There’s something truly special about a Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe that wraps you up in warmth with every spoonful. This hearty yet comforting soup is packed with wholesome veggies, tender wild rice, and a velvety hint of coconut milk, making it the perfect companion for chilly days. Whether you’re craving a nourishing lunch or a soul-soothing dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for embracing those crisp autumn vibes.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Loaded with nutritious ingredients: Each bowl is bursting with colorful veggies, wild rice, and kale, giving you a nourishing boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Comfort food made healthy: This soup strikes the perfect balance between indulgent creaminess and wholesome goodness without being heavy.
Versatile and easy to make: Whether you use an Instant Pot or stovetop, the recipe is straightforward with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers: It heats up beautifully, making it a practical and delicious choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

The image shows a creamy soup in a white pot with a gray rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has at least four visible layers: the base is a thick light brown creamy broth with small black pepper specks scattered throughout; floating within the broth are soft orange carrot slices and chunk pieces with smooth texture; dark brown sliced mushrooms with curved edges are spread evenly; and bright green leafy vegetables add color contrast, some leaves whole and others chopped. Black wild rice grains mix with the ingredients, adding thin, elongated dark shapes scattered around. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup, hearty wild rice soup, healthy autumn soup, vegan wild rice soup, comforting fall soup

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe comes together with just a handful of humble ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the earthy mushrooms that add savory depth, to the sweet potato’s natural sweetness providing a creamy texture, and the kale’s fresh, bright contrast.

Flat lay of wild rice grains, sliced baby bella mushrooms, minced garlic cloves, diced orange sweet potato cubes, diced carrots, diced celery sticks, chopped green kale leaves, a small white onion whole, and a fresh bay leaf, all beautifully arranged with warm natural light highlighting the colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup, hearty wild rice soup, healthy autumn soup, vegan wild rice soup, comforting fall soup

Wild rice: A nutty and chewy grain that’s the heart of the soup; 100% wild rice is ideal for authentic flavor and texture.
Vegetable or chicken stock: Forms the flavorful broth base; choose low-sodium options to control saltiness.
Baby bella mushrooms: Add richness and a satisfying bite; can be swapped for cremini or button mushrooms.
Sweet potato: Brings subtle sweetness and body, balancing the savory elements beautifully.
Kale: Adds a nutritious green pop and hearty texture; stem removal ensures tender bites.
Old Bay seasoning: Provides a unique, warming blend of spices enhancing the soup’s depth.
Unsweetened coconut milk: The secret to a creamy, luscious finish; can be replaced by half and half or a homemade cream sauce.
Garlic, onion, carrots, and celery: Classic aromatics that build layers of flavor from the start.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Base

Begin by washing and dicing all your fresh veggies: carrots, celery, onion, sweet potato, and slicing those mushrooms. Mince the garlic for that fragrant kick. Gather your vegetable stock, wild rice, Old Bay seasoning, and bay leaf. Everything is ready to go for a flavorful, comforting start.

Step 2: Cook the Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

If you’re using an Instant Pot, combine all base ingredients—stock, wild rice, veggies, mushrooms, garlic, and seasonings—in the pot. Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before finishing with a quick release. For stovetop lovers, sauté onions and garlic first for an extra flavor layer, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer covered until the rice is tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 3: Add Creaminess and Greens

Once the wild rice and veggies are perfectly tender, stir in the coconut milk and kale. The kale will wilt gently into the hot broth, while the coconut milk transforms the soup into a silky, creamy masterpiece. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Old Bay if you like it bolder.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it warm to enjoy that ultimate cozy feeling. Each spoonful offers a perfect blend of hearty textures and comforting aromas—a real hug in a bowl.

How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup showing three main layers: bright orange cubes of carrots and sweet potatoes, grayish-brown slices of mushrooms, and dark green spinach leaves spread throughout. The creamy broth is light beige and thick, with visible black pepper specks on top. Some long black wild rice grains float in the soup, adding a thin, dark texture. A shiny silver spoon rests inside the bowl, leaning on the edge, and the bowl sits on a light beige cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup, hearty wild rice soup, healthy autumn soup, vegan wild rice soup, comforting fall soup

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to add a fresh green pop and a mild herbal note. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can add an extra layer of richness and depth. Crushed red pepper flakes are perfect if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread for dipping or a simple side salad tossed with tangy vinaigrette. A warm grilled cheese sandwich is also a lovely companion, especially for a casual meal that comforts from start to finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soup in rustic mugs for a charming, approachable vibe perfect for chilly gatherings or solo comfort. Adding a swirl of cream or coconut milk on top along with a sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate the visual appeal. For a fun twist, serve alongside toasted wild rice crackers or spiced pumpkin seeds for delightful texture contrasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious—if not more! Just be sure to stir well before reheating as the wild rice may settle.

Freezing

You can freeze the Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe for up to 3 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—or gently defrost in the microwave before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. The kale might brighten up during reheating, keeping the soup fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of wild rice?

While you can substitute regular rice, wild rice adds a distinctive nutty flavor and chewy texture that’s central to this soup’s character. If you use white or brown rice, cooking times will differ, and the soup will have a different texture, but it will still be delicious.
Is this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Using vegetable stock and coconut milk makes this soup naturally vegan and vegetarian-friendly. For a non-vegan variant, chicken stock can be used for added depth, but the recipe is fantastic without it!
Can I make this soup without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! The stovetop method described in the recipe is a reliable alternative that yields wonderfully rich flavors and perfectly cooked rice and veggies.
What can I use instead of coconut milk?

If you prefer a less tropical creaminess, substitute coconut milk with half and half or prepare a simple cream sauce with butter, flour, and milk for a traditional dairy twist that still enriches the soup beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a little autumn magic into your kitchen, the Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is just the ticket. It’s nourishing, heartwarming, and so satisfying that it becomes an instant favorite. Cozy up with a big bowl—you deserve it!

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe