Imagine a bowl of rich, creamy soup that wraps you in warmth like your favorite sweater on a chilly day. This Creamy Reuben Soup, brings the festive flavors of a Reuben sandwich into a comforting bowl of goodness. With its velvety texture and the mouthwatering aroma of savory corned beef and melted Swiss cheese, this delightful dish transforms any meal into a cozy gathering around the table.
Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A rich and creamy soup that combines the festive flavors of a Reuben sandwich into a comforting bowl of goodness, featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 pound corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup 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 becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the chopped corned beef and drained sauerkraut, stirring until fully combined.
- Mix in the shredded Swiss cheese and Russian dressing until the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; indulge in the taste test.
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with rye bread croutons and fresh parsley.
Notes
For deeper flavor, sauté onions and garlic until caramelized. Feel free to substitute corned beef with mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
How to Make Reuben Soup
Making this soup feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. As you gather the ingredients, take a moment to appreciate the heartiness of corned beef, the tang of sauerkraut, and the melted Swiss creating a harmony of flavors. You’ll want to savor every step, and I promise the aroma will have everyone gathering around, eager to have a taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 pound corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rye bread croutons for garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. The scent of sautéed onions will fill your kitchen.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, and feel the warmth rising.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting it turn the mixture beautifully rich.
- Add the chopped corned beef and drained sauerkraut to the pot, stirring until fully combined.
- Mix in the shredded Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, stirring until the cheese is melted and creamy, forming a delightful connection of flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; indulge in the taste test.
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with crunchy rye bread croutons and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you full without feeling heavy, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
Serving Ideas
Picture this soup as the star of a cozy family dinner, paired with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. It’s equally delightful on a crisp weekend brunch spread, served alongside fresh, crusty bread to dip. For a heartwarming evening, enjoy it while snuggled up on the couch with your favorite movie, a side of pickles, and maybe a glass of your favorite brew.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, fear not! Allow the soup to cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze some for later, it’s best to keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pro Tips
- For a deeper flavor, sauté the onions and garlic until they caramelize slightly before adding the flour.
- Try using homemade chicken broth for an even richer base.
- Let the soup sit for a bit before serving; the flavors develop beautifully as it cools slightly.
- If you love a little kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- For a crunchier topping, bake your rye bread croutons in the oven until crispy for extra texture.
Flavor Variations
- For a seasonal twist, add a sprinkle of caraway seeds to bring a touch of depth, reminiscent of traditional rye.
- In spring, fold in some fresh chopped dill to lighten up the soup.
- During fall, consider adding diced apples for a sweet crunch and a hint of autumn warmth.
FAQs
Can I use leftovers from my Reuben sandwiches to make Creamy Reuben Soup? Absolutely! Leftover corned beef and sauerkraut are perfect for this recipe, making it even easier to whip up.
Is Creamy Reuben Soup suitable for freezing? Yes! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, and it will hold up wonderfully for up to three months.
What can I serve with Creamy Reuben Soup? This soup pairs beautifully with a simple salad, crusty bread, or even a side of your favorite pickles for a tangy crunch.
Can I make this soup vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the corned beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.