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Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

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Welcome the Flavors of Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about a classic Reuben sandwich, right? Well, imagine that in a bubbling, creamy bowl of soup! That’s exactly why I adore this Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe—it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy hug loaded with savory corned beef and tangy sauerkraut. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave that familiar deli taste.

I’ve found it’s a fantastic weeknight meal that feels special without much fuss. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for casual family dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly. You’ll enjoy how the creamy broth melts the Swiss cheese into every spoonful, bringing together a bubbly, golden crisp experience if you top it off with rye bread croutons.

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Daisy’s Top Tips

  • Flavor Builder: For a little smoky kick, try adding a dash of smoked paprika when sautéing the onions.
  • Texture Magic: Adding the rye bread croutons just before serving keeps their golden crisp texture intact—don’t skip!
  • Budget Friendly: Use leftover corned beef or substitute with pastrami if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Time Saver: Prep the chopped corned beef and sauerkraut the night before to speed up dinner assembly.

Market Basket & Pantry Picks

Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Choosing quality ingredients is key to nailing the tangy, creamy harmony in the Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe. While the ingredient list is straightforward, each element plays a vital role in depth of flavor and texture. Don’t hesitate to check your pantry first—you might already have most of what you need!

  • Unsalted Butter: Gives you control over seasoning and keeps flavors mellow.
  • Onion & Garlic: The base aroma—fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
  • All-Purpose Flour: For the roux that thickens the soup into creamy perfection.
  • Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium to balance salt levels perfectly.
  • Heavy Cream: Richness that makes this soup luscious and comforting.
  • Corned Beef: Go for the deli-style pre-cooked or homemade leftovers chopped finely.
  • Sauerkraut: Well-drained to avoid watery soup but still packed with tangy goodness.
  • Swiss Cheese: Freshly shredded melts smoothly and offers that mild nutty flavor.
  • Russian or Thousand Island Dressing: Adds subtle spice and creaminess without overpowering.
  • Rye Bread Croutons & Parsley: Garnishes that bring crunch and a pop of color.
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Smart Shopping Ideas

Look for corned beef that’s not too fatty but still tender, and when grabbing sauerkraut, choose varieties without added sugars or preservatives for the freshest tang. Swiss cheese melts best when shredded fresh from a block. If you want to swap chicken broth, vegetable broth works beautifully to keep it vegetarian-friendly. Finally, Russian dressing can be replaced with a quick homemade blend of mayo, ketchup, and a splash of pickle juice.

Cook Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe Step by Step

Ready to get your hands cozy in the kitchen? This Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe comes together quickly, with simple stovetop steps that fill your kitchen with inviting, savory smells. I love how the roux thickens the broth into a silky base that carries the bold flavors beautifully.

  1. Melt Butter & Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring often until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds your flavor foundation.
  2. Create the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. You’ll see it bubble up slightly—that’s the thickening magic beginning!
  3. Whisk in Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—the base should start to thicken nicely.
  4. Add Cream: Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Watch the soup become luxuriously creamy in seconds.
  5. Combine Corned Beef & Sauerkraut: Toss in the chopped corned beef and well-drained sauerkraut. Stir to distribute those tangy and meaty bits evenly.
  6. Cheese & Dressing Melt-In: Add shredded Swiss cheese and the Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and the soup turns velvety smooth.
  7. Season to Taste: Salt and freshly cracked black pepper elevate the flavors—taste and adjust accordingly.
  8. Simmer & Meld Flavors: Let the soup gently bubble for another 10 minutes on low heat. This resting lets all those fabulous flavors mingle and infuse deeply.
  9. Finish & Garnish: Serve hot, topped with golden rye bread croutons and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to brighten each spoonful.

Serving the Dish with Flair

Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Sharing this Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe is like offering a warm, flavorful embrace—perfect for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers. I love plating it in rustic bowls that show off the creamy texture topped with those ruby-golden croutons. It’s a scene-stealer for any table!

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Serve It Up Right

  • Perfect Pairings: Pair with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw and a light lager or sparkling water with a lemon twist.
  • Plating Magic: A scattering of extra shredded Swiss cheese or pickled jalapeños on top adds fun texture and color.
  • Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days, reheat gently on stovetop to keep cream from separating.
  • Occasion Twist: Serve in mini bread bowls or with smashed potatoes on the side for a comforting holiday spread.

Fun Variations with Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

  • Swap corned beef for pastrami or even smoked turkey for a different smoky twist.
  • Add a pinch of caraway seeds to enhance that traditional rye bread flavor.
  • For a vegetarian-friendly spin, use vegan “corned beef” crumbles and vegetable broth.
  • Stir in some diced potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.
  • Top with pickled red onions or a drizzle of horseradish sauce for a zingy finish.
  • Mix in a splash of beer instead of some broth for a malty depth.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Keep in sealed containers for up to 3 days; stir well when reheating as the cream can settle.
  • Freeze: Cool completely before freezing. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in fridge to maintain creaminess.
  • Reheat: Warm gently over low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling the cream.
  • Freeze Bread Separately: To keep croutons crunchy, store and add them just before serving.

Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cheese? Swiss cheese is classic for its melt and flavor, but Gruyère or mild cheddar can work well too.
  • Is there a way to make this soup lighter? Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a lower-fat milk combined with a thickening agent like cornstarch.
  • Can I make this soup dairy-free? Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it creamy.
  • What’s the best way to chop corned beef? I find finely chopping or shredding cooked corned beef helps the meat evenly distribute, giving every bite great flavor.
  • How spicy is this soup? It has a mild tang from sauerkraut and the dressing, but you can always add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you like heat.
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Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 58 reviews

Creamy Reuben Soup is a comforting twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, featuring tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese in a rich, creamy broth flavored with Russian dressing and garnished with crispy rye bread croutons and fresh parsley.

  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound corned beef, chopped
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Rye bread croutons for garnish
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Make the Roux: Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and thicken the soup base.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer to activate the thickening process.
  4. Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well to create a rich and creamy soup base.
  5. Add Protein and Sauerkraut: Add the chopped corned beef and drained sauerkraut to the pot, stirring until well combined for that distinctive Reuben flavor.
  6. Mix in Cheese and Dressing: Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and Russian (or Thousand Island) dressing, heating until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
  7. Season the Soup: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
  8. Simmer to Meld Flavors: Let the soup simmer gently for another 10 minutes, allowing all flavors to fully blend together.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with rye bread croutons and chopped parsley for added crunch and freshness.

Notes

  • Use good quality corned beef for best flavor.
  • Drain the sauerkraut well to prevent the soup from becoming too watery.
  • Russian dressing can be substituted with Thousand Island dressing if preferred.
  • For a richer taste, add extra Swiss cheese or cream cautiously to avoid overpowering the soup.
  • Adjust seasoning carefully as both corned beef and sauerkraut can be salty.
  • Serve with additional rye bread on the side for a classic Reuben experience.

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