Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

This cheesy wild rice soup lands somewhere between a loaded baked potato and a bubbling pot of queso dip. It starts with a smart shortcut: a box of long grain and wild rice mix, cooked until just tender. To that, you stir in cream of potato soup, milk and a heap of cubed Velveeta. As it melts, the soup turns thick and velvety, clinging to the grains and pooling around every spoonful of rice like fondue.

But what really sells this soup is how fast it comes together. You don’t need to simmer stock for hours or juggle multiple pots. One pan, a few pantry staples, and 20 minutes later, you’re ladling out creamy, molten bowls finished with crispy bacon, chives if you’ve got them, and maybe a handful of oyster crackers for crunch. It’s hearty without being heavy, indulgent without much effort, and exactly the thing to make when you want a homemade meal that doesn’t ask much of you—but gives a lot back.

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup Ingredients

• Fast-cooking long grain and wild rice mix
• 2% milk
• Condensed cream of potato soup
• Velveeta
• Cooked, crumbled bacon
• Optional: Minced chives and oyster crackers

Directions

Step 1: Cook the rice

In a large saucepan, prepare the rice according to the package directions.

Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients

Add the milk, soup and cheese, then cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Garnish with bacon and, if desired, minced fresh chives and oyster crackers.

How to Store Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

Store any leftover cheesy wild rice soup in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave individual portions, stopping to stir every 30 to 45 seconds until it’s heated through.

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup Tips

How can I make cheesy wild rice soup vegetarian?

To make cheesy wild rice soup vegetarian, omit the bacon and, if you like, add extra flavor by substituting vegetable broth for the water typically used to cook rice. A few sauteed mushrooms or a little smoked paprika can add back some of the savory depth from the omitted bacon.

What’s the best way to keep cheesy wild rice soup from getting too thick when reheating?

To keep cheesy wild rice soup from getting too thick when reheating, stir in a splash of milk or broth while warming it up. This loosens the texture and helps restore the creamy consistency.

What should I serve with cheesy wild rice soup?

Cheesy wild rice soup pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread or homemade biscuits. The crisp textures and fresh flavors contrast nicely with the richness of the soup.