Creamy Reuben Soup – A Comforting Twist on a Classic Sandwich

If you love a classic Reuben sandwich, this Creamy Reuben Soup will blow your mind! It’s rich, hearty, and packed with all the signature Reuben flavors—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a touch of tangy Thousand Island dressing—all in a warm, creamy bowl of pure comfort.

This soup is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, cold winter nights, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent but easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover corned beef!

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but adds classic rye flavor)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For the Reuben Flavor:

• 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped or shredded
• 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
• ½ cup Thousand Island dressing

For Garnish & Serving:

• Rye bread croutons (or buttered rye toast)
• Extra shredded Swiss cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
6. Add the milk, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add the Reuben Ingredients

7. Stir in the corned beef and sauerkraut, letting them heat through for about 5 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to low and slowly mix in the shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until fully melted.
9. Stir in the Thousand Island dressing, blending it into the soup for that signature Reuben tang.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish

10. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with extra Swiss cheese, rye bread croutons, and fresh parsley.

Serve warm and enjoy the comforting taste of a Reuben sandwich in soup form!

Notes

• Make it thicker: For a heartier texture, add cubed potatoes or cooked rice.
• Adjust the tang: If you love the bite of sauerkraut, feel free to add more!
• Prefer a smoky flavor? Add a touch of smoked paprika or crispy bacon.
• No rye bread? Use pumpernickel or sourdough instead.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Deli-Style
• Diet: Can be made gluten-free with GF flour & bread
• Keywords: Reuben soup, corned beef soup, creamy soup, deli soup

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board & knife

Helpful Tips for the Best Creamy Reuben Soup

1. Use Leftover Corned Beef for the Best Flavor

This soup is a fantastic way to repurpose St. Patrick’s Day corned beef leftovers! If you don’t have leftovers, ask your deli for thick-cut corned beef and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Rinse the Sauerkraut to Control Tanginess

Sauerkraut adds that classic Reuben flavor, but it can be overpowering. If you prefer a milder tang, rinse the sauerkraut under cold water before adding it to the soup.

3. Toast the Caraway Seeds for Extra Rye Flavor

If you love the taste of rye bread, lightly toast the caraway seeds in a dry pan before adding them to the soup. This enhances their nutty, earthy flavor.

4. Don’t Overheat the Cheese

To keep the Swiss cheese from turning grainy, add it gradually over low heat, stirring constantly until fully melted. Avoid boiling the soup after adding cheese.

5. Adjust the Thickness to Your Preference

• If the soup is too thick, add a little more beef broth or milk.
• If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken.

6. Rye Bread Croutons Add Authentic Flavor

For a true Reuben sandwich experience, make homemade rye croutons:

• Cube rye bread, toss with olive oil, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until crispy.

7. Let the Flavors Meld for a Deeper Taste

Like a good Reuben sandwich, this soup gets even better over time! Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat for an even richer flavor.

8. Avoid Over-Salting

Corned beef and sauerkraut already have plenty of salt, so taste before adding extra salt. Using low-sodium beef broth can help keep the salt level balanced.

9. Add a Spicy Kick

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or some horseradish to the soup. It complements the creamy texture beautifully!

10. Make It a Full Meal

Pair this soup with:

A cold beer or crisp white wine (like Riesling) to complement the flavorsube rye bread, toss with olive oil, and toast at 375°F for 10 minutes to make homemade croutons!

A simple green salad to balance the richness

Grilled cheese on rye for an extra indulgent meal

Conservation and Storage

This Creamy Reuben Soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Follow these tips to keep it fresh and flavorful!

Short-Term Storage (Up to 4 Days)

• Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened, add a little milk or beef broth to loosen it.
• Microwave Reheating: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent curdling.

