Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

If you’re staring down a pile of post-holiday turkey and thinking, “What now?” then this Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is truly the answer to your cozy, comfort-food dreams! It’s a creamy, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying way to transform tender turkey and a handful of classic veggies into a soul-warming meal—plus, it’s a total breeze thanks to the slow cooker. This soup is so flavorful and easy, you’ll look forward to leftovers every single year!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is how it turns simple, humble ingredients into a rich and vibrant dish. Each component brings its own unique touch—color, texture, savory depth—making every bowl both beautiful and delicious.

• Cooked turkey (2–3 cups, chopped): A perfect way to revive your leftover turkey, adding protein and a hearty bite to every spoonful.
• Carrots (3 medium, diced): They’ll bring a gentle sweetness and a pop of color to your soup.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced): Essential for that classic soup flavor and crunch.
• White onion (1 small, diced): The secret to a rich and aromatic base.
• Low sodium chicken or turkey stock (6 cups): Use homemade or store-bought—either way, it’s your flavor backbone here.
• Turkey or chicken gravy packet (0.87 ounce): Trust me, this sneaky shortcut deepens the savory flavor and gives the soup extra body.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the overall savory profile.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic warmth in every bite.
• Poultry seasoning (1 teaspoon): The ultimate “Thanksgiving” seasoning for maximum comfort.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Be generous, but remember your stock might already be salted.
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Balances everything with mild heat.
• Long Grain & Wild Rice Rice-A-Roni (4.3 ounces, seasoning packet discarded): This brings a chewy, nutty texture—the wild rice makes it feel extra special!
• Heavy cream (¾ cup): Stirs in just before serving for luscious creaminess.
• Parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of green freshness to finish.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Add Everything but Rice and Cream

Start by adding your cooked turkey, carrots, celery, onion, chicken or turkey stock, gravy packet, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the basin of your slow cooker. Give it all a gentle stir to mix those flavors right from the beginning.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid and set your slow cooker on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. This hands-off cooking lets all the flavors meld together beautifully and gives time for the veggies to get tender without you lifting a finger.

Step 3: Add the Wild Rice

About one hour before your cook time is up, open the lid and stir in the wild rice (remember, discard the seasoning packet from the box). Pop the lid back on and continue cooking; the rice will swell and infuse the soup with nutty texture.

Step 4: Finish with Cream

Right before serving, stir in the heavy cream. This is when your Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup goes from comforting to absolutely indulgent—taste for salt and pepper one more time, adjusting as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and watch as your family falls in love with leftovers all over again!

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Garnishes

A little parsley on top is classic, but thinly sliced scallions, a dusting of cracked pepper, or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions can add color, freshness, and crunch. Even a swirl of extra cream will make each serving look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This soup shines with a side of crusty bread, flaky biscuits, or even a quick green salad for brightness. If you’re feeling nostalgic, try serving it with leftover rolls or cranberry sauce from your big meal!

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your soup into mugs for easy, cozy sipping or serve in bread bowls for an extra-savory experience. For a holiday brunch twist, pour it into small shot glasses and set out as a starter for guests to sip—Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is incredibly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining soup cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making every reheated bowl even tastier!

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Ladle cooled portions into resealable freezer bags or containers, lay flat if space is tight, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftover soup gently over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or water if it has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between, for easy desk lunches or quick comfort meals.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken (or even rotisserie chicken) works just as well in Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup—just swap in a chicken gravy packet if you have one on hand.

What can I use if I don’t have Rice-A-Roni?

If you can’t find Rice-A-Roni, regular wild rice or long grain rice are great substitutes. Just rinse the rice first and use about one cup—the rice adds that signature texture, regardless of the brand.

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the veggies in a large pot, then add the rest of the ingredients except the rice and cream. Simmer until the flavors meld and veggies soften, then add rice and cook until tender. Finish with cream just before serving.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

If you need a dairy-free version, simply skip the cream or substitute with a splash of coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy creamer. The soup will still be savory and satisfying!

Can I add extra vegetables or greens?

Certainly! Toss in leftover green beans, corn, spinach, or kale in the last 20 minutes of cooking. This is a flexible soup recipe, and extra veggies only make it better.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let that leftover holiday turkey go to waste—turn it into something you’ll actually crave with this irresistibly creamy, hearty Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup. It’s the coziest way to make the most of the season and bring everyone back to the table. Give it a try and let your slow cooker do the work!

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