Imagine wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of soup, the steam rising to greet your face with a rich, savory aroma. That’s the kind of comfort you get when you dive into a bowl of Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic. Each creamy spoonful is layered with the tangy bite of sauerkraut, the hearty goodness of corned beef, and the melty, delicate Swiss cheese. It’s like the classic sandwich, transformed into a soothing hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights when all you want is to nestle in and unwind.
Creamy Reuben Soup
A warm and comforting soup that features the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich, including corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, all in a creamy base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
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, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the chopped corned beef and sauerkraut, stirring until well combined.
- Mix in the shredded Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, stirring until the cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with rye bread croutons and chopped parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. This soup stores well and can be reheated without losing flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
How to Make This Creamy Reuben Soup
Creating this cozy soup is a heartwarming journey that starts in your kitchen and leads straight to your family table. Gather your ingredients and let’s immerse ourselves in the delightful transformation of simple ingredients into a bowl of comfort. The first step is to embrace the magic of cooking, where every chop, stir, and simmer brings the flavors closer together.
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. Allow the aroma of the melting butter to fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step adds a savory depth to the base of your soup.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. You’ll notice the consistency thickening, setting up a rich texture for your soup.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic begins—watch as the broth transforms into something truly comforting.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well. As you do this, take a moment to appreciate the silky texture developing.
- Add the chopped corned beef and drained sauerkraut to the pot, stirring until well combined. Each ingredient contributes to that quintessential Reuben flavor—it’s a celebration!
- Mix in the shredded Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and thick.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste—don’t be shy, this is where flavor comes alive!
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes, letting the flavors blend beautifully together. The aroma wafting through your home is sheer bliss.
- Serve hot, garnished with rye bread croutons, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you full without feeling heavy—perfect for those chilly evenings.
Serving Ideas
The best part of serving Creamy Reuben Soup is the joy it brings to family gatherings, a cozy dinner after a long day, or a delightful brunch with friends. Picture this: a rustic wooden table set with steaming bowls of soup, hearty slices of crusty bread on the side, and and maybe a crisp, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the soup. A glass of chilled white wine or iced herbal tea pairs beautifully, bringing everything together.
Storage Tips
This soup is a wonderful dish to make ahead and enjoy later. To store, simply let the leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive that velvety texture.
Pro Tips
- For added depth, try using homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand. It enhances the overall flavor.
- To take the texture up a notch, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami punch.
- If you enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick to each bowl.
- Don’t forget to toast the rye bread to make your croutons extra crunchy—this contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. It still delivers creaminess without being too indulgent.
Flavor Variations
- For a seasonal twist in the fall, try adding diced butternut squash or pumpkin for a touch of sweetness and warmth.
- In the spring, fresh herbs like dill or chives can elevate the flavor profile and introduce a refreshing element to the soup.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the corned beef for shredded chicken or turkey after holiday dinners—it’s a great way to use leftovers!
FAQs
What makes Creamy Reuben Soup a delicious twist on a classic? The transformation of the traditional sandwich ingredients into a warm, comforting soup creates a unique and delightful experience that you can’t resist.
Can I make Creamy Reuben Soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup stores beautifully, and its flavors deepen when allowed to sit, making it even more delicious the next day!
Is it possible to make Creamy Reuben Soup vegetarian? Absolutely! You can substitute the corned beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead—deliciously satisfying!
How can I customize my Creamy Reuben Soup? You can easily add your own touch by incorporating different cheeses or tossing in seasonal vegetables you have on hand.