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Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

4.9 from 18 reviews

Creamy Reuben Soup is a comforting and hearty dish inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. This soup features tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and savory vegetables in a rich, creamy broth finished with Swiss cheese, making it perfect for chilly days or a satisfying meal any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots (cut into ¼ inch pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

Main Ingredients

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound deli sliced corned beef, chopped (or leftover corned beef, chopped or shredded)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can sauerkraut, very well drained
  • ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
  • ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
  • 1 large bay leaf

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter over medium-high heat in a 6-quart Dutch oven or soup pot. Add chopped onions and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently until softened.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it brown, to release its aroma.
  3. Create Roux: Slowly sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot while stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
  4. Add Broth and Main Ingredients: Gradually pour in chicken broth, then add chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, caraway seeds, Thousand Island dressing, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low or low to maintain a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
  6. Finish with Cream: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the heavy cream, and discard the bay leaf for flavor balance and extra creaminess.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded Swiss cheese to melt slightly on contact, adding richness and a classic Reuben flavor.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the corned beef and dressing.
  • Ensure sauerkraut is very well drained to avoid excess liquid diluting the soup.
  • Adjust caraway seeds to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder flavor.
  • Thousand Island dressing can be homemade or store-bought depending on your preference for freshness.
  • Serve with rye bread or crusty bread for a complete meal experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: Reuben soup, creamy corned beef soup, sauerkraut soup, Swiss cheese soup, hearty soup recipe