Craving the classic Reuben sandwich flavors but want something warm and comforting? This creamy reuben soup transforms the iconic sandwich into a delightful, easy-to-make soup. It’s the perfect way to enjoy corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in a new and delicious way. Packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying, this soup is bound to become a new family favorite!
What is Creamy Reuben Soup?
Creamy Reuben Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that takes all the best elements of a classic Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a comforting, bowl-friendly version. Think of it as deconstructing the Reuben: you get the savory corned beef, the tangy sauerkraut, the rich Swiss cheese, and that delectable Thousand Island dressing tang, all swirled together in a creamy, warming broth.
It’s surprisingly easy to make and can be ready in under an hour. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. If you love Reubens, you’re going to adore this soup! Why not give it a try and experience the Reuben flavors in a totally new way?
Key Ingredients for Creamy Reuben Soup:
- Corned Beef: 1 pound, cooked and diced. Deli-style corned beef works great for convenience, or you can cook your own!
- Sauerkraut: 1 (14-ounce) can, drained and rinsed. Rinsing helps mellow the sourness, but if you prefer a stronger flavor, skip this step.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onions will work.
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped. Adds a subtle savory note.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Essential for depth of flavor.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the vegetables.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons. To thicken the soup.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups. Adds richness and body.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. For that signature creaminess.
- Swiss Cheese: 4 ounces, shredded. Use good quality Swiss cheese for best flavor.
- Thousand Island Dressing: 1/2 cup. Balances the richness and adds the characteristic Reuben tang.
- Caraway Seeds: 1 teaspoon. Optional, but adds a traditional Reuben flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Adjust to your liking.
- Olive oil: 1 tbs.
How to Make Creamy Reuben Soup:
This creamy reuben soup is a breeze to make, bringing you all the comfort of a Reuben sandwich in a bowl in just about 45 minutes! It starts with a simple sauté of vegetables, followed by a creamy base, and culminates in the addition of all those classic Reuben flavors like corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Believe me, you’re going to love how easy it is!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, cooking the flour and creating a roux. This thickens the soup.
- Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add the Ingredients: Stir in the cooked corned beef and drained sauerkraut. If using, add the caraway seeds. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Do not boil!
- Stir in Thousand Island Dressing: Stir in Thousand Island dressing.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish (Optional): Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded Swiss cheese, a swirl of Thousand Island dressing, or chopped fresh parsley. Rye croutons also make a great topping!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Reuben Soup:
This Creamy Reuben Soup is a total winner because it perfectly captures the tangy and savory flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a comforting, warm bowl. The main highlight is definitely the creamy texture, which transforms it from a simple soup into something truly indulgent. Making it at home is also a huge cost-saver. Buying individual ingredients like corned beef and sauerkraut is far more economical than ordering a Reuben sandwich at a restaurant. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to your liking! The flavorful combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing creates a truly unforgettable taste experience.
If you enjoy comfort food soups, you might also like to try a creamy tomato soup or a hearty potato soup. But trust me, this Creamy Reuben Soup stands out with its unique and delicious flavor profile. Try making your own today.
What to Serve Creamy Reuben Soup With:
Creamy Reuben Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs well with several complementary dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Rye Bread or Crackers: For dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Pretzel Rolls: The slightly sweet and salty flavor of pretzel rolls complements the savory flavors of the soup.
- A side of roasted vegetables: Such as asparagus or carrots.
- A Crisp Apple Salad: For a refreshing contrast in flavors and textures.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Reuben Soup:
- Rinse the Sauerkraut: Don’t skip rinsing the sauerkraut unless you prefer a very strong, tangy flavor. Rinsing mellows the flavor and prevents the soup from becoming too sour.
- Use Good Quality Corned Beef: The quality of the corned beef will significantly impact the flavor of the soup. If possible, opt for high-quality deli-style corned beef or cook your own.
- Don’t Boil After Adding Cream: Boiling the soup after adding heavy cream can cause it to curdle. Keep the heat low and simmer gently.
- Adjust the Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add a little more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow it to thicken.
- Spice it Up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be made a day or two in advance. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the Amount of Thousand Island Dressing: Start with 1/2 cup and add more to taste.
5 Facts about Creamy Reuben Soup:
- Inspired by a Sandwich: Obviously! The soup is a direct adaptation of the flavors found in a classic Reuben sandwich.
- Great Way to Use Leftovers: It’s a fantastic way to use leftover corned beef after St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion.
- Highly Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more sauerkraut for extra tang, or more Swiss cheese for extra richness.
- A Comfort Food Classic: It’s warm, creamy, and satisfying – perfect for a chilly day.
- Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavor, this soup is relatively simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Freezing: While it can be frozen, the creamy texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
Creamy Reuben Soup is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. From the tangy sauerkraut to the savory corned beef, every spoonful is a taste of Reuben heaven. So, grab your soup bowls and get ready to enjoy this comforting and delicious soup!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Creamy Reuben Soup FAQs:
- Can I use a slow cooker? Yes! Sauté the vegetables and create the roux as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Can I make it dairy-free? You can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. For the cheese, use a dairy-free Swiss cheese substitute.
- Can I use turkey instead of corned beef? While it won’t be a traditional Reuben flavor, smoked turkey can be a good substitution.
- Can I add rye croutons? Absolutely! Rye croutons are a great topping for this soup. You can buy them pre-made or make your own by toasting cubes of rye bread.
- What if I don’t have Thousand Island dressing? You can use a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Or Russian dressing is often an adequete substitute.