There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy soup to embrace the heart and soul during colder months or on those days when you need a little extra comfort. Enter the Creamy Reuben Soup, a rich and indulgent dish inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. Imagine the perfect combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy broth that envelops each spoonful with pure delight. Whether you’re snuggling up by the fire on a chilly evening or enjoying a festive meal with friends and family, this soup is the perfect way to warm up and satisfy your cravings.
Inspired by the beloved Reuben sandwich, this soup takes all of the best flavors and transforms them into an incredibly comforting and hearty dish. Perfect for a cozy meal at home or even as part of a holiday spread, this Creamy Reuben Soup is sure to be a hit. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is the definition of comfort food, bringing together savory, creamy, and slightly tangy notes in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Reuben Soup
The Reuben sandwich is a well-known favorite, and it’s no surprise why—packed with flavor and textures, it’s a satisfying meal. But what happens when you take those same amazing ingredients and turn them into a comforting soup? Magic happens. This Creamy Reuben Soup is everything you love about the sandwich but in a warm, hearty bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any time of year. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Creamy & Comforting: The combination of heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese creates a velvety texture that will have you spooning up every drop.
- Hearty & Filling: Corned beef and sauerkraut add heartiness, making it a perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or as part of a festive spread.
- Quick & Easy: In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of this soup with minimal prep time and effort.
- Rich Flavor: With Worcestershire sauce, caraway seeds, and thyme, this soup is bursting with rich, savory flavor that feels as indulgent as it is comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Reuben Soup
To make this incredible Creamy Reuben Soup, you only need a handful of ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients List:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, providing a rich base flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Onions bring a sweet, savory element that’s perfect for flavor-building.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the depth of flavor, adding an aromatic component.
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and rinsed – Sauerkraut gives that signature tangy flavor, just like in a Reuben sandwich.
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth – The base of the soup that gives it body and depth. Beef broth enhances the richness, while vegetable broth keeps it light.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The secret to making this soup extra creamy and decadent.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds an umami kick that balances the tangy and savory flavors.
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds – A key flavor in the Reuben sandwich, bringing a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds an earthy note that pairs perfectly with the other savory ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning, enhancing the soup’s flavor profile.
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped – The star of the dish, offering a savory and tender bite in every spoonful.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese – This melty cheese brings that signature Reuben flavor while making the soup beautifully creamy.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a bit of freshness to this rich soup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Reuben Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes, or until it turns translucent and soft. The aroma will fill your kitchen, creating a great base for the soup. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. This combination of onions and garlic creates the flavorful foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Add Sauerkraut and Broth
Now it’s time to add the ingredients that give this soup its unique Reuben flavor. Stir in the sauerkraut, making sure to drain and rinse it before using to remove excess brine and salt. This will help keep the soup from becoming too sour. Then, pour in the 4 cups of broth—beef broth will give the soup a richer flavor, while vegetable broth will keep it lighter and more subtle. Add the Worcestershire sauce, caraway seeds, and dried thyme for that signature savory, earthy taste that’s iconic in a Reuben sandwich.
Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and creates the perfect base for the creamy addition to come.
Step 3: Incorporate Cream and Corned Beef
After 15 minutes, it’s time to add the richness to your soup. Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream, allowing it to blend in fully and create a silky, smooth texture. Then, add the 2 cups of chopped cooked corned beef. If you’re using leftovers from a corned beef meal, even better! This is where the heartiness of the soup comes into play. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Season
Here comes the fun part—cheese! Slowly sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, stirring as you go. The cheese will melt smoothly into the soup, thickening it up and making it wonderfully creamy. Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to bring out the best flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Once your soup is fully prepared, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This little touch makes the soup even more inviting and adds a nice contrast to the rich, creamy broth.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Reuben Soup
To make sure your Creamy Reuben Soup turns out just right, here are a few helpful tips:
- Don’t skip rinsing the sauerkraut: This helps reduce the acidity and ensures the soup isn’t too sour. If you prefer a stronger tang, you can skip the rinse.
- Adjust the cheese: Swiss cheese is classic for a Reuben, but if you prefer a sharper or milder flavor, you can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or even a mix of Swiss and cheddar.
- Use leftover corned beef: If you have leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or another meal, this is the perfect way to repurpose it. It adds flavor and makes the soup even more economical.
- Make it vegetarian: If you’re looking for a meat-free version, you can swap the corned beef for roasted mushrooms or tempeh for a hearty, satisfying substitute.
- Serve with rye bread: For an even more Reuben-inspired meal, serve the soup with slices of toasted rye bread or rye crackers on the side.
Serving Suggestions: Pair It with the Perfect Sides
While Creamy Reuben Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
- Toasted Rye Bread: It’s the classic accompaniment to a Reuben sandwich, and it’s the perfect dipper for this creamy soup.
- Crispy Potato Chips: The crunch adds a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the soup, and the salty bite is a great complement to the flavors.
- Pickles: A side of tangy dill pickles will add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the soup.
- Simple Salad: A light salad with greens, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing will help cut through the richness of the soup.
Final Thoughts: A Comforting Bowl of Reuben Love
If you love the Reuben sandwich, you’ll adore this Creamy Reuben Soup. It combines all the flavors you love—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye—into a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or any time you’re craving comfort food. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, this soup is a winner in every way.
Give it a try and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that will leave you feeling cozy and content. Share it with friends and family, and let them experience the magic of this comforting soup!