Creamy Reuben Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

There’s something magical about turning a beloved sandwich into a warm, cozy bowl of soup. Creamy Reuben Soup takes all the flavors we love from the iconic Reuben—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread—and transforms them into a hearty, spoonable comfort dish. It’s creamy, tangy, savory, and absolutely perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you’re craving that deli-style nostalgia in a bowl.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups cooked corned beef, diced (leftovers are perfect!)
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
• 1 ½ cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for rye bread flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Rye bread croutons (for topping)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics. In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
2. Build the base. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Add broth. Slowly whisk in beef broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the star ingredients. Stir in diced corned beef and sauerkraut. Let simmer for 15 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
5. Make it creamy. Reduce heat to low and stir in half-and-half. Cook gently (don’t boil) until warmed through and slightly thickened.
6. Melt the cheese. Add shredded Swiss cheese a handful at a time, stirring until smooth and creamy.
7. Season and serve. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds if using. Serve hot with rye croutons on top.

Tip: Add the cream and cheese on low heat to avoid curdling.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Corned beef shortcut: Use deli-sliced corned beef if you don’t have leftovers.
• Thickness: For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5–10 minutes before adding cream.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop—avoid boiling.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey Reuben Soup: Swap corned beef for cooked turkey breast and use a lighter broth.
• Extra Tangy: Stir in 1–2 Tbsp of Thousand Island dressing for a punch of sweet-tangy flavor.
• Lighter Creaminess: Use whole milk instead of half-and-half and add a splash of Greek yogurt at the end for creaminess with fewer calories.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with homemade rye bread croutons for the ultimate deli vibe.
• Pair with a simple green salad for balance.
• Serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for double comfort.

Conclusion

This Creamy Reuben Soup is comfort food at its finest—rich, cozy, and brimming with nostalgia. Whether you’re gathering the family around the table or simply enjoying a quiet bowl on a chilly night, every spoonful delivers that perfect mix of tangy sauerkraut, savory beef, and creamy cheese. Warm up a pot today, share generously, and savor the cozy joy of this hearty twist on a classic.