Here’s a rich and comforting Creamy Reuben Soup recipe that captures all the flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a touch of Thousand Island—but in a hearty soup form.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 1/2 cups chopped corned beef (cooked)
- 1 cup drained sauerkraut, chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing (optional, adds tangy sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: extra Swiss cheese, chopped parsley, or crispy rye croutons
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Make the Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir for 1–2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth.
- Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cream and Cheese
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Swiss cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add Corned Beef and Sauerkraut
- Stir in chopped corned beef and sauerkraut. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to warm through and let flavors meld.
- Season & Finish
- Add Thousand Island dressing if using.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Serve
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Swiss cheese or parsley.
- Optional: Serve with rye croutons or toasted rye bread on the side.
Tips
- For extra tang, you can add a splash of pickle juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- You can make it lighter by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream or using less cheese.
If you want, I can also give you a shortcut 30-minute version that still tastes like a full Reuben but uses fewer steps and less cleanup.
Do you want me to make that quick version?
