CREAMY REUBEN SOUP ULTIMATE

Craving that classic Reuben sandwich but in a warm, comforting bowl? Imagine the tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese all swimming in a luxuriously creamy broth. This Creamy Reuben Soup recipe delivers all those flavors you love, but in spoonable form – and I promise, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 pound corned beef, cooked and chopped
• 1 (14 ounce) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Rye bread croutons, for serving

Ingredient Notes & Swaps:

• Corned Beef: Leftover corned beef is perfect! You can also use deli corned beef.
• Sauerkraut: Be sure to rinse the sauerkraut well to mellow out the sourness. If you *really* dislike sauerkraut, you can use a smaller amount, but it’s a key flavor in a Reuben!
• Swiss Cheese: Gruyere cheese also works well.
• Beef Broth: Chicken broth can be substituted in a pinch, but beef broth provides a richer flavor.
• Dairy: For a slightly lighter soup, you can use all milk or a combination of milk and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 2: Build the Creamy Base

1. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
2. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness

1. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and heavy cream.
2. Add the Dijon mustard and caraway seeds. Stir well to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that corned beef and sauerkraut can be salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

Step 4: The Reuben Stars Arrive

1. Add the chopped corned beef and rinsed sauerkraut to the soup.
2. Stir well and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cheesy Finale!

1. Remove the pot from the heat.
2. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until it is melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Ladle the Creamy Reuben Soup into bowls.
2. Top with rye bread croutons, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Troubleshooting & Tips for Soup Success

Dealing with a Lumpy Soup:

If your soup is lumpy after adding the flour and broth, don’t panic! Use an immersion blender to smooth it out. You can also carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender (in batches!) and blend until smooth. Just be cautious when blending hot liquids.

Controlling the Saltiness:

Corned beef and sauerkraut are naturally salty, so taste as you go and adjust the salt accordingly. Rinsing the sauerkraut really well helps to reduce the saltiness.

Making it Ahead:

This Creamy Reuben Soup is even better the next day! The flavors have more time to develop. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Level Up Your Reuben Soup: Delicious Variations

Spicy Reuben Soup:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little kick. A little bit of horseradish stirred in at the end would also be a nice addition.

Reuben Soup with a Twist:

Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of umami flavor.

Deconstructed Reuben Soup:

Instead of stirring the Swiss cheese into the soup, melt it on top of rye bread slices and float them on the soup. This gives you a delicious, cheesy “crouton.”

What to Serve with Your Creamy Reuben Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich (for a truly indulgent experience!).

Other Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite soup recipes. For a comforting classic, try my Chicken Tortellini Soup. Craving something cheesy and satisfying? My Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a must-try. And for a hearty and flavorful meal, you can’t go wrong with my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. If you are looking for something creamy and cheesy, check out this Creamy Pasta Soup Heaven. Another great option for a creamy soup is this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Perfection, or maybe even this Crock Pot Potato Soup! I know you will find a new favorite!

Storing & Reheating Your Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Reuben Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

This Creamy Reuben Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and comforting ingredients, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly day or whenever you need a little bit of comfort food. So go ahead, give it a try! I know you’re going to love it.