There’s something magical about taking a beloved classic and transforming it into something warm, cozy, and spoonable. That’s exactly what happens with this Creamy Reuben Soup. Inspired by the legendary Reuben sandwich, this hearty bowl captures all the signature flavors—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, potatoes, and a creamy base—without the bread. The first spoonful is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly day. If you’re a soup lover who also craves the nostalgic taste of deli-style comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
What Is Creamy Reuben Soup?
Creamy Reuben Soup is a comforting, hearty soup that takes inspiration from the iconic Reuben sandwich. Instead of layering rye bread with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing, this recipe turns everything into a velvety soup packed with tender potatoes and flavorful bites of beef. It’s a creative twist that combines all the Reuben flavors in one creamy, spoonable dish perfect for cold-weather dinners, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or anytime you crave something savory and filling.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This soup has all the makings of a family favorite:
- It transforms a beloved sandwich into a warm, cozy meal.
- It’s hearty enough to serve as the main course.
- Perfect for meal prep—it tastes even better the next day.
- Versatile—you can serve it with bread, crackers, or even in bread bowls.
- It’s an unexpected dish that will wow guests at potlucks or family gatherings.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine the savory saltiness of corned beef mingling with the creamy richness of melted Swiss cheese, balanced by the tangy bite of sauerkraut, and mellowed by soft potatoes swimming in a velvety broth. Each spoonful is a harmonious mix of salty, tangy, creamy, and hearty flavors. The pepper adds just enough warmth, while the potatoes bring comfort and balance. If you love the boldness of a Reuben sandwich, you’ll be delighted by how perfectly it translates into a soup.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
While Creamy Reuben Soup is an indulgent comfort food, it also offers nutritional perks:
- Corned Beef: A protein-rich, iron-packed ingredient that fuels your body.
- Potatoes: Provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
- Sauerkraut: A fermented food that supports gut health and digestion.
- Swiss Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein.
- Onions & Celery: Add antioxidants and extra nutrients while enhancing flavor.
Enjoy it guilt-free as a wholesome comfort food when paired with lighter sides like a green salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cooked corned beef, shredded or diced
- Russet or Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
- Onion, finely chopped
- Celery, diced
- Sauerkraut, drained
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Flour (for thickening)
- Chicken or beef broth
- Milk or half-and-half
- Swiss cheese, shredded
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Swap corned beef with leftover roast beef or pastrami.
- Use rye croutons or serve with toasted rye bread for a more “sandwich-like” experience.
- Add a splash of Thousand Island dressing for extra Reuben authenticity.
- Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt in place of cream.
How to Make
- Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add potatoes and cook until tender.
- Stir in corned beef, sauerkraut, milk/cream, and cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper, then simmer until thick and creamy.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with bread.
What to Serve With
This rich soup pairs beautifully with:
- Rye bread or garlic toast
- A crisp garden salad
- Dill pickles for a tangy contrast
- Bread bowls for an extra-cozy presentation
- Cold beer or a sparkling water with lemon
Tips for Success
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting (pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents).
- Don’t over-salt; corned beef and sauerkraut already add saltiness.
- Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving—it thickens as it cools slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cheese too quickly (can cause clumping).
- Overcooking the potatoes until mushy.
- Skipping the roux—without it, the soup won’t be creamy enough.
- Using canned sauerkraut without draining (can make the soup too sour).
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Best avoided since cream-based soups can separate when thawed.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes—just sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker on low for 4–6 hours. Add cheese and cream at the end.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes, substitute cornstarch or gluten-free flour for the roux.
Can I use leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day?
Absolutely—this is the perfect way to give leftovers new life!
Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 980mg
Conclusion
Creamy Reuben Soup is comfort food at its finest hearty, creamy, and packed with the nostalgic flavors of a deli classic. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold winter night, entertaining guests, or repurposing leftover corned beef, this recipe is sure to win over hearts and appetites. With its balance of salty, tangy, and creamy notes, it’s more than just soup it’s a warm, satisfying bowl of happiness.
Print
Creamy Reuben Soup: All the Comfort of a Classic Sandwich in a Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Reuben Soup is a comforting, hearty dish with all the flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and potatoes—transformed into a rich, creamy soup perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked corned beef, shredded or diced
3 medium potatoes, cubed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, diced
1 cup sauerkraut, drained
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
4 cups chicken or beef broth
2 cups milk or half-and-half
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add potatoes and cook until tender.
6. Stir in corned beef, sauerkraut, milk, and cheese.
7. Simmer until creamy and heated through.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded Swiss cheese.
Serve with rye bread, garlic toast, or in bread bowls for an authentic Reuben experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Keywords: creamy reuben soup, corned beef soup, reuben sandwich soup, comfort food soup recipe, hearty winter soups
