Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

When the chill of fall starts to creep in, or you’re simply craving something warm and hearty, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a bowl of soup. But what if you could combine the comfort of soup with the flavors of your favorite sandwich? Enter this Easy Creamy Reuben Soup, a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich.

If you love the savory, tangy layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread found in a traditional Reuben, then you’ll love how these ingredients come together in this rich and creamy soup. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re in the mood for something unique and soul-warming. Plus, with its easy prep and quick cook time, this recipe will have you enjoying those classic flavors in soup form in just about 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this comforting dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Reuben Soup

This soup has everything you love about a Reuben sandwich but in a cozy, spoonable form. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• All the Reuben Flavors: Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese bring the essence of the Reuben sandwich into a creamy, savory soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a quick cook time of just 30 minutes, this soup is the perfect weeknight meal or lunch option when you need something fast and filling.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. Prefer a milder flavor? Skip the caraway seeds. Want more tang? Add extra sauerkraut. It’s flexible enough for you to make it your own.
• Rye Bread Croutons: These homemade croutons take it over the top, adding the perfect crunch and that authentic Reuben flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bring the flavors of a Reuben sandwich to life in soup form, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor, and helps to sauté the aromatics.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – Provides a savory base for the soup.
• 1 garlic clove, minced – Adds a punch of flavor to the base of the soup.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the soup, giving it a creamy texture.
• 4 cups chicken broth – Serves as the base liquid for the soup, bringing depth and richness.
• 1 ½ cups half-and-half – Adds creaminess and balances the savory flavors.
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained – Brings that essential tangy bite to the soup.
• 1 ½ cups cooked corned beef, chopped – The heart of the Reuben sandwich, providing a meaty, salty punch.
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded – Gives the soup its signature cheesy, gooey goodness.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a sharp, tangy note that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional) – For those who want that classic Reuben flavor, caraway seeds are a must, mimicking the rye bread of a sandwich.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season to your liking.

For the Topping:

• Rye bread croutons – These crunchy croutons add texture and that iconic rye bread flavor.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – A pop of green that brightens up the presentation.

Step-by-Step Method to Make Creamy Reuben Soup

Ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy deli? Here’s how to make this creamy Reuben soup, step by step:

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

This step is crucial because it builds the foundational flavors of your soup. The sweetness from the onion and the punch from the garlic will complement the savory notes of the corned beef and tangy sauerkraut later on.

Pro Tip: Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. Stir constantly to keep everything cooking evenly.

2. Make the Base

Once your aromatics are soft and fragrant, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mixture. Stir constantly for about a minute to cook the flour and form a roux. This roux will thicken your soup, giving it that creamy texture we’re aiming for.

After cooking the flour, slowly whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth. Make sure to whisk well to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a simmer, letting it thicken slightly for a few minutes.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to add another tablespoon of flour or reduce the amount of broth. For a thinner consistency, add a little extra broth.

3. Add the Creamy Elements

Now that your soup base is ready, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 ½ cups of half-and-half, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds (if using). The half-and-half adds a silky richness, while the mustard brings a touch of tang that really brings the Reuben flavors together. The caraway seeds are optional, but they add that classic rye bread flavor, so if you’re a fan of a traditional Reuben, don’t skip this step!

Let the soup simmer on low for a few minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together.

Pro Tip: Be sure to keep the heat low after adding the half-and-half to avoid curdling.

4. Incorporate the Reuben Essentials

Now it’s time to add the signature ingredients that make this soup taste just like a Reuben sandwich! Stir in 1 cup of drained sauerkraut, 1 ½ cups of chopped corned beef, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese has fully melted, creating a smooth and creamy soup.

The corned beef adds that savory, meaty flavor, while the sauerkraut brings the tang. The Swiss cheese melts into the broth, adding that rich, gooey texture that you know from a good Reuben sandwich.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the corned beef and sauerkraut are already salty, so you may not need to add much salt.

Pro Tip: If you want to get fancy, you can stir in a splash of pickle juice for an extra tangy kick!

5. Serve the Soup

Now that your soup is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Ladle the hot, creamy Reuben soup into bowls and top with crispy rye bread croutons for that extra crunch and authentic Reuben flavor. If you want to add a touch of color, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.

Enjoy the soup while it’s hot, and savor the combination of gooey cheese, tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and the delightful crunch of the rye bread croutons.

Making Rye Bread Croutons

No Reuben-inspired dish would be complete without the flavor of rye bread. Making homemade rye bread croutons is incredibly easy and takes your soup to the next level. Here’s a quick method to make your own:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut 3-4 slices of rye bread into small cubes.
3. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and caraway seeds (optional for that classic rye flavor).
4. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool.

These croutons are perfect for adding texture to your Reuben soup and soaking up that creamy broth.

Personal Touch: Why I Love This Recipe

This Creamy Reuben Soup has quickly become a family favorite in my house. It combines two of my all-time favorite comfort foods Reuben sandwiches and soup into one satisfying dish. I first made this soup on a chilly fall evening when I was craving the warmth of a classic sandwich but wanted something cozier. The result? A soup that delivered all the flavors I love in a Reuben, with the bonus of being rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make.

I especially love how customizable this recipe is. Sometimes, I’ll add a little extra sauerkraut for more tang, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. And those rye croutons? I could eat them by the handful!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Caraway Seeds: If you love the traditional flavors of a Reuben sandwich, the caraway seeds are a must. They mimic the flavor of rye bread and add an extra layer of authenticity.
• Adjust the Thickness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less flour in the roux, or by increasing the amount of broth.
• Serve with a Side: For a complete meal, serve this soup with a side of pickles or a small salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup is a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic sandwich. With its rich broth, savory corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut, it’s a soup that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re a fan of Reuben sandwiches or just love trying new soup recipes, this dish is a must-make.