Reuben Soup

A warm, comforting bowl of Reuben Soup is like a hug from the inside out, a true taste of home that brings everyone to the table. This rich, savory soup captures all the classic flavors of a beloved Reuben sandwich in an unexpected, delightful way. Much like my Cheeseburger Soup which always brings smiles, this hearty meal is sure to become a new family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings.

I remember as a little girl, my grandmother would always have a pot simmering on the stove, her kitchen filled with aromas that made your heart happy. Cooking for my family now, I still try to recreate that same magic, experimenting with familiar flavors to make something new and special.

This Reuben Soup recipe is a perfect example – it’s wonderfully hearty and incredibly comforting, making mealtime stress-free. My practical tip for any soup is to always taste and adjust seasonings at the very end; it makes all the difference!

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What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this Reuben Soup relies on a few key players like savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Swiss cheese, all coming together in a creamy broth that reminds me of how versatile soups can be, much like a hearty Lentil Soup. I love the way the onions and garlic simmer to create such a fragrant base. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below!

How to Make Reuben Soup

Making this Reuben Soup is simpler than you might think, starting with sautéing your aromatics, then building a rich beef broth base with flour before adding in your corned beef and sauerkraut. It’s a comforting process, much like preparing a classic Roasted Tomato Basil Soup from scratch. Finally, a touch of cream and Swiss cheese transforms it into a creamy, dreamy delight.

Pro Tips for Making This Reuben Soup

Getting that perfect, balanced flavor in your Reuben Soup is all about thoughtful steps. I always make sure to properly drain and squeeze the sauerkraut, as too much liquid can dilute the soup’s richness. Another tip: don’t rush the sautéing of the onions and celery; it builds a fantastic flavor foundation for the entire dish.

My Secret Trick: When adding the Swiss cheese, I always turn off the heat and stir it in gradually. This ensures a silky, smooth melt without any clumping, giving your Reuben Soup that wonderful creamy texture. And remember to taste before adding extra salt, as corned beef can be quite salty on its own.

Fun Variations for Reuben Soup

One of the joys of home cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this Reuben Soup is wonderfully adaptable! If you’re looking to change things up, try swapping the corned beef for pastrami for a slightly different smoky flavor, a twist my husband loves. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, like Gruyere, for a nuttier profile. For a lighter touch, you might even consider adding some thinly sliced cabbage with the sauerkraut, giving it a bit more texture, like how I sometimes add greens to my Tomato Tortellini Soup. My kids sometimes prefer a little less sauerkraut, so I adjust it to their liking!

What to Serve With Reuben Soup

This hearty Reuben Soup is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can truly complete the experience. I love serving it with extra toasted rye bread on the side for dipping – it’s practically essential! A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup. For an extra touch, a dollop of homemade Thousand Island dressing or a sprinkle of fresh dill makes for a delightful garnish. My practical tip: always have a little extra rye bread ready; it never lasts long with this soup!

How to Store Reuben Soup

Properly storing your leftover Reuben Soup ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. Once cooled, transfer any remaining soup to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months; just make sure to leave some headspace in the container as liquids expand when frozen. When reheating, my personal tip is to do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld beautifully again and prevents the creamy base from separating, bringing the delicious Reuben Soup back to life.

Nutritional Benefits

This Hearty Reuben Soup offers a satisfying blend of protein from the corned beef, calcium from the Swiss cheese, and beneficial probiotics from the sauerkraut. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting, balanced meal that nourishes the body, a key part of my family-friendly cooking philosophy.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Reuben Soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have fresh dill or chives for garnish?

No problem at all! While fresh herbs add a lovely touch, if you don’t have them, the Reuben Soup will still be incredibly flavorful. You can skip the garnish entirely or use a sprinkle of dried parsley instead. The main flavors come from the soup itself!

Can I use a different type of beef for this soup?

While corned beef is traditional for Reuben Soup, you could experiment with other cooked, shredded beef, like leftover pot roast, for a different twist. However, for that authentic Reuben flavor, cooked corned beef is truly the star.

How can I make this Reuben Soup spicier?

If you like a little heat in your Reuben Soup, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup base. You can also serve it with extra prepared horseradish on the side for individual servings, allowing everyone to customize their spice level.

Hearty Reuben Soup

This comforting and flavorful soup transforms the beloved Reuben sandwich into a warm, satisfying bowl. Featuring tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and a hint of rye, it's a truly unique and delicious meal.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Soup Base

• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 Medium yellow onion diced
• 2 stalks Celery diced
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Beef broth low sodium preferred
• 1 lb Cooked corned beef diced or shredded
• 1 can Sauerkraut 14 oz, very well drained and squeezed dry, roughly chopped
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 8 oz Swiss cheese shredded
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Caraway seeds
• to taste Salt
• to taste Freshly ground black pepper

For the Russian Dressing Swirl

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dill pickle finely minced
• 1 tsp Prepared horseradish
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika (optional)

For the Rye Croutons (Garnish)

• 2 slices Rye bread crusts removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter
• Optional Fresh parsley or chives chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Whisk
• Box grater
• Small Skillet
• Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for squeezing sauerkraut)

Method

 

Prepare Ingredients

• Ensure your corned beef is cooked and either diced or shredded. If using canned sauerkraut, drain it very thoroughly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible, then roughly chop it. Shred the Swiss cheese using a box grater.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, minced dill pickle, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika (if using) for the Russian dressing swirl. Set aside.
• For the rye croutons: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the rye bread cubes and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Soup Base

• Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
• Gradually whisk in the beef broth, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken.
• Add the diced/shredded corned beef, well-drained and chopped sauerkraut, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds to the pot. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Finish the Soup

• Stir in the heavy cream. Then, gradually add the shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and incorporated into the soup. Do not allow the soup to come to a rolling boil after adding the cheese, as it can separate.
• Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Corned beef and broth can be salty, so season carefully.

Serve

• Ladle the hot Reuben soup into individual bowls. Drizzle each serving with a spoonful of the prepared Russian dressing swirl. Top with a sprinkle of crispy rye croutons and fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use a good quality cooked corned beef. Leftover holiday corned beef works perfectly! If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cream and cheese, but leave some texture for heartiness. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Conclusion

I hope this Delicious Reuben Soup Recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your family as it does to mine. It’s a reminder that nourishing meals don’t have to be complicated to be utterly satisfying. This hearty and flavorful soup truly embodies my passion for practical, comforting home cooking. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let this wonderful Reuben Soup warm your kitchen and your hearts!

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