The Ultimate Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Crafting a delightful reuben soup brings comfort and nostalgia right to your kitchen.

Layers of rich, tangy flavors dance together in this hearty bowl.

Corned beef adds a robust punch to the creamy base.

Swiss cheese melts seamlessly, creating a velvety texture that hugs each spoonful.

Sauerkraut introduces a zippy contrast, cutting through the soup’s luxurious depth.

Diced rye croutons provide a crisp, unexpected crunch that makes every bite interesting.

You’ll find this recipe transforms a classic sandwich into a warming, soul-satisfying meal that begs to be shared with those you love.

Flavor Boosters for Reuben Soup

• Vegetarian Reuben Soup: Replace corned beef with plant-based protein like seitan or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk cream, using dairy-free Swiss-style cheese to maintain the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and swap rye bread croutons with gluten-free bread cubes, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Choose low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and use less sauerkraut to control sodium content while preserving the classic Reuben flavor profile.

Pairings That Match Reuben Soup Well

• Reuben Sandwich Sidekick: Serve alongside a mini Reuben sandwich cut into bite-sized pieces for a delightful dipping experience.
• Crunch Corner: Top with extra crispy rye bread croutons, crushed deli-style potato chips, or toasted everything bagel chips for added texture.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Accompany the soup with a tangy coleslaw, dill pickles, and cold German potato salad to complement the rich, creamy flavors.
• Cheese Lover's Bonus: Sprinkle additional shredded Swiss or sharp cheddar on top, or add a dollop of melted cheese for extra indulgence.

Best Practices for Storing Reuben Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months, leaving some space for expansion to prevent container cracking.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup appears too thick.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this soup its Reuben sandwich flavor?

The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and caraway seeds captures the classic Reuben sandwich taste, creating a comforting soup version of the beloved deli sandwich.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to create the roux base and maintain the soup’s creamy texture.

• Is this soup considered a hearty meal?

Absolutely! The protein-rich corned beef, creamy base, and tangy sauerkraut make this soup substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, especially when topped with rye croutons.

Why Creamy Reuben Soup Wins Hearts

• Reinvent Classic Comfort: Transform the beloved Reuben sandwich into a heartwarming soup that brings familiar flavors together in a cozy bowl.
• Simplify Gourmet Cooking: Easily create a restaurant-worthy dish with basic ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that anyone can master.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up a satisfying meal that impresses family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust ingredients like reducing sauerkraut for less tanginess or swapping meats to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients You Need for Reuben Soup

• Corned Beef: A classic deli meat that provides rich, savory flavor and protein to the soup.
• Swiss Cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds classic Reuben sandwich character.
• Sauerkraut: Tangy fermented cabbage that brings authentic Reuben sandwich taste to the soup.

• Half-and-Half, Chicken Broth: Creamy dairy and flavorful broth create a smooth, rich soup foundation.
• Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing aromatics and adds depth of flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor base for the soup.
• Dijon Mustard, Caraway Seeds, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the Reuben sandwich-inspired flavor profile.
• Rye Bread Croutons, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnishes that add texture and fresh finish to the soup.

Making Creamy Reuben Soup Step by Step

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat a large pot and melt butter over medium warmth.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, dancing them around the pan until they become soft and release their tantalizing fragrance, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Silky Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir vigorously for one minute to build a smooth base.

Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking with purpose to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

Let the mixture bubble gently and thicken slightly.

Step 3: Introduce Creamy Companions

• Half-and-half
• Dijon mustard
• Caraway seeds

Allow these flavors to cuddle and mingle, simmering together for a few blissful minutes.

Step 4: Celebrate Reuben Classics

• Drained sauerkraut
• Chopped corned beef
• Shredded Swiss cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely, transforming the soup into a luxurious, creamy delight.

Season with salt and pepper to match your taste preferences.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Ladle the soup into waiting bowls.

Crown each serving with crispy rye bread croutons for that authentic Reuben experience.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Top Tips for Creamy Reuben Soup

• Select lean, tender corned beef from a reputable deli to ensure rich, authentic flavor in your soup.
• Shred Swiss cheese directly from a block and add gradually, stirring constantly to create smooth, even melting without lumps.
• Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer to reduce if too thin, maintaining perfect creamy texture.
• Rinse sauerkraut lightly before adding to reduce excessive sourness while preserving its signature zesty profile.
• Toast rye bread cubes with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of caraway seeds for extra crunch and complementary flavor.

Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Reuben Soup delivers classic deli sandwich flavors in a comforting bowl of goodness. Melted swiss, tender corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut blend seamlessly, promising warmth and satisfaction you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked corned beef (chopped)
• 1 cup sauerkraut (drained)
• 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half

Aromatic and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Rye bread croutons
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and melt butter over medium heat, introducing finely diced onions and crushed garlic. Sauté for approximately 4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
2. Sprinkle flour into the softened vegetables, stirring continuously for one minute to create a smooth roux. Gradually incorporate chicken broth, whisking meticulously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Reduce heat and blend half-and-half, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds into the simmering liquid. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize.
4. Introduce drained sauerkraut and chopped corned beef into the creamy base. Gradually fold in shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until completely melted and thoroughly integrated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to allow ingredients to meld together completely.
6. Carefully ladle the soup into serving bowls, topping with crispy rye bread croutons. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose a sturdy pot with thick bottom to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution during roux preparation.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid excess liquid making soup watery, gently pressing out moisture with paper towels.
• Slice corned beef against grain into thin pieces for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that blends seamlessly with creamy soup.
• Consider low-sodium broth option if watching salt intake, allowing more control over final seasoning without compromising flavor depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 283 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 712 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg