Warm up with this Creamy Reuben Soup, a cozy twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. This comforting soup is loaded with corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and topped with crispy rye croutons. It’s perfect for a chilly day and brings all the flavors of the iconic sandwich into a deliciously creamy bowl. A savory, tangy, and creamy delight that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 ribs celery, chopped into ¼-inch pieces

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 4½ cups chicken broth

• 1 lb deli-sliced corned beef, chopped or shredded

• 1 (14 oz) can sauerkraut, thoroughly drained

• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds

• ½ cup Thousand Island dressing

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided

• 2 slices rye bread, cubed into ½-inch pieces

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare Croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss rye bread cubes with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a light golden paste.

4. Build Soup Base: Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Add corned beef, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, Thousand Island dressing, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the celery is tender.

6. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Discard bay leaves. Stir in heavy cream and 1½ cups of Swiss cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the remaining Swiss cheese, rye croutons, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 350-400 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 25-30g

• Fat: 20-25g

• Protein: 20-25g

• Fiber: 3-4g

This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for those looking to enjoy the bold flavors of a Reuben in a cozy, warming bowl!

Why Try Creamy Reuben Soup?

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Reuben sandwich, you know how the combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing creates a rich, bold flavor profile. Creamy Reuben soup takes these classic ingredients and elevates them to the next level, transforming the sandwich into a creamy, savory delight. The soup is not only delicious but also incredibly comforting, making it perfect for a chilly day when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

What makes this soup even better is the ability to customize it to your taste. You can adjust the level of creaminess, tanginess, and richness based on your preferences. The addition of rye croutons brings a crunch that mimics the texture of the toasted bread of the sandwich, adding another layer of flavor and texture to the soup. It’s a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory with every spoonful.

Key Ingredients in Creamy Reuben Soup

Several key ingredients come together to make Creamy Reuben soup a flavorful and comforting dish. At its base is the corned beef, which provides a rich, savory flavor and tenderness after simmering in the broth. Sauerkraut, a signature ingredient in a Reuben sandwich, brings a tangy, slightly sour note that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. Caraway seeds are another signature element of the Reuben, giving the soup a distinct, slightly nutty flavor.

Thousand Island dressing adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that complements the savory ingredients beautifully. To round out the flavor, the soup is made with a rich chicken broth base, then finished off with heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese, creating a luscious, creamy texture. And, of course, rye croutons are the perfect garnish, giving the soup that crispy element that’s reminiscent of the toasted bread from the original sandwich.

The Comforting Nature of Creamy Reuben Soup

Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and Creamy Reuben soup takes that concept to a whole new level. Its rich, velvety texture and bold flavors make it incredibly satisfying. The soup provides warmth and heartiness, perfect for those times when you want something both filling and comforting. The combination of creamy broth, tender corned beef, and melted Swiss cheese creates a soul-warming experience that will leave you craving more.

There’s also something about the combination of tangy and savory elements in this soup that just works. The sharpness of the sauerkraut and the creaminess of the soup balance each other out, making every bite exciting and flavorful. The subtle heat from the caraway seeds enhances the complexity of the soup, making it a well-rounded and unforgettable dish.

How to Serve Creamy Reuben Soup

Creamy Reuben soup can be served as a stand-alone meal or paired with a variety of sides for a more complete meal. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great choice to cut through the richness of the soup. A side of pickles, which are often served with Reuben sandwiches, can also complement the soup perfectly by adding an extra layer of acidity.

For a heartier meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. The warm, toasted bread will mimic the classic Reuben sandwich and add another comforting element to the meal. This soup is also a great option for entertaining, as it can easily be made in large batches and served in individual bowls for a cozy gathering.

Customizing the Soup to Your Taste

One of the best parts about Creamy Reuben soup is how easily it can be adjusted to suit your preferences. If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for an extra kick. If you’re a fan of extra creaminess, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a bit more cheese for a thicker, richer texture.

For those who want to reduce the richness of the soup, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with a lower-fat version or use half-and-half instead. If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, you can swap it for a different pickled vegetable to keep the tangy, sour element but with a different flavor profile.

Additionally, for those looking to make the soup a bit healthier, you could opt for a leaner cut of corned beef, or even try turkey corned beef for a lighter option. As with most soups, Creamy Reuben soup is highly adaptable and can be tailored to fit your dietary preferences.

Why This Soup is Perfect for Chilly Days

Creamy Reuben soup is the ideal dish for cold weather. Whether you’re warming up after a brisk walk on a chilly afternoon or sitting down to a comforting dinner after a long day, this soup has a way of wrapping you in warmth with its creamy texture and rich flavors. The blend of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese is incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food for when the temperature drops.

The addition of crispy rye croutons not only adds a delightful texture but also enhances the overall flavor experience, reminding you of the traditional Reuben sandwich. This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it can also serve as a starter for a larger dinner, especially on a cold winter evening.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make Creamy Reuben Soup

Creamy Reuben soup is a delicious, comforting dish that brings all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into a warm, creamy bowl. It’s perfect for chilly days, offering the rich, savory flavors you love, combined with a creamy texture and crispy croutons that elevate the dish to a whole new level. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for yourself or looking to serve something unique at your next gathering, this soup is sure to satisfy. It’s simple to make, versatile, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. So, the next time you’re craving a Reuben sandwich, skip the bread and dive into this hearty, comforting soup instead!