Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup | Cozy & Hearty Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm bowl of soup after the holiday feast. This Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is the perfect way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a hearty, flavorful meal the whole family will love. With tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and a creamy, herb-infused broth, this recipe feels like a hug in a bowl—nourishing, satisfying, and so easy to make.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend, rinsed
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the veggies – In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Season and simmer – Add thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and stir in the rinsed wild rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 40 minutes, or until rice is tender.
3. Add turkey – Stir in the shredded turkey and let it warm through for 5–10 minutes.
4. Make it creamy – If you like a thicker soup, whisk flour into the cream before adding it to the pot. Slowly stir in the cream mixture and let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
5. Serve & garnish – Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Rice cooking time – Wild rice blends can take 35–50 minutes to fully cook. If you prefer a quicker option, use pre-cooked rice and reduce simmering time.
• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens.
• Freezer-friendly – This soup freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Spice control – For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering.

Recipe Variations

• Protein Swap – Use leftover chicken, turkey ham, or even beef ham instead of turkey.
• Dairy-Light – Substitute the heavy cream with evaporated milk or a dairy-free option like coconut milk.
• Vegetable Boost – Stir in spinach, kale, or mushrooms during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this soup with buttery dinner rolls, a side of simple green salad, or homemade cornbread for a complete, cozy meal.
• Garnish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for extra comfort.

Conclusion

This Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition that turns Thanksgiving extras into something special and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying it solo on a quiet afternoon or sharing it with family around the table, every spoonful is hearty, nourishing, and filled with flavor.