Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup: 2 Easy Ways to Savor It

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There’s something magical about a bowl of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup simmering away while the leaves change outside. 🍂 If you’ve been craving a meal that feels like a warm sweater—without demanding hours in the kitchen—this one’s for you. It’s hearty, veggie-packed, and just creamy enough to feel indulgent, yet still wholesome and weeknight-friendly.

This is the kind of soup that saves you on busy days. You know the ones—when dinner sneaks up on you and everyone’s hungry now. Whether you make it in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop, this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup delivers big comfort with minimal effort. And yes, your house will smell like a cozy hug.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Deep, cozy flavors without the fuss – Wild rice, mushrooms, and sweet potato make it filling and satisfying.
Flexible & forgiving – Vegan with coconut milk, or creamy with half-and-half. Both are delicious.
Meal-prep hero – This soup tastes even better the next day (hello, easy lunches).
Perfect for fall and winter – When you want comfort but still want to feel good after eating.

This recipe has become one of my go-tos when life feels like one long to-do list. It’s reliable, cozy, and doesn’t require hovering over the stove—my favorite kind of cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings this soup to life:

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup ingredients including wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, kale, and onions arranged on a light surface — Everything you need to make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup, from hearty wild rice to fresh fall vegetables.

Vegetable stock (or chicken stock if you prefer)
Uncooked wild rice – 100% wild rice gives the best hearty texture
Baby bella mushrooms, sliced
Garlic, minced (because soup without garlic is just… sad)
Carrots & celery, diced
Sweet potato, peeled and diced
White onion, diced
Bay leaf
Old Bay seasoning – adds a subtle, savory warmth
Unsweetened coconut milk (or see creamy alternatives below)
Kale, chopped (stems removed)
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Simple ingredients. Big payoff.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

You’ve got options here—Instant Pot or stovetop. Both are easy, and both deliver that cozy, creamy goodness.

Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Method

Combine the base ingredients
Add the vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning to your Instant Pot. Give it a quick stir.
Pressure cook
Cover and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 25 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release the rest. Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf.
Finish it off
Stir in the coconut milk and kale. The kale will soften beautifully in the hot soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper (and extra Old Bay if you like a little more kick).
Serve and enjoy
Ladle into bowls, grab a spoon, and enjoy that cozy moment you just created.

Stovetop Method

Sauté the veggies
Heat 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
Add the base ingredients
Pour in the vegetable stock, then add the wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, celery, sweet potato, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir to combine.
Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
Add the finishing touches
Stir in the coconut milk and kale. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf and serve warm.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and wild rice in a creamy broth — A warm bowl of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup filled with tender vegetables, wild rice, and a creamy, cozy broth.

Creamy Options (Because Choices Are Good)

If coconut milk isn’t your thing, no worries—I’ve got you.

Half-and-half option:
Swap the coconut milk for 1½ cups half-and-half for a classic creamy soup.
Homemade cream sauce:
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in ¼ cup flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 1½ cups milk until smooth. Let it thicken (just shy of simmering), then stir it into the soup once the rice is fully cooked.

Both options turn this into a seriously comforting bowl of goodness.

Cozy Cooking Tips (From My Kitchen to Yours)

Soup too thick? Add a splash of extra broth. Think of it as customizing your comfort level.
Wild rice takes time. If it’s still chewy, just let it simmer a bit longer—no stress.
Kale not your favorite? Spinach works great too and wilts even faster.
Season at the end. Wild rice absorbs flavor, so a final taste test makes all the difference.

A Little Personal Note

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup became a staple in my kitchen during one of those weeks where everything felt nonstop. I needed something nourishing, easy, and comforting—without adding more work to my plate. This soup showed up, did its job, and made dinner feel calm again. That’s the kind of recipe I love sharing with you.

FAQs About Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Can I use a wild rice blend instead of 100% wild rice?

Yes, but keep in mind cooking times can vary. Some blends cook faster, so start checking for tenderness earlier.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits—just add a bit of broth when reheating.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, when made with vegetable stock and coconut milk, it’s completely vegan and dairy-free.

A Cozy Ending (Because Every Good Soup Deserves One)

If fall had a flavor, it would taste a lot like Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup—warm, nourishing, and deeply comforting. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something soothing after a long day, this soup has your back. Pour yourself a bowl, slow down for a moment, and enjoy every cozy spoonful.

Keep the Cozy Cooking Going

If this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup warmed your heart, there are so many delicious ways to keep that comfort going. For a slightly different take on the same fall-inspired flavors, you might enjoy this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup from Gimme Some Oven—it’s always fun to see how one cozy idea can be made in different kitchens.

If you’re in the mood to stay right here and keep the soup pot simmering, these recipes pair beautifully with today’s bowl of comfort:

Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup for those days when you want the same cozy vibe with a little extra protein.
Vegan Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup if you love plant-based meals that still feel rich and satisfying.
Winter Minestrone Soup when you’re craving another hearty, veggie-packed bowl on a chilly night.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts to turn this soup into a full, comforting meal with a simple, flavorful side.

Think of this little list as your cozy cooking roadmap—perfect for those nights when one comforting recipe just isn’t enough.