Imagine wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket while enjoying a warm, cheesy, and flavorful bowl of Reuben Soup. Inspired by the iconic Reuben sandwich, this soup combines tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy broth, and melted Swiss cheese into one comforting dish. Every spoonful brings the perfect balance of savory, salty, and tangy flavors, making it an ideal meal for those chilly days. What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and heartiness. Whether you’re a long-time Reuben lover or just looking for a new comforting soup to add to your repertoire, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Serve it with a side of toasted rye bread for that authentic Reuben experience, and you’ll have a dish that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced into ½” pieces
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 40 ounces (5 cups) chicken broth
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½” pieces (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon pickling spices
- ¼ teaspoon caraway seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- Toasted rye bread for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté for another minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the potatoes, sauerkraut, Worcestershire sauce, pickling spices, caraway seeds, and bay leaves.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove from heat. Discard bay leaves and any large pieces of pickling spices.
- Stir in the heavy cream and add the corned beef. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with shredded Swiss cheese, and serve with toasted rye bread. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 287 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Origins of Reuben Soup
While the Reuben sandwich is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, its soup variation is a modern comfort food innovation. The sandwich itself has debated origins some say it was invented in Omaha, Nebraska, while others credit a New York deli. Regardless of where it came from, the combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and rye bread has become an American deli staple.
Reuben Soup takes these core ingredients and transforms them into a creamy, one-pot meal that delivers all the familiar flavors in a new and exciting way. The result is a warm, slightly tangy, and ultra-satisfying soup that fans of the sandwich (and soup lovers alike) can’t resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why Reuben Soup has become a favorite among home cooks and food lovers. Here are just a few:
- Comforting and Cozy – This soup is the perfect cold-weather meal, bringing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- Full of Flavor – From the savory corned beef to the tangy sauerkraut and the creamy broth, each spoonful is packed with delicious, well-balanced flavors.
- Easy to Make – It’s a one-pot dish that requires simple ingredients and can be made in under an hour.
- Great for Leftovers – The flavors develop even more over time, making it an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
- A Fun Twist on a Classic – If you love Reuben sandwiches, this soup is a creative way to enjoy all the same flavors in a new form.
Key Ingredients That Make It Special
The magic of Reuben Soup lies in the combination of a few core ingredients that give it its signature taste:
- Corned Beef – This is the star protein of the soup, providing a savory, salty, and slightly briny taste. You can use store-bought cooked corned beef or make your own from scratch.
- Sauerkraut – The tangy, fermented flavor of sauerkraut adds a distinctive sour note that perfectly balances the richness of the soup.
- Swiss Cheese – Melting Swiss cheese into the soup gives it a creamy, nutty depth that makes it extra comforting.
- Rye Bread – Many versions of this soup serve it with toasted rye bread croutons or on the side to complete the traditional Reuben flavor.
- Creamy Broth – The base of the soup is made with chicken broth and heavy cream, which creates a rich, velvety texture that ties all the ingredients together.
- Seasonings and Spices – Caraway seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and pickling spices give the soup its classic deli-inspired depth of flavor.
How to Customize This Soup
One of the best things about Reuben Soup is its versatility. You can adjust the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Make It Lighter – Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie version.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace the corned beef with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spice It Up – Add a dash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard for extra heat and tang.
- Gluten-Free Alternative – Serve the soup with gluten-free rye crackers or bread.
Serving Suggestions
Reuben Soup is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple serving ideas:
- Rye Bread Croutons – Cube and toast some rye bread with a bit of butter for crunchy croutons to sprinkle on top.
- Extra Cheese – A sprinkle of grated Swiss or Gruyère cheese on top makes it even more indulgent.
- Fresh Herbs – A little bit of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds color and freshness.
- Classic Pairings – Serve the soup with a side of pickles or a light salad for contrast.
The Perfect Occasions for Reuben Soup
This dish is great for a variety of occasions:
- Weeknight Dinners – Since it’s easy to make, this soup is a great go-to meal for busy evenings.
- Holiday Celebrations – It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, especially if you have leftover corned beef.
- Game Day Gatherings – A big pot of Reuben Soup is a fantastic way to feed a crowd at football parties or casual get-togethers.
- Meal Prep and Leftovers – Since the flavors get even better after a day or two, this soup is great for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Conclusion:
If you love comfort food with bold flavors, Reuben Soup is a must-try. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that combines the best parts of a Reuben sandwich into a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a festive St. Patrick’s Day meal, this soup is sure to be a hit.
The balance of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors makes every bite satisfying, while the simple preparation means you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. So next time you’re craving something warm and comforting, give Reuben Soup a try you won’t be disappointed!