Freezing (Up to 2 Months – With Caution)

• Can I freeze it? Yes, but because this soup contains dairy and cheese, it may slightly separate upon thawing.
• How to Freeze:
  1. Let the soup cool completely.
  2. Store in a freezer-safe airtight container or portion into individual freezer bags.
  3. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing & Reheating:
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring constantly. If the texture separates, whisk in a little warmed milk or cream to smooth it out.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Best for meal prep: Make the soup base ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Stir in the Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing just before serving to keep it creamy and fresh.
• Crouton storage: If making rye bread croutons, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Substitutions and Variations

This Creamy Reuben Soup is easy to customize based on your dietary needs, flavor preferences, or ingredient availability. Try these substitutions and variations to make it your own!

Substitutions

1. Meat Alternatives

• Pastrami – For a smokier, spicier version.
• Roast Beef – A milder alternative if you don’t have corned beef.
• Smoked Turkey – A leaner, slightly different twist on the classic.

2. Cheese Options

• Gruyère – A richer, nutty alternative to Swiss cheese.
• Provolone – A mild, melty cheese that blends well.
• Cheddar – Adds a sharp, tangy bite.

3. Sauerkraut Adjustments

• If you prefer a milder taste, rinse and drain the sauerkraut before adding it.
• No sauerkraut? Use chopped pickles or a splash of pickle juice for tanginess.

4. Dressing Swap

• No Thousand Island dressing? Use Russian dressing, a mix of mayo and ketchup, or just add a touch of Dijon mustard for a similar flavor.

5. Gluten-Free Option

• Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
• Serve with gluten-free bread or crackers instead of rye croutons.

6. Dairy-Free or Lighter Version

• Replace whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Swiss cheese.
• Skip the Thousand Island dressing or use a dairy-free alternative.

Variations

1. Low-Carb Reuben Soup

• Skip the flour and use cream cheese to thicken.
• Serve with toasted keto bread or cloud bread instead of rye croutons.

2. Spicy Reuben Soup

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or 1-2 teaspoons of horseradish for extra heat.
• Drizzle with hot honey or top with spicy mustard for a bold finish.

3. Extra Hearty Reuben Chowder

• Stir in cubed potatoes or cooked rice for a chunkier, more filling version.
• Add cooked egg noodles for a Reuben pasta soup!

4. Vegetarian Reuben Soup

• Use mushrooms or jackfruit instead of corned beef.
• Replace beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Add extra sauerkraut and cheese for bold flavor.

5. Reuben Slow Cooker Soup

• Add all ingredients except cheese and dressing to a slow cooker.
• Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
• Stir in cheese and dressing 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures that your Creamy Reuben Soup stays fresh and delicious for days. Whether you’re making it ahead or saving leftovers, follow these guidelines for the best results.

Short-Term Storage (Up to 4 Days in the Refrigerator)

• Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the soup to an airtight container to prevent absorbing fridge odors.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop (Best Method): Reheat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
• Microwave (Quick Method): Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent curdling.

Freezing (Up to 2 Months – With Caution)

• Can I freeze it? Yes, but the dairy in the soup may separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze, consider:
  • Leaving out the milk, cream, and cheese before freezing and adding them when reheating.
  • Freezing in individual portions for easier reheating.
• How to Freeze:
  1. Let the soup cool completely.
  2. Pour into freezer-safe airtight containers or zip-top bags.
  3. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.

Thawing & Reheating Frozen Soup

• Thaw Overnight: Transfer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
• Reheat Gently: Warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. If the texture separates, whisk in a little warmed milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Best for Meal Prep: Make the soup base ahead of time (without the dairy) and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat and stir in the milk, cream, and cheese for a fresh, creamy texture.
• Crouton Storage: If making rye bread croutons, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned corned beef?

Yes! Canned corned beef works, but fresh or deli-style gives a better texture.

2. How do I make this soup less salty?

Rinse the sauerkraut and use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.

3. Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker on LOW for 4-5 hours. Stir in cheese and dressing at the end.

4. Can I add potatoes?

Absolutely! Add diced potatoes when adding the broth for a heartier soup.

Conclusion

This Creamy Reuben Soup is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and packed with the iconic flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich. Whether you’re using up leftover corned beef or just craving something indulgent, this soup is a must-try!

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