Homemade Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe: Cozy Classic Comfort

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful reuben soup that promises a hearty dining experience.

Layers of rich flavors blend seamlessly with classic deli-style ingredients.

Corned beef and sauerkraut dance together in a creamy broth that whispers memories of New York delicatessens.

Swiss cheese melts luxuriously, creating a silky texture that hugs each spoonful.

Sharp mustard adds a tangy kick that balances the soup’s creamy foundation.

Perfectly seasoned and surprisingly simple, this recipe turns a beloved sandwich into a warming bowl of pure satisfaction.

Reuben Soup That Warms the Soul

Savor Comfort in a Bowl: Perfect Reuben-Inspired Soup Delight

• Transform Classic Sandwich: Turn beloved Reuben sandwich flavors into a rich, comforting soup that delivers nostalgic taste without sandwich preparation complexity.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt ingredients based on personal preferences, swap meats, adjust cheese types, or modify spice levels to create a personalized soup experience.
• Quick Culinary Adventure: Prepare a gourmet-style soup with minimal cooking skills, using simple techniques that produce restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single pot cooking method, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy a sophisticated meal without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients to Make Creamy Reuben Soup

• Corned Beef: Classic protein that brings the signature Reuben sandwich flavor to the soup.
• Swiss Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a rich, nutty flavor characteristic of Reuben sandwiches.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation for the creamy soup.
• Half-and-Half, Butter: Provide a rich, smooth texture and creamy consistency.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth base.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic base to the soup's flavor profile.
• Sauerkraut: Brings tangy, traditional Reuben sandwich taste to the soup.
• Dijon Mustard, Caraway Seeds: Contribute sharp and distinctive flavor notes typical of Reuben-style dishes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance overall taste.

• Rye Bread: Used to create crispy croutons that add crunch and classic Reuben sandwich element.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a touch of color and fresh herbal note.

How to Prepare Creamy Reuben Soup Simply

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat a large pot and melt butter over medium warmth. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté these aromatic ingredients until they transform into a soft, fragrant mixture that fills your kitchen with an inviting scent.

• Butter
• Onions
• Garlic

Gently stir and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the ingredients to develop a golden, translucent appearance.

Step 2: Create a Silky Smooth Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the pot and whisk continuously for one minute. This creates a magical roux that will thicken your soup beautifully.

Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking vigorously to prevent any pesky lumps from forming. Let the mixture simmer and gradually thicken, creating a luxurious base.

Step 3: Introduce Creamy Complexity

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

Allow the soup to simmer gently, letting the flavors dance and intermingle for a few delightful minutes.

Step 4: Layer in Classic Reuben Elements

• Drained sauerkraut
• Chopped corned beef
• Shredded Swiss cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, rich texture.

Season with salt and pepper to elevate the taste profile.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Crown each serving with crispy rye bread croutons for that quintessential Reuben crunch. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Enjoy your comforting soup immediately while it’s piping hot!

Tips to Boost the Flavor of Your Soup

• Toast caraway seeds briefly before adding to intensify their nutty, aromatic essence and elevate the soup's overall taste profile.
• Adjust soup consistency by gradually adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, ensuring perfect texture every time.
• Remove pot from direct heat when adding Swiss cheese to prevent breaking or becoming grainy, creating smoother, silkier results.
• Make homemade rye bread croutons by cutting day-old bread into cubes, tossing with olive oil, and baking until golden for maximum crispiness.
• Rinse sauerkraut thoroughly before adding to reduce salt content, perfect for those watching sodium intake without compromising traditional Reuben flavors.

Variations to Customize Your Reuben Soup

• Reuben Sandwich Soup: Transform the recipe by using toasted rye bread crumbles mixed directly into the soup for extra crunch and traditional sandwich flavor.
• Vegetarian Corned Beef Alternative: Replace corned beef with smoked tempeh or seitan, maintaining the soup's rich, tangy profile while offering a plant-based option.
• Spicy Reuben Soup: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes to give the soup a zesty kick that complements the sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half with milk and use reduced-fat Swiss cheese to create a less caloric but equally satisfying soup experience.

Pairings That Go Well With Creamy Reuben Soup

• Pair with Tangy Sauerkraut Ale: Select a craft beer with sour and malty notes that complement the soup's rich corned beef and Swiss cheese flavors, cutting through the creaminess while enhancing the sauerkraut's tanginess.
• Serve with Rustic Rye Bread Crostini: Toast thin slices of rye bread until crispy, brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle with caraway seeds to echo the soup's aromatic profile and provide a crunchy textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp Dill Pickle Salad: Create a light side salad using thinly sliced dill pickles, red onions, and fresh herbs dressed in a light vinaigrette to provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the soup's hearty nature.

Storage Tips to Keep Soup Fresh

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.

Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if soup contains dairy, as texture might separate upon thawing.

Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and reach 165°F internal temperature.

Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and ensure soup is thoroughly heated without scorching.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this Reuben Soup unique?

The soup captures the classic Reuben sandwich flavors with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and caraway seeds, transforming the beloved sandwich into a comforting soup.

• Can I make this soup if I don't have half-and-half?

You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream or whole milk, though the richness might slightly change. Just ensure you maintain a similar creamy consistency.

• Is this soup gluten-free friendly?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free bread for croutons.

Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Reuben Soup brings hearty deli sandwich flavors into a rich, creamy bowl perfect for chilly evenings. Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese blend seamlessly, delivering classic deli deliciousness you’ll crave with every spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups corned beef, chopped
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups half-and-half

Thickening and Flavor Agents:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Rye bread croutons (for topping)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat (around 325°F). Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour into the pot, stirring vigorously to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Reduce heat to low. Introduce half-and-half, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds, allowing the mixture to simmer gently and develop rich, complex flavors for 2-3 minutes.
4. Fold in drained sauerkraut and diced corned beef, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup. Gradually incorporate shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a velvety texture.
5. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences. Allow soup to reach a consistent, creamy consistency without boiling.
6. Ladle into serving bowls. Top with crispy rye bread croutons and optional fresh parsley garnish for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Transform texture by blending half the soup for a smoother consistency, creating a luxurious mouthfeel without losing the chunky Reuben character.
• Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and vegan Swiss cheese to make the soup completely dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, especially important for heart-conscious diners who love robust flavors.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing soup base ahead of time and adding sauerkraut and corned beef just before serving to maintain optimal texture and temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg