.
All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the soup to a creamy consistency.
Milk – For a gentle, creamy finish (or use dairy-free alternatives).
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to pull everything together.

How To Make the Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Rice and Herbs

Stir in the wild rice blend, thyme, and bay leaf. Let the rice toast slightly in the pot for a minute to bring out its nutty aroma.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Base

In a small saucepan, melt a bit of butter or olive oil and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and creamy. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Pour the creamy mixture into the soup and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer another 5-10 minutes to marry the flavors.

How to Serve and Store This Soup

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup serves 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or a few comforting lunches throughout the week.

Serve it hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad for a complete meal. To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months — just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up.