Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

If you adore the classic Reuben sandwich but crave something warm, hearty, and just a bit more comforting, this Creamy Reuben Soup is going to steal your heart. It captures all the iconic flavors you love — tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and a hint of zesty Russian dressing — all swirled into a luxuriously creamy base. Each spoonful offers that perfect balance of comfort and boldness, making it ideal for cozy dinners or impressing guests with a creative twist on a beloved favorite. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Reuben Soup, it’s going right to the top of your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to making a Creamy Reuben Soup that tastes like a dream. Each component plays a key role — from the richness of butter and heavy cream to the tang of sauerkraut and the melty goodness of Swiss cheese — building layers of flavor and giving the soup its irresistible texture and vibrant character.

• Unsalted butter: This adds a silky richness that starts the base for your soup perfectly.
• Onion (chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth once sautéed.
• Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and a hint of spice.
• All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup into a creamy, comforting consistency.
• Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that brings everything together.
• Heavy cream: For that luxurious, creamy mouthfeel we all crave in this soup.
• Corned beef (chopped): The star protein delivering savory, tender bites throughout.
• Sauerkraut (drained): Adds tangy brightness and the signature Reuben zest.
• Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts smoothly for rich, gooey indulgence.
• Russian or Thousand Island dressing: Adds a subtle tang and slight sweetness enhancing the soup’s complexity.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out all the vibrant flavors.
• Rye bread croutons (for garnish): Crispy crunch with classic rye flavor to finish each bowl.
• Chopped parsley (for garnish): Fresh color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make Creamy Reuben Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat — this creates a flavorful base. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until the onion turns translucent and tender, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it unlocks the sweetness of the onions and the gentle kick of garlic, setting the stage for all the soup’s flavors to bloom.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Stir in the all-purpose flour to coat the softened onions and garlic, cooking this mixture for an additional 2 minutes. Making a roux at this stage is the secret to achieving a creamy, velvety texture — it thickens the broth and gives the soup body without any graininess.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, doing your best to avoid lumps by pouring slowly and stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step blends your roux with the broth, creating a smooth soup base that will carry the bold Reuben flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Main Ingredients

Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring it thoroughly into the soup for that luscious creaminess. Then, toss in the chopped corned beef and drained sauerkraut. These ingredients bring the heart and soul of the Reuben sandwich right into your bowl — think tangy, tender, and utterly satisfying!

Step 5: Melt in Cheese and Dressing

Mix in the shredded Swiss cheese and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns to a rich, creamy masterpiece. The dressing introduces just the right hint of zest and sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory elements.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Season your Creamy Reuben Soup with salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 more minutes, allowing all those fantastic flavors to mingle and deepen. This final simmer thickens the soup slightly and makes every bite bursting with classic Reuben goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Reuben Soup

Garnishes

To elevate your soup, top each bowl with crunchy rye bread croutons and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The croutons add a delightful textural contrast and a touch of traditional rye flavor, while the parsley brings a pop of green freshness to brighten the rich soup.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, which offer refreshing balance. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside classic rye bread or buttery pretzel rolls for dipping into that creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, serve the Creamy Reuben Soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out rye rolls — it’s impressive and eats like a meal in itself. Another idea is layering the soup with extra corned beef and sauerkraut in a clear glass mug to showcase the colorful layers before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover Creamy Reuben Soup to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making second-day soup even tastier!

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, be aware that the texture may change slightly because of the cream and cheese. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your Creamy Reuben Soup slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to help the cheese and cream reincorporate smoothly. If the soup thickens too much, a splash of chicken broth or cream can bring back the ideal consistency.

FAQs

Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Beef broth will actually complement the corned beef nicely and add a deeper, richer flavor, making your Creamy Reuben Soup even more robust.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely. You can substitute the corned beef with hearty mushrooms or tempeh and use vegetable broth. Swap the dressing for a vegetarian-friendly option, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based version.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, switch the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream and choose a vegan cheese alternative. Just be mindful that the flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious!

How spicy is the Creamy Reuben Soup?

This soup is more tangy and savory than spicy. However, if you love a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can personalize the zest to your liking.

What’s the best way to chop the corned beef?

Chop the corned beef into small, bite-sized cubes or shreds to ensure every spoonful has some tender, flavorful meat without overpowering the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Making this Creamy Reuben Soup feels like wrapping yourself in a warm hug that’s bursting with irresistible flavors. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to pull out whenever you want an easy yet impressive meal that delights the whole family. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be savoring every creamy, tangy, cheesy bite long after the last spoonful.

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