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A perfectly roasted, golden-brown turkey garnished with fresh herbs and cranberries on a large serving platter, ready to be carved, highlighting a delicious Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe.

Hearty Thanksgiving Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

A comforting and robust soup featuring tender turkey, wild rice, and classic Thanksgiving flavors, perfect for a cozy holiday meal or to use up leftovers after the feast.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter melted
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion diced
  • 2 stalks Celery diced
  • 2 medium Carrots peeled and diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 8 cups Turkey or Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream
  • 1 tsp Dried Sage
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary crushed
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste
Main Components
  • 3 cups Cooked Turkey shredded or diced
  • 1 1/2 cups Cooked Wild Rice Blend (about 1/2 cup uncooked)
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare Ingredients
  1. If not already done, cook the wild rice blend according to package directions. Shred or dice the cooked turkey and set aside. Dice the onion, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic.
Build the Soup Base
  1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
  3. Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Once smooth, slowly whisk in the half-and-half or heavy cream. Add the dried sage, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer & Combine
  1. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become fully tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Stir in the cooked shredded turkey and the cooked wild rice blend. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the turkey and rice are heated through and the soup has reached your desired consistency.
Finish & Serve
  1. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade turkey broth made from a leftover turkey carcass. If using uncooked wild rice, factor in additional cooking time (usually 45-60 minutes) or cook it separately before adding to the soup. This soup freezes well; allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.