Wild Rice Ham And Cheese Soup
A hearty and creamy soup combining wild rice, ham, cheese, and vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Saute minced onion until translucent.
- Blend in flour, then gradually add chicken broth while stirring until thickened.
- Stir in cooked wild rice and salt; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add sherry, half and half, grated carrots, chopped ham, and grated cheese.
- Heat until cheese melts and soup is heated through, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like thyme or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you don’t have sherry on hand, white wine or even a splash of apple cider vinegar can work as substitutes. To make the soup a bit heartier, feel free to toss in some frozen peas or corn. This soup is also great for using up leftover holiday ham.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Nanny's Chicken Casserole for a comforting dinner. Consider garnishing each bowl with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for an added pop of flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice Ham And Cheese Soup contains roughly 1330 calories, with 38g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (305% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and protein (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2632mg per serving (114% 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 use a different type of rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can substitute wild rice with brown rice or even white rice, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. If using white rice, add it directly to the soup and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it cooks faster than wild rice.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Can I freeze the soup for later use?
Yes, this soup can be frozen, but it's best to do so without the cheese added. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, then add cheese just before serving.
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).