What to Serve with Wild Rice Soup (8 Tasty Sides)

Wild rice soup is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of food pairings. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best food pairings to try with your wild rice soup.

From simple sides like roasted potatoes to more complex dishes like butternut squash, we have got you covered! So read on for some tasty ideas that will make your wild rice soup even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes to Pair with Wild Rice Soup

1. Garlic Butter Green Beans
2. Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Pecans
3. Cornbread
4. Mac and Cheese
5. Roasted Potatoes
6. Sautéed Asparagus
7. Green Salad with House Dressing
8. Homemade Rolls

Garlic Butter Green Beans

There are few things more comforting than a bowl of hearty soup on a cold winter day. However, sometimes soup can seem a bit too light, leaving you feeling hungry an hour later. One way to avoid this is to pair your soup with a tasty side dish.

Garlic butter green beans are the perfect complement to wild rice soup. The rich flavor of the garlic butter pairs perfectly with the earthy taste of the wild rice, and the green beans add a pop of color and texture.

This side dish is not only delicious, but it’s also quick and simple to prepare, so you may enjoy a wonderful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Quick Recipe: Garlic Butter Green Beans

• Ingredients: Green beans, garlic, butter, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Steam green beans until tender.
  2. Sauté garlic in butter.
  3. Toss green beans in garlic butter.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.

Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Pecans

One of my favorite fall recipes is butternut squash with cranberries and pecans. It is so simple to make and is the perfect side dish for wild rice soup.

First, you will need to roast the butternut squash. I like to cut it into cubes, toss it with olive oil and salt, and then roast it in a 400-degree oven for about 25 minutes. While the squash is roasting, you can start on the cranberry sauce.

I like to use fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and a little bit of cinnamon. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the cranberries are soft and the mixture has thickened. Once both the squash and cranberry sauce are done, you can start assembling your dish.

I like to put a scoop of squash on the bottom of a bowl and top it with a dollop of cranberry sauce and some chopped pecans. The combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors is delicious and is sure to please any thanksgiving guest.

Quick Recipe: Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Pecans

• Ingredients: Butternut squash, cranberries, pecans, olive oil, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Toss butternut squash, cranberries, and pecans in olive oil.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Roast for 35-40 minutes.

Cornbread

The hearty wild rice soup is packed with flavorful ingredients like chicken, celery, carrots, and of course, wild rice. But what makes this soup special is the cornbread.

Crumbled into the soup, the cornbread adds a touch of sweetness and a delicious crunch. Plus, it soaks up all the wonderful flavors of the soup, making it an essential part of the dish. So next time you are looking for a cozy meal to warm you up, be sure to give wild rice soup with cornbread a try. You would not be disappointed.

Quick Recipe: Cornbread

• Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, butter
• Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately.
  3. Combine and pour into a greased baking dish.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that can be paired with a variety of different main courses. In particular, it goes well with wild rice soup. The creamy texture of the cheese sauce contrasts nicely with the hearty texture of the soup, and the richness of the cheese complements the flavor of the wild rice.Additionally, the yellow color of the cheese creates visual contrast with the green of the soup, making for an attractive presentation. Whether you are looking for a classic pairing or something new to try, pairing mac and cheese with wild rice soup is a great option.

Quick Recipe: Mac and Cheese

• Ingredients: Macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Cook macaroni.
  2. Melt cheddar cheese with milk and butter in a separate pot.
  3. Combine with cooked macaroni.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.

Roasted Potatoes

Wild rice soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. One simple and delicious option is roasted potatoes. Potatoes can be roasted in the oven or on the stovetop, and they can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.

When roasted potatoes are served alongside wild rice soup, the two dishes complement each other perfectly. The creamy soup helps to balance out the crispy potatoes, and the rich flavors of the soup are enhanced by the subtle flavor of the potatoes.

Whether you are looking for a simple way to elevate your soup game or you are searching for the perfect pairing for wild rice soup, roasted potatoes are a great option.

Quick Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

• Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Toss potatoes in olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast for 35-40 minutes.

Sautéed Asparagus

Asparagus is a popular vegetable that can be cooked in many different ways. One simple and flavorful way to prepare asparagus is to sauté it. This method of cooking involves using a small amount of oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat.

Once the pan is hot, the asparagus spears are added and cooked for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp-tender.

This simple side dish goes well with many different meal options, such as wild rice soup. Paired with sautéed asparagus makes for a delicious and healthy meal option.

Quick Recipe: Sautéed Asparagus

• Ingredients: Asparagus, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté asparagus in olive oil.
  2. Add minced garlic.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Green Salad with House Dressing

A green salad is a salad made primarily of leafy green vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, or watercress. Green salads may also contain other edible greens, such as endives, arugula, kale, and radicchio.

The most common salad dressing for a green salad is vinaigrette. Other common dressings include ranch dressing, thousand island dressing, and caesar dressing.

When served as a side dish, it is typically served with wild rice soup as the two textures complement each other perfectly, making it a healthy and refreshing option for any meal.

Quick Recipe: Green Salad with House Dressing

• Ingredients: Mixed greens, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Mix olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey for the dressing.
  2. Toss mixed greens in the dressing.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Homemade Rolls

Homemade rolls are the perfect side dish to any soup, but they pair especially well with wild rice soup. The rich, nutty flavor of wild rice pairs perfectly with the fluffy, buttery rolls. The contrast in textures is also enjoyable, with the creamy soup providing a smooth counterpoint to the crispy crust and soft interior of the rolls.

This dish is also relatively simple to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight meal. First, prepare the soup according to your recipe or favorite store-bought variety. While the soup is simmering, mix up a batch of homemade rolls. Once the rolls are out of the oven, ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and enjoy.

Quick Recipe: Homemade Rolls

• Ingredients: Yeast, warm water, sugar, flour, butter, salt, egg
• Average Cook Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
• Instructions:
  1. Activate yeast in warm water and sugar.
  2. Mix with flour, melted butter, salt, and egg.
  3. Let dough rise for 1 hour.
  4. Form into rolls and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  5. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bread to serve with wild rice soup?

While many delicious types of bread would pair well with wild rice soup, we recommend a simple and hearty loaf of sourdough bread. Slice it thickly and serve it warm, grilled, or untoasted.

Can I add protein to my wild rice soup?

Yes! Wild rice soup is often served with chicken or turkey, but you could also try adding shrimp, salmon, or tofu. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

I am vegan/vegetarian – what can I eat with wild rice soup?

There are plenty of delicious vegan and vegetarian sides that go well with wild rice soup! Try roasted vegetables, a green salad, cornbread, or vegan mac and cheese.

What are some creative ways to dress up my wild rice soup?

If you are looking for something a little different, try adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You could also top your soup with crispy bacon or crumbled goat cheese. Get creative and have fun experimenting!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this blog post exploring what to serve with wild rice soup. Be sure to try out some of our suggested food pairings and let us know what you think! And if you have any other ideas, we would love to hear them. So leave a comment below!