Transform the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich into a comforting bowl of creamy, soul-warming soup. This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe captures all the iconic tastes you love – tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and aromatic caraway seeds – in one satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the familiar, nostalgic flavors of a deli favorite and the cozy comfort of homemade soup. The rich, velvety base perfectly balances the salty corned beef with the sharp tang of sauerkraut, while Swiss cheese adds that signature creamy finish. Unlike the sandwich version, this soup allows you to enjoy all those wonderful flavors in every spoonful, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to make and uses ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups chopped cooked corned beef
- 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- Rye croutons
How to Make Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Base In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Roux Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to create a light roux. This will help thicken your soup and prevent any lumps from forming.
Step 3: Add the Liquids Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cream Slowly stir in the half-and-half, being careful not to let the soup boil rapidly as this could cause curdling. Heat through until steaming.
Step 5: Add the Stars of the Show Stir in the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and Dijon mustard. Let the soup simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the corned beef and sauerkraut already add saltiness to the dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Ladle the soup into bowls and top with rye croutons if desired for that extra Reuben sandwich experience.
Helpful Tips
Choose Quality Corned Beef: Use leftover homemade corned beef or high-quality deli corned beef for the best flavor. Avoid overly processed versions that might become tough when reheated.
Don’t Skip the Caraway Seeds: These seeds are essential for authentic Reuben flavor. If you only have ground caraway, use about 1/2 teaspoon instead.
Rinse the Sauerkraut: If you prefer a milder tang, rinse the sauerkraut before draining and chopping. For maximum flavor, use it straight from the jar.
Temperature Control: Keep the heat at medium or medium-low once you add the half-and-half to prevent curdling. The soup should be hot but not aggressively bubbling.
Cheese Melting Trick: Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to ensure smooth melting without separation.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4-6 Difficulty Level: Easy
This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe serves as a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. The soup has a rich, creamy consistency with chunks of tender corned beef and tangy sauerkraut in every bite.
Notes
Make-Ahead Option: This soup can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or half-and-half if needed to restore the desired consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions: Heavy cream can be substituted for half-and-half for an even richer soup, or use whole milk for a lighter version. Gruyere cheese makes an excellent substitute for Swiss if you prefer a nuttier flavor.
Leftover Corned Beef: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion. You can also use pastrami as a substitute for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: While possible, cream-based soups don’t freeze as well as broth-based ones. The texture may become grainy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Q: What if I don’t have caraway seeds? A: While caraway seeds are traditional, you can substitute with a pinch of fennel seeds or simply omit them, though you’ll miss some of that classic Reuben flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free? A: Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, replace half-and-half with coconut milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Q: How can I make the soup thicker? A: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup.
Q: What’s the best way to make rye croutons? A: Cut rye bread into cubes, toss with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or half-and-half if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Avoid using high heat, which could cause the dairy to separate.
Portion Control: Consider storing the soup in individual serving containers for easy reheating of single portions.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe successfully captures all the beloved flavors of the classic deli sandwich in a warm, comforting bowl. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and aromatic spices creates a satisfying meal that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover corned beef, craving the flavors of your favorite sandwich, or simply want to try something new, this soup delivers on all fronts. The straightforward preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, while the rich, complex flavors will impress even the most discerning palates. Serve it with rye croutons for the full Reuben experience, and watch as this Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe becomes a new family favorite.