There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, especially when it’s packed with rich, savory flavors. This creamy Reuben soup captures the essence of the classic Reuben sandwich — tangy sauerkraut, tender corned beef, and melted Swiss cheese — all blended into a luscious, hearty soup. You’re going to love how easy it is to make and how deeply satisfying every spoonful feels.
Whether you want a cozy meal for yourself or a crowd-pleasing dish for friends, this creamy Reuben soup is the perfect way to enjoy those iconic flavors in a new, comforting form. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special and how you can make it your new favorite comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare.
- Classic Reuben flavors in a warm, cozy soup perfect for fall and winter.
- Uses easy-to-find ingredients like sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and corned beef.
- Quick stovetop method that’s perfect for weeknights or a casual weekend meal.
- Can be customized with your favorite toppings or served with crusty rye bread.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create the creamy, tangy, and savory base that makes this Reuben soup irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups corned beef, diced
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and roughly chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
How to Make Indulge in Creamy Reuben Soup: A Cozy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic!
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, watching for a light golden color.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the diced corned beef, chopped sauerkraut, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds if using. Stir well and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauerkraut to soften.
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup gently for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. The soup should be creamy and smooth with a slight tang from the sauerkraut and mustard.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill and extra shredded Swiss cheese if desired. Serve hot with rye bread or your favorite crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Results
- Drain the sauerkraut well to avoid excess liquid that can thin the soup too much.
- Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese for better melting and flavor.
- For a thinner soup, add more beef broth or reduce the cream amount slightly.
- Toast rye bread slices to serve alongside for authentic Reuben experience.
- Adjust the caraway seeds to your taste or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover creamy Reuben soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.
This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the silky texture if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the corned beef with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The soup will still have great flavor but won’t be a traditional Reuben.
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
Gruyère or mozzarella are good alternatives if you don’t have Swiss cheese. They melt well and provide a creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is it necessary to add caraway seeds?
Caraway seeds add a traditional Reuben flavor but are optional. If you’re not a fan or can’t find them, you can leave them out without compromising the overall taste.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes! The flavors actually deepen if you make the soup a day ahead. Just reheat gently before serving and add fresh dill as garnish to brighten it up.
