The Best Reuben Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Warm Bowl

Comfort meets classic deli flavors in this hearty reuben soup that captures the essence of the beloved sandwich.

Swirling with rich, tangy notes, this soup brings together tender corned beef and sauerkraut in a creamy broth that warms you from the inside out.

Swiss cheese melts seamlessly into each spoonful, creating a luxurious texture that echoes the iconic sandwich.

Salty, zesty, and deeply satisfying, this recipe transforms a traditional lunch staple into a soul-warming meal.

Rye croutons add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the soup velvety base.

Cold days call for this robust, flavor-packed bowl that promises to chase away winter chills.

Prepare to savor every spoonful of this comforting culinary creation.

Keeping Reuben Soup Fresh

• Store leftover Reuben soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing portions with cream, as dairy can separate when thawed.
• Thaw soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a saucepan, stir occasionally over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Reuben Soup?

The key ingredients are corned beef, sauerkraut, chicken broth, Thousand Island dressing, heavy cream, Swiss cheese, onions, carrots, and caraway seeds.

• Is this soup similar to a traditional Reuben sandwich?

Yes, it transforms the classic Reuben sandwich flavors into a comforting soup, featuring the same core ingredients like corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it gently, keeping the cream and cheese for final addition just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Creamy Reuben Soup What Makes This Soup a Winner

• This Reuben soup transforms a beloved sandwich into a heartwarming bowl of deliciousness that hugs your taste buds.
• Chop a few ingredients, follow simple steps, and you'll have a restaurant-quality soup ready with minimal kitchen effort.
• Perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal that comes together faster than traditional soup recipes, delivering maximum flavor with minimal time investment.
• Adaptable for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings, this soup appeals to both traditional sandwich lovers and adventurous eaters seeking a unique culinary twist.

Ingredients for Creamy Reuben Soup Bowls

• Corned Beef: A classic deli meat that provides rich, savory flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Serves as the liquid base for creating a flavorful and smooth soup.
• Sauerkraut: A tangy fermented cabbage that adds traditional Reuben sandwich complexity.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture for the soup.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds a mild, nutty cheese topping that complements the soup's flavors.

• Onions, Carrots: Provide a sweet and earthy foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic base note to enhance overall taste.
• Caraway Seeds: Introduces a subtle, traditional Eastern European herb flavor.

• Butter, Flour: Work together to create a roux for thickening the soup.
• Thousand Island Dressing: Adds a creamy, tangy element reminiscent of a Reuben sandwich.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle herbal background note to the soup.

Tools Needed to Whip Up Reuben Soup

• Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Large, heavy-bottomed pot essential for creating and simmering the soup.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, carrots, and corned beef.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and meat chopping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate tools for measuring ingredients like flour, broth, and spices.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Ladle: Helps serve the creamy soup smoothly.
• Cheese Grater: Used for shredding Swiss cheese topping.

How to Make Creamy Reuben Soup Easily

Step 1: Butter the Base

Grab a large Dutch oven and melt butter over medium-high heat until it’s golden and bubbling.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Toss in chopped onions and carrots, stirring frequently until they become soft and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Boost with Garlic

Drop in minced garlic and quickly sauté for about 30 seconds to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

Step 5: Build Soup Foundation

• Chopped corned beef
• Drained sauerkraut
• Caraway seeds
• Thousand Island dressing
• Bay leaf

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Gentle Simmer

Bring the mixture to a soft boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer quietly under a lid for 20-25 minutes until vegetables become tender.

Step 7: Creamy Transformation

Remove from heat and swirl in heavy cream, then fish out and discard the bay leaf.

Step 8: Cheese Crown

Ladle soup into bowls and generously sprinkle with shredded Swiss cheese for the perfect finishing touch.

Soup Tips for Rich and Savory Results

• Whisk flour gradually and continuously while adding to create a smooth, silky base without clumps.
• Rinse sauerkraut before adding to reduce strong tangy flavor and balance the soup's taste.
• Temper heavy cream by slowly adding a small amount of hot soup to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth consistency.
• Toast caraway seeds briefly before adding to release their nutty, aromatic essence and intensify the soup's complexity.
• Prepare soup a day in advance, as flavors develop and meld together beautifully when refrigerated overnight.

Variations on Reuben Soup Flavors

• Vegetarian Reuben Soup: Replace corned beef with plant-based protein like seitan or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Keto Reuben Soup: Swap flour with xanthan gum, use cauliflower instead of carrots, and increase cream for higher fat content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, use dairy-free Swiss-style cheese, and ensure all ingredients are lactose-free.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening, select gluten-free sauerkraut, and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Serving Reuben Soup for Cozy Meals

• Reuben Sandwich Sidekick: Serve alongside classic deli rye bread slices for dunking into the rich, creamy soup.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Swiss cheese and crispy rye bread croutons on top for added crunch and flavor intensity.
• Hearty Meal Complement: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide fresh contrast.
• Pickle Passion: Garnish with chopped dill pickles or serve with pickle spears on the side to enhance the traditional Reuben sandwich flavors.

Reuben Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Reuben soup blends classic deli sandwich flavors into a comforting bowl of creamy goodness. Savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese create a delightful twist you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound chopped deli corned beef
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 large bay leaf

Liquids, Thickeners, and Condiments:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can sauerkraut, drained
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Ignite a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melting butter until it transforms into a golden liquid.
2. Introduce chopped onions and carrots to the molten butter, stirring frequently for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
3. Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, allowing it to dance and release its pungent notes for 30 seconds.
4. Gradually cascade flour into the vegetable base, whisking diligently to prevent any lumpy intruders from forming.
5. Create a flavor symphony by pouring chicken broth, then incorporate chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, caraway seeds, Thousand Island dressing, and a bay leaf. Blend ingredients until harmoniously combined.
6. Elevate the temperature to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer under a covered lid for 20-25 minutes, ensuring carrots become fork-tender.
7. Remove from heat, gently fold in heavy cream, and extract the bay leaf from the creamy landscape.
8. Crown the soup with a generous cascade of shredded Swiss cheese, transforming it into a luxurious culinary masterpiece ready to be savored.

Notes

• Transform your leftover corned beef into a comforting soup that captures the classic Reuben sandwich flavors.
• Use freshly chopped carrots and onions for maximum flavor depth and crisp texture in the soup base.
• Consider reducing caraway seeds if you find the flavor too strong, as they can overpower the delicate soup profile.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 90mg