Welcome to my kitchen, where comfort meets flavor in the most satisfying way! If you've ever craved the classic taste of a Reuben sandwich but wanted something warm and comforting, this reuben soup recipe is about to become your new obsession. I've been perfecting this reuben soup for years, and let me tell you, it captures every single flavor you love about the iconic sandwich in a creamy, soul-warming bowl.
This reuben soup brings together tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and that signature Thousand Island flavor in a rich, velvety base that'll have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this reuben soup, you'll understand why it's become my family's go-to comfort food during chilly evenings and lazy weekends.
Background & Why This Reuben Soup Recipe Stands Out
The beauty of this reuben soup lies in its ability to transform the beloved deli sandwich into a hearty, spoon-worthy meal that satisfies on every level. Unlike other soup recipes that compromise on flavor, this reuben soup maintains all the authentic tastes you expect while adding the comfort factor that only a warm bowl of soup can provide. I've tested countless variations, and this version strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and those bold, tangy flavors that make Reubens so irresistible.
What makes this reuben soup truly special is how it manages to be both elegant enough for entertaining and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The secret is in the layering of flavors and the careful timing of when each ingredient gets added. This reuben soup recipe has been my family's request for Sunday dinners, and I've lost count of how many friends have asked me to share the recipe after just one spoonful.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Deli corned beef, chopped
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Sauerkraut, drained
- Swiss cheese, shredded
- Thousand Island dressing
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
Aromatics & Seasonings
- Yellow onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Bay leaves
- Caraway seeds
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Smoked paprika
For Serving
- Rye bread croutons
- Extra Swiss cheese for topping
- Fresh dill for garnish
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted and foamy
- Add diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent
- Stir in minced garlic and caraway seeds, cooking for another minute until fragrant
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux
Step 2: Create the Creamy Foundation
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, making sure to eliminate any lumps from the flour
- Add bay leaves and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
- Pour in heavy cream slowly while stirring to prevent curdling
- Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika
Step 3: Add the Star Ingredients
- Stir in chopped corned beef and let simmer for 10 minutes
- Add drained sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add Swiss cheese, stirring until melted
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
Step 4: Final Touches and Serving
- Remove bay leaves and let the soup rest for 5 minutes to thicken
- Ladle into bowls and top with rye bread croutons
- Sprinkle extra Swiss cheese and fresh dill on top
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy
Expert Cooking Tips
Temperature Control is Key Keep your heat at medium-low when adding the cheese to prevent the reuben soup from becoming grainy. High heat will cause the dairy to separate, ruining that perfect creamy texture we're after.
Choose Quality Corned Beef
- Use deli-quality corned beef for the best flavor and texture
- Leftover homemade corned beef works wonderfully too
- Avoid overly salty varieties that might overpower the soup
Sauerkraut Selection
- Drain but don't rinse the sauerkraut to maintain its tangy flavor
- For milder taste, rinse lightly with cold water
- Fresh sauerkraut from the refrigerated section tastes better than canned
Cheese Melting Success
- Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese rather than pre-shredded
- Add cheese gradually while stirring constantly
- If the soup gets too thick, thin with warm broth
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
Keto-Friendly Version Replace flour with cream cheese for thickening, and use full-fat ingredients throughout. This creates a rich, low-carb reuben soup that fits perfectly into ketogenic meal plans.
Lighter Option
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
- Use reduced-fat Swiss cheese
- Add extra vegetables like celery and carrots for bulk
Protein Alternatives
Pastrami Twist: Swap corned beef for pastrami to create a slightly smokier flavor profile. The spices in pastrami add an extra layer of complexity to the soup.
Turkey Option: Use sliced deli turkey for a lighter protein that still maintains the deli sandwich feel.
Cooking Method Variations
Slow Cooker Version
- Sauté aromatics first, then transfer to slow cooker
- Add remaining ingredients except cheese
- Cook on low 4-6 hours, add cheese in final 30 minutes
Instant Pot Method
- Use sauté function for base, then pressure cook 10 minutes
- Natural release, then stir in cheese using keep warm function
Equipment Recommendations
Essential Equipment A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works best for this reuben soup because it distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching. The thick base helps maintain consistent temperature when melting cheese.
Helpful Tools
- Immersion blender for smoother texture if desired
- Fine-mesh strainer for perfectly smooth roux
- Ladle with pour spout for clean serving
- Sharp chef's knife for uniform corned beef pieces
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store leftover reuben soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently
- Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much
- Never microwave at full power; use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds
Freezing Instructions
While this soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, dairy-based soups sometimes separate when thawed. To minimize this:
- Cool completely before freezing
- Leave room for expansion in containers
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
- Whisk vigorously when reheating to recombine
Make-Ahead Strategy
Prepare the base (everything except cheese) up to 2 days ahead. When ready to serve, reheat and add cheese gradually. This method ensures the perfect texture every time.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret that transforms ordinary reuben soup into something extraordinary: add a tablespoon of pickle juice to the finished soup. My grandmother discovered this trick by accident when she was cleaning up pickle jars, and it adds that perfect acidic brightness that makes the flavors pop. The pickle juice enhances the tangy sauerkraut and creates a more authentic Reuben flavor profile.
The second secret involves the roux technique. Instead of just making a basic flour and butter roux, toast the flour for an extra minute until it's lightly golden. This creates a nutty depth that complements the reuben soup beautifully and prevents that raw flour taste that can sometimes linger in cream soups.
FAQ
What makes a great Reuben?
A great Reuben combines quality corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. In reuben soup form, these same elements create the perfect flavor balance in a comforting bowl.
Do reubens have Thousand Island or Russian dressing?
Traditional Reubens use either Thousand Island or Russian dressing, though Thousand Island is more common. This reuben soup uses Thousand Island for its sweeter, more complex flavor that works beautifully in soup form.
Should a Reuben have pastrami or corned beef?
Classic Reubens use corned beef, while pastrami creates a "Rachel" sandwich variation. This reuben soup traditionally uses corned beef, but pastrami works wonderfully for a smokier flavor profile.
What pairs well with a Reuben sandwich?
Reuben sandwiches pair perfectly with pickle spears, potato chips, and coleslaw. Similarly, reuben soup goes great with rye bread, dill pickles, and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Comfort Food Perfection: Your New Favorite Bowl
This reuben soup represents everything I love about comfort cooking; it takes familiar flavors and transforms them into something even more satisfying. Every spoonful delivers that perfect combination of creamy richness, tangy sauerkraut, and savory corned beef that makes this reuben soup absolutely irresistible. Whether you're cooking for family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe never fails to deliver warmth and satisfaction.
The beauty of mastering this reuben soup lies in its versatility and the way it brings people together around the table. I encourage you to try the Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad Recipe as a fresh side dish, or start your morning with the Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs Recipe for a complete comfort food experience that spans from breakfast to dinner.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Ashley Johnson
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Pairing
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