Crock-Pot Wild Rice Soup
A hearty and comforting wild rice soup with smoky bacon, sautéed red onions, mushrooms, and creamy potato base. Perfect for chilly days, this slow-cooker dish combines savory flavors and a rich texture, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until browned and crispy, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the diced red onions until translucent.
- Drain the mushrooms.
- Add the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, mushrooms, cream of potato soup, half and half, water, and cooked wild rice into the crock-pot.
- Mix well and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or thyme along with the onions. If you don't have wild rice, you can substitute with brown rice or quinoa, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. This soup can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light appetizer like Hot Florentine Dip or can be accompanied by a simple green salad. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Wild Rice Soup contains roughly 358 calories, with 16g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (51% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 900mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of the water. You can also enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to make it just as delicious without the meat.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, adding a little liquid if needed.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is quite filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For an elevated meal, consider serving alongside Egg Bake(Prepare Night Before) for a hearty brunch or a light dinner option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).