Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

If you love the hearty flavors of a Reuben sandwich but are craving something a little cozier and perfect for colder days, then you are going to adore this Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic. Imagine all those beloved elements—tangy sauerkraut, tender corned beef, creamy cheese, and a hint of that signature dressing—blended together into a luscious, comforting soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s an irresistible way to enjoy those iconic tastes with a smooth, rich texture that satisfies both your appetite and your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the butter that starts your aromatic base to the luscious Swiss cheese that melts into creamy goodness.

• Unsalted butter: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic without adding extra salt, allowing you to control seasoning better.
• Medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that forms the soup’s savory backbone.
• Garlic, minced: Provides a gentle kick and aromatic warmth enhancing every spoonful.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent to create that silky, creamy texture we all love in soup.
• Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together, giving the soup body and richness.
• Heavy cream: Key to achieving the luscious creaminess that makes this recipe stand out from a traditional Reuben.
• Corned beef, chopped: Brings the iconic Reuben flavor and tender meatiness to each bite.
• Sauerkraut, drained: Delivers that signature tang and slight crunch for authenticity and balance.
• Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, infusing the soup with nutty, creamy flavor.
• Russian or Thousand Island dressing: Adds a subtle sweetness and zesty note reminiscent of the classic sandwich.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
• Rye bread croutons: For garnish, introducing a pleasant crunch and enhancing the classic Reuben experience.
• Chopped parsley: A fresh, colorful finish that adds brightness and a pop of green.

How to Make Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This base builds the foundation of flavor that your soup needs for richness and warmth.

Step 2: Form the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it cooks out the raw flour taste, and when combined with broth, it creates that luscious creamy texture everyone loves in a good soup.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. The combination of broth and cream elevates the soup, giving it both depth and a velvety mouthfeel distinct from a dry sandwich.

Step 4: Incorporate Corned Beef and Sauerkraut

Add the chopped corned beef and the drained sauerkraut into the pot. These ingredients are the heart and soul of your soup, delivering that classic Reuben bite—savory, tangy, and satisfying. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Melt in the Swiss Cheese and Dressing

Slowly stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a rich, cheesy layer. Then, add the Russian or Thousand Island dressing. This extra touch gives the soup a subtle sweetness and a familiar dressing flavor that makes this Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste your creation and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, and don’t forget the final touch of rye bread croutons and a sprinkle of chopped parsley to bring a wonderful crunch and an eye-catching finish.

How to Serve Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Garnishes

To enhance both texture and presentation, rye bread croutons are the perfect choice—they echo the toasted bread of a traditional Reuben while providing a crunchy contrast. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a dash of color and freshness that brightens every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a simple crisp green salad or some dill pickles to keep the meal balanced and refreshing. If you want to stay true to the Reuben spirit, a side of kettle-cooked potato chips or a small plate of sliced cucumbers offers a nice complement without overpowering the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in cozy, rustic bowls that keep the warmth radiating. For extra flair, try hollowing out small rye bread bowls, which turn your soup serving into a fun, edible centerpiece. These little touches elevate any casual meal into a special occasion, especially when sharing Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful, if not more, than the first serving.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic for up to 2 months. For best results, cool it completely and pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly due to the cream, but a quick stir while reheating helps bring it back to life.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to recombine any separated ingredients. Avoid high heat since it could cause the cream and cheese to curdle. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if it feels too thick after chilling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese provides the classic nutty flavor, Gruyère or even a mild cheddar can work well and bring their unique twists to the soup. Just choose a cheese that melts smoothly for the best texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This particular version is centered around the savory corned beef, so it’s not vegetarian. However, you can omit the corned beef and add smoked tempeh or mushrooms to mimic that smoky, hearty flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this soup with leftover corned beef?

Definitely! Leftover corned beef works wonderfully here and can help you avoid waste. Just chop it finely and add it in step 4. It’s a perfect way to transform last night’s dinner into a fresh and exciting meal.

What type of dressing is best to use?

Russian or Thousand Island dressing both work great because they carry that familiar tangy, slightly sweet flavor characteristic of a Reuben sandwich. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand—it all adds that special note of brightness and depth.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream alternative, and select a plant-based cheese. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious with some tweaks and a good quality dairy-free cheese.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic a try. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a comforting treat after a long day. The way all the familiar Reuben flavors come together in this silky, rich soup is pure magic and a fresh way to enjoy one of my all-time favorite sandwich flavors in a whole new form.

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