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Easy Creamy Reuben Soup – Classic Comfort Food Recipe

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Dinner

Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Sandwich 🥣🧀🍞

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Difficulty
Easy

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Prep Time
15 mins

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Cook Time
25 mins

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Total Time
40 mins

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Servings
6

This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe transforms the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich into a rich, comforting bowl of soup. Imagine tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese blended into a velvety broth with a hint of rye bread crunch. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the iconic sandwich in a warm, spoonable format that’s ideal for chilly nights or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The magic of this Reuben soup lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy base carries the signature tang of Thousand Island dressing, while the corned beef adds savory depth. Each spoonful delivers the nostalgic taste of a deli favorite with the cozy satisfaction of homemade soup. Whether you’re a Reuben enthusiast or just discovering this flavor combination, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Highlights

  • Flavor Profile: A harmonious blend of tangy, savory, and creamy notes that perfectly captures the essence of a classic Reuben sandwich.
  • Texture: Silky smooth soup base with tender chunks of corned beef and the satisfying crunch of rye bread croutons.
  • Aroma: The mouthwatering scent of melted Swiss cheese and caraway seeds will fill your kitchen as this soup simmers.
  • Visual Appeal: Golden-brown croutons floating on a creamy base dotted with pink corned beef and green sauerkraut makes for an Instagram-worthy bowl.
  • Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple techniques that yield impressive results.
  • Special Equipment: Just a standard soup pot and immersion blender (or regular blender) are all you need.

Recipe Overview

  • Difficulty Level: This Easy Creamy Reuben Soup is perfect for home cooks of all levels. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even beginners can achieve delicious results.
  • Category: Hearty main dish soup that works as a complete meal or substantial starter.
  • Cuisine: American comfort food with roots in Jewish deli culture and Irish-American traditions.
  • Cost: Mid-range budget recipe using mostly pantry staples with a few specialty ingredients.
  • Season: Ideal for fall and winter, but delicious year-round when Reuben cravings strike.
  • Occasion: Perfect for game day, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or anytime you want deli flavors at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Easy Creamy Reuben Soup delivers all the beloved flavors of the classic sandwich in a comforting, spoonable format. Unlike the sometimes messy sandwich, this soup version lets you enjoy every component in perfect harmony. The creamy base carries the tangy Thousand Island flavor throughout, while the corned beef and sauerkraut provide satisfying texture contrasts.

This recipe shines in its convenience factor. While it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, the soup comes together in under an hour using mostly pantry staples. The simple technique of blending part of the soup creates luxurious creaminess without heavy cream. It’s a clever way to achieve rich texture while keeping the recipe accessible.

Nutritionally, this Reuben soup offers a good balance of protein from the corned beef, probiotics from the sauerkraut, and whole grains from the rye bread. While indulgent, it’s more balanced than the sandwich version since you control the cheese and dressing amounts. The soup format also naturally encourages slower, more mindful eating.

For entertaining, this soup makes a fantastic conversation starter. Serve it in bread bowls for maximum wow factor, or in small cups as part of a deli-themed spread. It’s equally at home at casual family dinners or more festive gatherings. The familiar flavors please all ages while the presentation feels special.

Cost-wise, this recipe makes excellent use of leftover corned beef or deli meat. The other ingredients are budget-friendly, especially if you keep sauerkraut and rye bread in your regular rotation. It’s a great way to stretch pricier proteins into multiple satisfying servings.

The Recipe

Easy Creamy Reuben Soup

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Immersion blender or regular blender
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet (for croutons)

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 2 cups cooked corned beef, diced
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices rye bread, cubed and toasted (for garnish)

Directions

  1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to create a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add corned beef, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and paprika. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove about 2 cups of the soup and blend until smooth (use caution with hot liquids). Return to pot.
  6. Stir in Swiss cheese until melted. Add Thousand Island dressing and cream.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
  8. Serve hot garnished with rye bread croutons and additional Swiss cheese if desired.

Recipe Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute milk for the cream and use low-fat Swiss cheese.
  • Leftover corned beef works perfectly, or use deli-sliced corned beef chopped into pieces.
  • The soup thickens as it cools – add more broth when reheating if needed.
  • For extra flavor, toast the caraway seeds before adding to the soup.

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