Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, comforting bowl of soup that feels like a big hug in a bowl. That’s exactly what you get with this Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice—all cooked in a flash thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again for cozy nights or easy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and that perfect creamy texture. I always recommend picking good quality broth and fresh mushrooms for maximum depth. Wild rice might look intimidating in the store, but it cooks beautifully under pressure!

• Butter: Both for sautéing and enriching the soup; butter adds that silky richness you’ll love.
• Onion: Adds a sweet foundation; half an onion is just right to balance the other flavors.
• Fresh mushrooms: Thinly sliced for deep umami flavor; cremini or baby bella work great.
• Wild rice: The star grain, giving the soup a chewy texture and nutty bite that’s so satisfying.
• Vegetable or chicken broth: This is your soup base—good broth equals good soup!
• Salt: Enhances all those cozy flavors just right.
• Rubbed sage: Adds warmth and earthiness—just a little goes a long way.
• Dried thyme: Brightens and balances the richness beautifully.
• Garlic: Minced for a subtle punch that melds perfectly with mushrooms.
• Carrots: Chopped for a touch of natural sweetness and color.
• Celery (optional): Gives a gentle aromatic note; I always add it for that classic soup depth.
• Flour: For thickening if you go the butter-flour-milk route to creamy goodness.
• Milk (2%): Or heavy cream if you prefer a richer, more indulgent soup.
• Umami mushroom seasoning: Enhances the mushroom flavor even more—trust me on this one!
• Sherry: Just a splash adds an unexpected layer of magic —don’t skip it.

Variations

I love tweaking this Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe depending on season and mood. It’s so versatile—you can make it lighter, richer, or even add your favorite veggies to make it your own.

• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the heavy cream or milk for coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture without dairy.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked shredded chicken or browned sausage for an even heartier soup my family adores.
• Veggie-Forward: Throw in some kale or spinach at the end for extra nutrients and color.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth if you like a little kick.

How to Make Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base

Start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté function and melting 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in your chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, stirring often until everything is softened and fragrant. This step really builds the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it! You’ll notice the mushrooms releasing their lovely juices, which is exactly what you want.

Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice and Broth

Next, stir in your uncooked wild rice along with the broth, salt, sage, thyme, and any other seasonings you’re using. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. When the timer goes off, do a natural release or quick-release as per your pot’s instructions. This cooks the otherwise stubborn wild rice perfectly tender without hours of waiting.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Garlic

After releasing the steam, add your chopped carrots, minced garlic, and celery if you like. Seal the lid back on and cook on high pressure for another 10 minutes. This step keeps the veggies tender but not mushy—a balance that makes all the difference.

Step 4: Make It Creamy Your Way

Here’s where you personalize things. Option A is super easy: just stir in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream along with a splash of sherry (don’t skip that—it elevates the whole soup). Option B is my go-to when I want a lighter creaminess: I melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a separate saucepan, whisk in 1/2 cup flour and cook it a minute or two to get rid of the raw flour taste, then slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk to make a smooth sauce. Mix this into your soup pot and thin with more broth if needed.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give your soup a final stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt or herbs if needed. Now, that creamy, earthy, rich bowl of wild rice soup is ready to dive into!

How to Serve Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my wild rice soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few crumbled crispy bacon bits adds some satisfying indulgence, too. Sometimes I scoop a dollop of sour cream on top for a tangy contrast—yum!

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the richness. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a roasted veggie platter or a cheese board—the combo is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the soup in rustic bread bowls—makes the meal feel extra cozy and festive. You can also garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a beautiful touch. If you’re hosting a casual lunch, ladling into mason jars lets guests grab-and-go with style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover wild rice soup in airtight containers in the fridge—it keeps great for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, which means your second bowl might taste even better than the first!

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—and I’ve frozen large batches before to make weeknight dinners foolproof. Just make sure to cool it completely before packing into freezer-safe containers or bags. When thawed, the texture remains creamy and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring every so often to keep the texture smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up without losing that creamy comfort.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to comfort foods. It’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and embraces the kind of cozy warmth I look for on chilly evenings. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping ahead, or just craving something hearty and nourishing, this soup delivers in all the right ways. Give it a try—I’m pretty sure you and yours will end up loving it as much as mine do!

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