Creamy Reuben Soup takes all the bold, comforting flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich and turns them into a hearty, spoonable dish. With corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy base, this recipe transforms a deli favorite into a cozy meal perfect for chilly nights.
How to Make: Ingredients list, Step-by-step directions
Simple Ingredients for Creamy Reuben Soup
For 6 servings, you’ll need:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- ½ lb corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Rye bread croutons, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions Made Easy
- Sauté base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes until softened.
- Make roux: Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes to remove raw taste.
- Add liquid: Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cream: Reduce heat, stir in cream.
- Flavor it: Add corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing. Stir until cheese melts.
- Season: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Finish: Simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with rye croutons and parsley.
What is Creamy Reuben Soup?
Creamy Reuben Soup is a deconstructed version of the Reuben sandwich. Instead of layers of bread, meat, cheese, and sauerkraut, those same ingredients are simmered into a rich, savory soup.
The result is warm, cheesy, and tangy, with all the comfort of the sandwich in a bowl. Rye croutons mimic the bread, while Russian dressing adds that iconic Reuben zing. This soup is perfect as a main course or starter and works for weeknight dinners, winter gatherings, or holiday menus.
Why You’ll Love This
Here’s why this soup will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Classic flavors, new form: Everything you love about a Reuben in spoonable form.
- Creamy & comforting: Perfect for cozy nights or cold weather.
- Customizable: Lighten it up with half-and-half or spice it up with cayenne.
- Hearty enough for dinner: Serve with salad or bread for a complete meal.
- Nostalgic yet novel: A fun twist on a deli classic.
What to Serve With Creamy Reuben Soup
Perfect Pairings
- Green salads: A fresh side like cucumber salad balances the richness.
- Vegetable sides: Try Honey Glazed Carrots with Almonds for color and sweetness.
- Bread: Serve with sourdough bread recipes or simple rye toast.
Beverage Ideas
- Crisp beer: Pilsner or lager cuts through the creaminess.
- White wine: Riesling or Gewürztraminer pairs with sauerkraut tang.
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon keeps it light.
Nutrient Benefits and Storage Tips for Creamy Reuben Soup
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving is about 350 calories, offering:
- Protein: From corned beef and cheese for muscle health.
- Calcium: From Swiss cheese for strong bones.
- Probiotics: From sauerkraut for gut health.
Tip: Use low-sodium broth and homemade sauerkraut to manage sodium.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
- Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months, though texture may change slightly due to dairy.
- Make-ahead: Soup base can be made a day early; add cheese and dressing when reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Reuben Soup ahead of time?
Yes. Store in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but texture may change. Thaw in fridge and stir well while reheating.
What can I use instead of corned beef?
Cooked turkey, chicken, or pastrami all work.
How do I lighten the soup?
Use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of cream.
Conclusion
Creamy Reuben Soup is proof that classics can be reinvented in the most delicious ways. With its tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, creamy base, and cheesy finish, it’s the ultimate comfort food for Reuben fans. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner or served at gatherings, this soup turns a sandwich favorite into a bowl of pure comfort.
Print
Creamy Reuben Soup – A Delicious Twist on a Classic
All the bold, tangy, and cheesy flavors of a Reuben sandwich turned into a creamy, hearty soup perfect for chilly nights.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ lb corned beef, chopped
1 cup sauerkraut, drained
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
¼ cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Salt and pepper to taste
Rye bread croutons, for garnish
Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Melt butter in pot, sauté onion and garlic 5 minutes.
2. Stir in flour, cook 2 minutes.
3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, simmer.
4. Stir in cream.
5. Add corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing. Mix until cheese melts.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Simmer 10 minutes.
8. Serve hot with rye croutons and parsley.
Notes
Use half-and-half for lighter soup.
Swap corned beef with pastrami, turkey, or chicken.
Make base a day ahead, add cheese when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
