I love making this Creamy Reuben Soup because it brings all the delicious flavors of a Reuben sandwich into a warm, satisfying soup. It’s perfect for using up leftover corned beef, though deli meat works just as well. The soup is rich and creamy, with the tangy zing of sauerkraut and savory corned beef. Topped with melted Swiss cheese, just like the classic sandwich, it’s ideal for chilly days when I want something comforting. It’s easy to prepare and tastes fantastic every time!

Health Benefits of Creamy Reuben Soup

This Creamy Reuben Soup has some great health benefits! The corned beef provides a good source of protein, helping to keep me full and energized. Sauerkraut is rich in probiotics, which are good for digestion and gut health. Swiss cheese adds calcium, which is important for strong bones. Though it’s a rich soup, it offers a satisfying and nutritious meal when enjoyed in moderation, especially on a chilly day!

What makes this soup stand out? Let’s break it down:

Reuben in a Bowl: Enjoy the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in soup form.
Filling and Comforting: You’ll feel satisfied long after you’ve eaten.
Simple Preparation: You don’t need culinary expertise—just follow the steps, and you’ll succeed.
Creamy Texture: The richness of the soup and its fantastic flavors will impress you.
Great for Leftovers: If you have extra corned beef, this soup is the perfect solution.
Customizable: Want more cheese or extra sauerkraut? Go for it!
Keto-Friendly Option: Easily adjust ingredients to make a Keto or Low-Carb version.

What you’ll need to make this Creamy Reuben Soup

1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 ½ cups chicken broth
1 pound chopped deli corned beef
1 (14.5 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained
½ teaspoon caraway seeds
½ cup Thousand Island dressing
1 large bay leaf
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

How to make this Creamy Reuben Soup

Start by Melting Butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Add Broth and Other Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the corned beef, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, Thousand Island dressing, and bay leaf. Stir well.
Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the carrots are tender.
Finish with Cream: Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Don’t forget to discard the bay leaf.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with shredded Swiss cheese, letting it melt into the hot soup.

Tips for Enhancing Your Soup

Keto-Friendly: Replace flour with xanthan gum or almond flour.
Thicker Texture: Use more flour or less broth as needed.
Broth Swap: Beef broth can add richness.
Adjust Seasoning: If caraway seeds aren’t your thing, substitute with dried dill.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.
Make It Lighter: Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter option.
Double the Sauerkraut: If you love it, don’t hesitate to add more!

Customization Ideas

Add Heat: Include hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Serve with Rye Croutons: Great addition for texture.
Try Turkey Pastrami: A lighter alternative to corned beef.
Cheese Variation: Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or Emmental.
Incorporate Greens: Add chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking.
Pickle Garnish: For extra flavor, garnish with chopped pickles.
Bread Bowl Presentation: Serve in hollowed-out rye bread for a fun twist.

Why This Soup is a Favorite

Reuben Flavor in Soup Form: It’s like your favorite sandwich in a bowl.
Effortless Preparation: No need for complicated techniques.
Filling and Hearty: Perfect for cold days.
Creamy and Tangy: A satisfying flavor combination.
Diet-Friendly: Adaptable for various dietary needs.
Great for Leftovers: Easy to reheat and enjoy later.
Universal Appeal: Everyone loves it!

The Role of Swiss Cheese

While this is not just a Swiss Cheese Soup, the addition of Swiss cheese elevates it significantly:

Nutty Flavor: Complements other ingredients beautifully.
Melty Goodness: Creates a gooey texture when heated.
Flavor Balance: Counteracts the tangy sauerkraut and salty corned beef.
Creamy Finish: Adds to the luxurious texture.

More appetizers

Sweet And Salty Harvest Caramel Corn

Comparison to Other Sauerkraut Soups

While many sauerkraut soups exist, this one stands out due to:

Complete Reuben Experience: It includes all the classic components.
Creamy Twist: The Thousand Island dressing adds unique flavor.
Hearty Filling: Corned beef makes it more substantial than average soups.
Melted Cheese Delight: Not many sauerkraut soups boast Swiss cheese on top!

Why It’s Easy to Make

Despite its rich flavor, this soup is uncomplicated to prepare:

Common Ingredients: Easily found in most grocery stores.
No Special Skills Required: If you can chop and stir, you’re set!
No Separate Meat Cooking Needed: Using deli meat simplifies the process.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup afterward.
Quick to Prepare: Perfect for busy weeknights.
No Fancy Equipment Needed: Just a regular pot will do.
Forgiving Recipe: Minor errors are unlikely to ruin the dish.

This Creamy Reuben Soup is a delight, with all the wonderful flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a comforting bowl. Whether you’re a fan of the classic sandwich or just looking for a delicious new soup recipe, you’ll absolutely love this one. Grab your pot and get started—you’re in for a real treat!