This Is The Only Thing You Should Make

This Is The Only Thing You Should Make With Your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey: Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Before we get into this cozy bowl of magic, let me just say—thank you for being here, and for trusting me with your precious post-holiday leftovers! I know the fridge is full, the kitchen’s a little chaotic, and the last thing you want to do is fuss over a complicated recipe. But hear me out: this creamy turkey and wild rice soup is the one. The only. The can’t-believe-I-was-about-to-make-a-sandwich-again recipe you’ll be dreaming about well past December.

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What Is Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup?

This soup is the ultimate way to transform leftover turkey into something fresh, nourishing, and totally satisfying. It combines tender shredded turkey, nutty wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and a lusciously creamy broth that feels like a warm hug. It’s everything you love about chicken and wild rice soup—but richer, deeper, and made with that Thanksgiving magic.

Reasons to Love This Leftover Turkey Soup

• One pot, easy cleanup: Everything simmers in one pot—yes, even the rice!

• Flavor-packed: Earthy herbs, rich broth, and savory turkey in every bite.

• Make-ahead magic: Gets better as it sits (hellooo, next-day lunches).

• Hearty and healthy-ish: Comfort food that still feels nourishing.

• Freezer-friendly: Save some for a rainy (or snowy!) day.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine a creamy broth infused with thyme and garlic, mingling with chewy wild rice, sweet carrots, and savory roasted turkey. The rice soaks up the flavor, the vegetables soften into the broth, and the whole thing becomes a silky, spoonable meal that tastes like Thanksgiving—but cozier. You won’t miss the stuffing, I promise.

Benefits of Making This Recipe After the Holidays

• Uses up leftover turkey in a totally new, crave-worthy way.

• Gives your digestive system a break from heavier casseroles and gravy-laden plates.

• Easy to scale for a small bowl or big batch.

• Great for sharing—drop off a jar to a neighbor or friend!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 6 cups chicken or turkey broth (preferably low-sodium)

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend

• 2–3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped

• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

• Optional: ½ cup chopped mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies

Tools You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cutting board and knife

• Ladle

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• No wild rice? Use brown rice or white rice, but reduce cook time accordingly.

• Dairy-free? Use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream.

• No fresh turkey? Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.

• Herb swap: Try rosemary or sage if you have leftover holiday herbs.

• Boost it up: Add cooked bacon or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

How to Make Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, about 6–7 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and parsley. Stir until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Rice
Pour in your broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked wild rice. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Step 3: Add Turkey and Cream
Stir in your cooked turkey. In a separate small bowl, whisk the flour with the cream until smooth (this prevents clumping). Pour it into the soup and stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, uncovered, until the soup is thick and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve and Savor
Ladle into big cozy bowls, top with fresh parsley if you’d like, and dig in!

What to Serve With This Soup

• Crusty bread or sourdough for dunking

• Garlic toast or herb focaccia

• Simple salad with cranberries and walnuts

• Leftover rolls from Thanksgiving dinner!

Tips for the Best Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

• Don’t rush the rice—wild rice takes longer but adds so much texture.

• Thick or brothy? Add extra broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.

• Want a richer soup? Use heavy cream or even a splash of leftover gravy!

• Freezer tip: Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days. The flavors only get better.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat gently.

• Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

General Info About Wild Rice

Wild rice is one of those ingredients that quietly brings something special to the table—earthy, nutty, and beautifully chewy, it’s not just a rice substitute; it’s a flavor and texture enhancer in its own right. Despite its name, wild rice isn’t actually rice at all—it’s the seed of an aquatic grass native to North America, especially abundant in the Great Lakes region and traditionally harvested by Indigenous peoples like the Ojibwe.

A Native American Staple

Wild rice, or manoomin in Ojibwe, has been a sacred and sustainable staple for centuries. Hand-harvested wild rice is still collected today using traditional methods—canoeing through lakes and gently knocking the grains into the boat with cedar sticks. This practice not only preserves cultural heritage but also yields the most nutrient-dense, flavorful form of wild rice you can find.

Taste and Texture

What sets wild rice apart is its distinct nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture. Unlike white rice, which softens and soaks up liquid, wild rice maintains a slight firmness, adding hearty bite and visual appeal to dishes. It holds up beautifully in soups, salads, and casseroles—perfect for adding contrast and depth.

Nutrition Highlights

Wild rice is a nutritional powerhouse—here’s why it’s so good for you:

• High in protein (higher than most grains)

• Rich in fiber

• Contains important antioxidants

• A good source of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins

• Naturally gluten-free

It’s a smart and satisfying ingredient, especially when you want to turn a cozy soup or pilaf into something a little more substantial and wholesome.

Cooking Wild Rice

Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice—usually 45–60 minutes—but it’s worth the wait. For faster prep, you can:

• Use pre-cooked wild rice or quick-cook blends

• Cook a large batch and freeze extras for easy meals

Wild rice brings rustic texture, nutty depth, and cultural richness to your cooking. Whether it’s featured in a creamy turkey soup or tossed in a fall salad with cranberries and pecans, it adds a delicious and nutritious twist that never goes unnoticed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to about 20–25 minutes and keep an eye on the texture.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Skip the flour and thicken with a cornstarch slurry or leave it brothy—it’s still delicious!

Is it okay to use frozen turkey?
Absolutely—just thaw it fully before adding to the soup.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6–7 hours (add the cream in the last 30 minutes).

Conclusion

This creamy turkey and wild rice soup truly is the recipe you need after Thanksgiving. It’s soul-warming, deeply flavorful, and turns leftovers into something completely new—and dare I say, even better than the main event. It’s become a post-holiday tradition in our house, and I hope it finds a place at your table too.

Still got turkey? Try these too:

• Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Poppy Seed Glaze

• Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

• Thanksgiving Leftovers Shepherd’s Pie

Share Your Cozy Creations!

If you make this soup, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Pinterest or leave a review below. Let’s inspire each other to make the most of every last bite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: ~390

• Protein: 26g

• Carbs: 30g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

This Is The Only Thing You Should Make

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into this soul-warming, creamy turkey and wild rice soup—cozy, hearty, and ready in one pot!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 cups chicken or turkey broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
• 2–3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped mushrooms or spinach

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, about 6–7 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and parsley. Stir until fragrant.
2. Pour in your broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked wild rice. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until rice is tender.
3. Stir in your cooked turkey. In a separate small bowl, whisk the flour with the cream until smooth. Pour it into the soup and stir to combine.
4. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, uncovered, until the soup is thick and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
5. Ladle into bowls, top with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

Let the soup sit to thicken slightly before serving. Add extra broth when reheating. Great for freezing—just cool fully before storing!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: leftover turkey soup, wild rice soup, creamy soup, thanksgiving leftovers, turkey recipes