If you adore the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but are craving something warm and cozy, you are going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic. This soup captures everything you love about the sandwich—tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, plus a lovely touch of Russian dressing—all swirling together in a silky, comforting broth. It’s an unbeatable way to enjoy those beloved tastes in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a hug in soup form. Get ready to scoop up spoonfuls of pure indulgence with every bite.

Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Only a handful of simple but essential ingredients come together to create this soulful soup. Each one adds something special, whether it’s depth, creaminess, or that signature Reuben tang. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base that helps sauté the aromatics without overpowering the soup.
Medium onion: Adds sweetness and layers of flavor when softened gently.
Garlic cloves: Infuses a subtle warmth and depth to the broth.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup into a luscious, creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that carries all the ingredients together.
Heavy cream: Creams up the soup, making every spoonful silky and indulgent.
Corned beef: The star protein, chopped into tender, flavorful bites.
Sauerkraut: Adds that essential tang and slight crunch reminiscent of the classic sandwich.
Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully for a cheesy, comforting twist.
Russian or Thousand Island dressing: Brings a hint of zestiness and balance to the creamy broth.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors without overwhelming them.
Rye bread croutons: Adds crunch and a touch of smoky rye flavor as garnish.
Chopped parsley: Freshens and brightens the final presentation with a pop of color.

How to Make Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent. This step releases their natural sweetness and builds a savory foundation that’s absolutely essential for the soup’s depth.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cooking it for about 2 minutes ensures the flour loses its raw taste while thickening the soup nicely later on.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the broth marry with the roux and aromatics for a smooth base.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream

Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, which transforms the soup into a luxuriously creamy canvas ready for the robust Reuben flavors. This step really elevates the texture to something spectacularly velvety.

Step 5: Add Corned Beef and Sauerkraut

Fold in the chopped corned beef along with the drained sauerkraut. These two ingredients bring unmistakable character and tang that make the soup instantly recognizable as a Reuben-inspired delight.

Step 6: Melt in Cheese and Dressing

Mix in the shredded Swiss cheese, watching it slowly melt into the soup, followed by a generous swirl of Russian or Thousand Island dressing. This combination brings creamy richness and the perfect hint of zest, merging all the flavors wonderfully.

Step 7: Season and Simmer

Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors can deepen and mingle beautifully, creating that irresistible, hearty bowl of comfort.

How to Serve Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Garnishes

Top your bowl with crunchy rye bread croutons for a delightful texture contrast, and sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley to add a vibrant, herbal note. These simple garnishes lift the soup’s appearance and make each spoonful feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some dill pickles on the side for a classic deli vibe. A slice of toasted rye or pumpernickel bread also complements the flavors perfectly, making your meal feel complete without overwhelming the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls made from rye or sourdough. You can sprinkle extra Swiss cheese on top and broil briefly for a cheesy crust, or drizzle a bit more Russian dressing on the surface for an eye-catching finish. Presentation like this makes your Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavors. Give it a good stir before reheating to bring everything back together beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Reuben Soup, but since it contains dairy, freezing may slightly change the texture. For best results, freeze in a well-sealed container and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and separate texture. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to that luscious consistency.

FAQs

Can I substitute the corned beef with another meat?

Absolutely! While corned beef gives Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic its iconic taste, you can swap it with pastrami or even smoked turkey for a different but delicious spin.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute corned beef with smoked tempeh or mushrooms to maintain that smoky, savory essence while keeping it plant-based.

Can I prepare any parts of this soup in advance?

You can chop the onions, garlic, and corned beef ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Making the roux and broth mixture a few hours in advance also works well, which speeds up the final assembly.

What’s the best way to keep the Swiss cheese from clumping?

Shred the cheese finely and add it slowly while stirring continuously over low heat. This helps it melt evenly into the soup, creating a smooth, creamy texture without clumps.

How spicy is this soup? Can I add heat?

This Creamy Reuben Soup is mild and tangy by nature. If you love a little kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it that extra fiery zing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic that makes it a perfect meal any day of the week. It effortlessly captures all the charm of the famous sandwich but serves it up in a warm, comforting bowl that’s just irresistible. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want a delicious, hearty treat that’s simple to make and so full of flavor!

Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Creamy Reuben Soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing in a rich, creamy broth. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and comes garnished with crunchy rye bread croutons and fresh parsley for an added burst of texture and flavor.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

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

Seasonings and Garnish

Salt and pepper to taste
Rye bread croutons for garnish
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes, to develop a flavorful base for the soup.
Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine and eliminate any raw flour taste, forming a roux that will thicken the soup.
Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth without lumps, then bring it to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, blending thoroughly to create a rich, creamy base for the soup.
Combine Main Ingredients: Add the chopped corned beef and drained sauerkraut to the pot, stirring well to incorporate these signature Reuben elements into the creamy broth.
Incorporate Cheese and Dressing: Mix in the shredded Swiss cheese and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
Season and Simmer: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for another 10 minutes to develop and meld all the flavors together.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with crunchy rye bread croutons and freshly chopped parsley for added texture and freshness.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the corned beef.
Adjust the amount of Russian dressing to preference for more or less tanginess.
Use freshly grated Swiss cheese for better melting and flavor.
Rye bread croutons can be homemade or store-bought, toasted for added crunch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.