If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and downright irresistible, this Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine all the iconic flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich—tangy sauerkraut, tender corned beef, melty Swiss cheese—transformed into a luscious, comforting soup that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. It’s creamy, savory, and has just the right zing from Dijon mustard and caraway seeds to keep every spoonful exciting. Whether you’re meal prepping or simply looking for a hearty lunch or dinner, this soup brings deli favorites into a warm bowl that’s perfect any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building flavor and texture, from the smooth richness of half-and-half to the sharp bite of sauerkraut. Get ready to gather these essentials that transform humble pantry staples into something special.
- Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully, creating the perfect base to sauté aromatics without overpowering other flavors.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, offering a subtle background note.
- Garlic clove, minced: Brings a warm, savory punch that elevates the soup’s savory profile.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup, giving it that irresistibly creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that balances richness and adds a light meaty essence.
- Half-and-half: Adds luscious creaminess without being too heavy.
- Sauerkraut, drained: Brings tanginess and a touch of crunch, signature to any Reuben flavor.
- Cooked corned beef, chopped: The star protein, tender and flavorful, making every bite hearty.
- Swiss cheese, shredded: Melts into the soup, adding nutty, creamy goodness.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle zing and sharpness that brightens the whole bowl.
- Caraway seeds (optional): Infuse an aromatic hint reminiscent of classic rye bread.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
- Rye bread croutons: Crispy topping that adds texture and that quintessential Reuben crunch.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and fresh herbal note for garnish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting unsalted butter over medium heat in a large pot. Then add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This simple step is where your soup’s delicious foundation is built, as the softened veggies release their natural sweetness and flavor.
Step 2: Make the Base
Next, stir in the all-purpose flour and cook it for a minute, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. This is crucial because it’s what will thicken your soup to that perfect creamy consistency. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to keep it lump-free. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly—this is when those flavors start coming together beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Elements
Lower the heat and add the half-and-half, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds if you’re using them. These ingredients lend the soup its rich creaminess and that classic tangy kick you expect from any stellar Reuben-inspired dish. Let the soup simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors meld into a harmonious blend.
Step 4: Incorporate the Reuben Essentials
Now it’s time for the magic—the sauerkraut, chopped corned beef, and shredded Swiss cheese go straight into the pot. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the soup is irresistibly creamy. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This step turns your soup from just good to absolutely crave-worthy.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and don’t forget the best part: topping each serving with crispy rye bread croutons for texture. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely herbal brightness and stunning presentation. Now, dig in and enjoy the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a warm, comforting soup bowl.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings elevate this soup from everyday to extraordinary. Crisp rye bread croutons offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base. Fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness, balancing the rich and tangy flavors to keep each bite lively.
Side Dishes
This soup is a hearty meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light side salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve with extra rye bread or a dill pickle to echo the Reuben flavors and add more texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out rye rolls for extra bread-love. You can also layer some shredded Swiss and corned beef on top before adding the croutons for an elevated, almost open-faced Reuben soup experience that will impress family and guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the flavors from mingling with other foods. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat gently on the stove.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but because of the dairy content, it’s best to do so with a little care. Freeze in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. When thawed, the soup might separate slightly, so stirring well during reheating helps bring it back to its creamy glory.
Reheating
Reheat slowly over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to help the cheese fully reincorporate. Adding a splash of half-and-half or broth can revive the creamy texture if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving too harshly, as this may cause curdling.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
While the classic Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe relies on corned beef and chicken broth, you can swap the broth for vegetable stock and use smoked tofu or tempeh as a substitute for the meat. Keep the sauerkraut and Swiss cheese for that authentic flavor.
Is caraway seed necessary?
Caraway seeds add a distinct aroma reminiscent of rye bread and are traditional in Reuben dishes, but they’re optional. If you don’t have them on hand or prefer a milder flavor, feel free to omit them without losing much charm.
Can I use regular cream instead of half-and-half?
Absolutely. Using heavy cream will make the soup even richer and creamier. You might want to use a little less cream to avoid it becoming too heavy, but it’s a delicious alternative if you want extra indulgence.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening, and ensure the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. Double-check your rye bread croutons or opt for gluten-free croutons as a topping.
Can I prepare any part of this soup in advance?
You can chop the onions, garlic, corned beef, and shred the cheese ahead of time to speed up cooking. The soup itself is best made fresh for optimal creaminess but refrigerates well for next-day enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe is an absolute keeper—combining all the flavors you love from a classic sandwich into a bowl of comfort that’s quick and straightforward to make. Whether rainy days or busy weeknights, this soup offers warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of nostalgia. I promise it will soon become one of your go-to recipes when you want something both hearty and special. Give it a try, and enjoy every creamy, tangy spoonful!
Print
Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup captures all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a comforting, creamy soup form. It features tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a subtle hint of caraway seeds, all brought together in a smooth, cheesy broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect, hearty meal for any day.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half
Reuben Components
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 ½ cups cooked corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- Rye bread croutons (for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Make the Base: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure no lumps form. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to allow it to thicken slightly.
- Add the Creamy Elements: Reduce the heat and stir in the half-and-half, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds if using. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the soup becomes creamy.
- Incorporate the Reuben Essentials: Add the drained sauerkraut, chopped corned beef, and shredded Swiss cheese directly into the pot. Stir well until the cheese melts completely and the soup is smooth and creamy. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with crispy rye bread croutons for that classic Reuben sandwich crunch. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to prevent the soup from becoming too watery.
- Caraway seeds add an authentic Reuben flavor but can be omitted if you prefer.
- If you don’t have half-and-half, you can substitute with equal parts milk and cream for a similar richness.
- Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- Rye bread croutons can be made at home by cubing rye bread, tossing with olive oil and seasoning, then baking until crispy.
