There’s something warm and comforting about a bowl of soup, especially when it brings a unique twist to a classic dish. As I slaved away in the kitchen, trying to think of a new way to enjoy the traditional Reuben sandwich, a lightbulb flickered: why not turn it into a creamy, dreamy soup? Thus, the Creamy Reuben Soup was born! Each spoonful is a luscious blend of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
What Makes This So Good
- Creamy Texture: The heavy cream gives the soup a rich, velvety texture.
- Flavorful Depth: The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese delivers a delightful umami punch.
- Customizable: You can make it your own with various swaps and adjustments based on dietary needs or ingredient availability.
Ingredients
To make this comforting Creamy Reuben Soup, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 pound (227g) corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rye bread croutons for garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Smart Swaps:
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream for a lighter option with added protein.
- Try plant-based cheese to make it dairy-free.
Sourcing Tips:
- Look for fresh, high-quality corned beef from your local deli or butcher for the best flavor.
- Choose sauerkraut from the refrigerated section for the best crunch and taste.
Directions
- In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Watch it sizzle!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the 1/4 cup flour to form a roux, cooking for an additional 2 minutes it should turn a light golden color.
- Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer. You’ll notice it start to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing well.
- Add the chopped corned beef and drained sauerkraut to the pot, stirring until well combined.
- Mix in 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese and 1/4 cup of Russian dressing, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy it should be thick and luscious.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Simmer the soup for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. It’s time to savor that aroma!
- Serve hot, garnished with rye bread croutons and chopped parsley for that perfect finishing touch.
Pro Tips:
- Make-Ahead: This soup freezes beautifully. Just store in an airtight container and reheat on the stovetop.
- Transport: If bringing to a gathering, keep it in a slow cooker on low.
- Re-Crisping: If you want to re-crisp your croutons, pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Kicked-Up Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Meatless Marvel: Use mushrooms in place of corned beef for a delicious vegetarian treat.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Creamy Reuben Soup with a side of crusty rye bread for dipping, or enjoy it with a light salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheat
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use leftover corned beef for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover corned beef works wonderfully and adds extra flavor.How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip the corned beef.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Creamy Reuben Soup!
Print
Creamy Reuben Soup
A comforting twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, this creamy soup blends corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese into a delightful bowl of warmth.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 pound (227g) corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rye bread croutons for garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the chopped corned beef and drained sauerkraut, mixing until well combined.
- Mix in the shredded Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with rye bread croutons and chopped parsley.
Notes
This soup can be made ahead and freezes well. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
