Here’s a Creamy Reuben Soup recipe — rich, tangy, and packed with the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich: corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and that signature dressing, all in a comforting bowl.
🥣 Creamy Reuben Soup
⭐ Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp caraway seeds (optional, traditional Reuben flavor)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups chopped corned beef (cooked, deli-style is fine)
- 1 cup drained sauerkraut
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2–3 slices rye bread, cut into cubes or small pieces (optional, for a crouton effect)
Optional Garnish
- 2–3 tbsp Thousand Island or Russian dressing
- Chopped fresh parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté aromatics
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Make the roux
- Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Add liquids
- Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in cream and Dijon mustard.
- Add caraway seeds if using.
4. Add main ingredients
- Stir in chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Optional bread
- For a hearty soup, stir in rye bread cubes to soak up the flavors, or toast them separately and use as croutons.
6. Serve
- Ladle into bowls.
- Garnish with extra Swiss cheese, a swirl of Thousand Island dressing, and parsley if desired.
- Serve with rye toast or crusty bread.
⭐ Tips & Variations
- Extra tang: Add 1–2 tsp pickle juice for more Reuben flavor.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika.
- Cheese blend: Mix Swiss and Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
- Make ahead: Soup can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen overnight.
If you want, I can also give a one-pot creamy Reuben soup with crispy croutons baked on top, like a deconstructed Reuben casserole in a bowl.
Do you want me to do that?