The Ultimate Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe: Comfort Food Perfection

Creamy Reuben Soup transforms the beloved deli sandwich into a soul-warming bowl of pure comfort. Last winter, when snow blanketed my neighborhood and the world felt impossibly quiet, I found myself craving something that could capture the essence of my favorite sandwich in liquid form.

What started as a kitchen experiment quickly became my family’s most requested recipe – a rich, indulgent soup that delivers all the classic Reuben flavors in every spoonful.

There’s something magical about how the tangy sauerkraut mingles with tender corned beef, while Swiss cheese melts into silky perfection. This isn’t just soup; it’s a warm hug on a cold day, a conversation starter at dinner parties, and the perfect solution when you’re torn between wanting a sandwich and craving something more substantial.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Reuben soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it solved my biggest weeknight dinner dilemma. You know that feeling when you want something impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a Tuesday evening? This soup delivers both. The first time I served it to my skeptical teenage nephew – who claimed he “didn’t do soup” – he went back for thirds and asked me to text the recipe to his mom.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its forgiving nature. Unlike temperamental cream soups that can curdle or separate, this beauty comes together reliably every time. The Russian dressing adds that signature Reuben tang, while the rye bread croutons provide the perfect textural contrast. Explore more trending comfort food recipes here for additional crowd-pleasing dinner ideas.

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this restaurant-quality soup in your own kitchen:

The beauty of this ingredient list lies in its accessibility – most items are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store. Find more quick weeknight dinner solutions here for busy families looking to create memorable meals without the stress.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients (5 minutes)
Start by chopping your corned beef into bite-sized pieces and draining your sauerkraut thoroughly. This prep work makes the cooking process seamless and ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your Creamy Reuben Soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (5 minutes)
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Roux (3 minutes)
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes. This creates a golden roux that will thicken your soup and eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build the Base (8 minutes)
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the soup begins to thicken.

Step 5: Add the Reuben Elements (5 minutes)
Stir in the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Let these signature flavors meld together for 3-4 minutes over medium-low heat.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese (5 minutes)
Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add Swiss cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Exact Timing to Make Creamy Reuben Soup

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Cooking Time: 21 minutes
• Hands-off Time: 5 minutes (during simmering phases)

This efficient timeline makes Creamy Reuben Soup perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of this comforting soup helps you make informed decisions about portion sizes and dietary planning.

Nutritional data based on USDA food composition database. Values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

The high protein content from corned beef and Swiss cheese makes this soup surprisingly filling, while the calcium contributes to bone health. The sodium content reflects the naturally salty components like corned beef and sauerkraut.

Healthier Alternatives

Making Creamy Reuben Soup more nutritious doesn’t mean sacrificing the beloved flavors. These thoughtful substitutions maintain the soup’s signature taste while boosting its nutritional profile.

Explore more indulgent treats here to complete your comfort food experience while maintaining balance in your meal planning.

For those following specific dietary plans, you can easily adapt this recipe: use cashew cream for dairy-free versions, substitute turkey or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian options, or reduce the cream entirely for lower-calorie variations.

Serving Suggestions

Artisan Bread Pairings
Serve your Creamy Reuben Soup alongside thick slices of toasted marble rye or pumpernickel bread. The hearty bread not only complements the soup’s rich flavors but also provides the perfect vessel for sopping up every last drop.

Fresh Salad Balance
Counter the soup’s richness with a crisp, acidic salad featuring mixed greens, pickled vegetables, and a light vinaigrette. This combination creates a well-rounded meal that satisfies without overwhelming your palate.

Garnish Game-Changers
Elevate presentation with homemade rye croutons, a dollop of sour cream, fresh dill, or even crispy fried onions. These finishing touches transform a simple bowl of soup into a restaurant-worthy experience that guests will remember.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating the Cream
The biggest mistake when making Creamy Reuben Soup is adding cream to boiling soup, which causes curdling and separation. Always reduce heat to low before incorporating cream, and stir constantly to maintain that silky smooth texture.

Skipping the Sauerkraut Drain
Failing to properly drain sauerkraut releases excess liquid that dilutes the soup’s flavor and creates an unpleasant watery consistency. Press the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh strainer and pat dry with paper towels for best results.

Adding Cheese Too Quickly
Dumping all the Swiss cheese at once creates lumpy, stringy results instead of smooth integration. Add cheese gradually while stirring constantly over low heat, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover Creamy Reuben Soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve overnight as the ingredients continue to meld, making leftovers even more delicious than the original serving.

Freezing Considerations
While this soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, the cream base may separate slightly upon thawing. Reheat gently while whisking constantly, or blend briefly with an immersion blender to restore the smooth consistency.

Reheating Best Practices
Reheat portions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup seems too thick after storage, as it naturally thickens when chilled.

FAQs

Creamy Reuben Soup

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• Author: julia
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Reuben Soup turns the iconic deli sandwich into a rich, cozy comfort meal. Filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and tangy Russian dressing, it’s perfect for recipes for dinner, recipes soup, and recipes comfort food lovers who crave hearty homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 pound corned beef, chopped
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Rye bread croutons, for garnish
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Chop corned beef into bite-sized pieces and drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prepare your ingredients.
2. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Stir and cook 3–4 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
6. Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add Swiss cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with rye croutons and chopped parsley.

Notes

For extra Reuben flavor, stir in a spoonful of horseradish or a splash of pickle brine. This soup reheats beautifully and pairs perfectly with crusty rye bread or a small green salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 21 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: creamy reuben soup, recipes for dinner, recipes soup, recipes comfort food, recipes using corned beef