Introduction
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a warm, creamy bowl of soup on a chilly day. If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, you’re going to love this Creamy Reuben Soup recipe! It takes all the signature flavors—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and a hint of rye—and transforms them into a rich, soul-warming soup.
This recipe is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a St. Patrick’s Day special, or a unique way to use up leftover corned beef, this Reuben soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything from the origins of the Reuben sandwich to expert tips on making this soup perfect every time.
The History Behind the Reuben Sandwich
Before we dive into the soup, let’s talk about the inspiration behind it—the Reuben sandwich. This iconic deli favorite consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. The sandwich is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, with claims pointing to both Omaha, Nebraska, and New York City as its birthplace. Regardless of its true origin, the Reuben sandwich has become a beloved classic across the United States.
The flavor combination is what makes the Reuben special: the richness of corned beef, the creaminess of melted Swiss cheese, the slight tang of sauerkraut, and the boldness of rye bread. This soup takes all those flavors and turns them into a creamy, spoonable delight.
Why You’ll Love This Reuben Soup Recipe
- Easy & Quick: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Got extra corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day? This is the best way to use it!
- Comforting & Flavorful: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to your taste—swap out the cheese, tweak the seasonings, or add extra toppings!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Creamy Reuben Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter – For sautéing and adding richness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic!
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the soup.
- 4 cups beef broth – Provides a deep, savory base.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the soup extra creamy.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tangy kick.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavors.
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped – The star of the dish.
- 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained – Essential for that classic Reuben taste.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully into the soup.
- ½ tsp caraway seeds (optional) – Gives it that signature rye bread flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust as needed.
For Garnish:
- Rye bread croutons – Adds crunch and enhances the Reuben experience.
- Extra shredded Swiss cheese – Because you can never have too much cheese!
- Chopped fresh parsley – Optional, for a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Make a Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute. This will help thicken the soup later.
3. Add the Broth & Cream
Slowly whisk in the beef broth to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, pour in the heavy cream, stirring well.
4. Flavor Boost
Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, corned beef, sauerkraut, and caraway seeds (if using). Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with rye bread croutons, extra cheese, and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your creamy, comforting Reuben Soup!
Expert Tips for the Best Reuben Soup
1. Use High-Quality Corned Beef
Since corned beef is the star ingredient, use good-quality deli corned beef or leftovers from a homemade batch.
2. Drain the Sauerkraut Well
Excess liquid from the sauerkraut can make the soup too acidic. Be sure to drain it thoroughly before adding it to the pot.
3. Don’t Skip the Caraway Seeds
They give the soup that authentic rye bread flavor! If you love classic Reuben sandwiches, you’ll appreciate this small but impactful addition.
4. Adjust the Thickness
If the soup is too thick for your liking, add an extra splash of broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
5. Make It Ahead
This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a batch in advance!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions and garlic separately, then add all ingredients except the cheese into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cheese at the end until melted.
2. Can I Freeze Reuben Soup?
This soup contains dairy, so freezing may alter the texture. However, if you still want to freeze it, let it cool completely, store in an airtight container, and reheat slowly while stirring well.
3. What Can I Serve with Reuben Soup?
- Rye bread or crackers
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- A light green salad
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Reuben Soup is a game-changer for soup lovers and Reuben sandwich enthusiasts alike. It’s packed with rich, tangy, and cheesy flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this soup will leave you satisfied and coming back for more.
Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how it turned out! 🍲🥄
Happy cooking!