Creamy Reuben Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, packed with all the flavors you love from a classic Reuben sandwich. Think tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and a creamy, slightly tangy broth that pulls it all together. It’s got that rich, comforting feel but in soup form, which makes it perfect for chilly days or anytime you want something cozy yet satisfying.
I love making this soup when I want something a little different but still familiar. The combination of corned beef and sauerkraut always reminds me of those special deli sandwiches, but turning it into a soup lets me savor every bite without the mess. A little tip I’ve learned: don’t skip the Swiss cheese or the bits of rye bread on top—they add an extra layer of yum that takes this soup over the top.
Serving this soup with a simple green salad or some crusty bread makes it a great meal all on its own. I often find that it’s a real crowd-pleaser because it’s hearty without being heavy, and it’s easy to whip up in one pot. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, Creamy Reuben Soup feels like a tasty, cozy choice that everyone will appreciate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef: This is the heart of the soup, giving it that classic Reuben flavor. If you can’t find corned beef, pastrami or cooked deli roast beef work as tasty alternatives.
Sauerkraut: Adds a tangy bite and texture. If you prefer milder flavor, rinse it lightly or use less. For a fresh twist, try finely chopped cabbage with a splash of vinegar.
Swiss Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds nuttiness. Gruyère makes a nice substitute if you want a richer taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which can clump instead of melting nicely.
Beef Broth: Builds a deep base flavor. Low-sodium or homemade broth is best so you can control salt levels. For a lighter version, use half broth and half water.
Heavy Cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy. For a lighter option, substitute half of the cream with milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just watch the heat to prevent curdling.
How Do You Prevent Cream and Cheese from Curdling in the Soup?
This part can be tricky! To keep your soup smooth and creamy, avoid boiling once the cream and cheese are added. Here’s what I do:
- Lower the heat to low or off the burner before adding cream.
- Gradually stir the cream in, warming it gently.
- Add shredded cheese little by little, stirring until melted.
- Keep the heat low and stir often to prevent sticking or burning.
- If the soup needs warming later, do it slowly on low heat, stirring frequently.
Taking these steps stops the dairy from separating and keeps your soup perfectly creamy every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottom pot – great for even heating and simmering all the soup ingredients without burning.
- Wooden spoon – perfect for stirring the soup gently and scraping the bottom as needed.
- Chef’s knife – sharp and handy for chopping onions, garlic, and corned beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface to prep all your veggies and meats safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you get the right amounts of broth, cream, and seasoning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap corned beef with cooked pastrami for a slightly spicier, smoky flavor twist.
- Add diced potatoes or shredded cabbage for extra texture and heartiness.
- Try using Swiss cheese mixed with Gruyère for a richer, nuttier taste.
- Include a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a hint of warmth and depth.
Creamy Reuben Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked corned beef
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a warm, comforting soup ready in about 35 minutes total. It’s a quick dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or heartiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Aromatics:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its lovely aroma.
2. Add Sauerkraut and Broth:
Stir in the sauerkraut and the optional caraway seeds, cooking everything together for 2 minutes to let the flavors combine. Next, pour in the beef broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Add Corned Beef and Mustard:
Mix in the chopped cooked corned beef and Dijon mustard. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes so the flavors blend and the meat heats through.
4. Stir in Cream and Cheese:
Lower the heat to the lowest setting and slowly add the heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy. Remember not to let the soup boil after this point as it may cause the dairy to curdle.
5. Season and Serve:
Taste your soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Scoop the creamy Reuben soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh chives, and enjoy warm! It’s perfect on chilly days or whenever you want something cozy and delicious.
Can I Use Frozen Corned Beef for This Soup?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the soup. Thaw frozen corned beef in the refrigerator overnight for best results, then chop it into pieces and add as directed.
How Can I Store Leftover Creamy Reuben Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup up to the point before adding cream and cheese, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently reheat and stir in the dairy ingredients just before serving.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Reuben Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty rye bread or a simple green salad, helping to soak up the flavorful broth and create a satisfying meal.
