Reuben Soup
A creamy and comforting Reuben Soup is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This soup combines rich flavors of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese into a warm bowl of goodness. Ideal for lunch or dinner, it’s a unique twist on the classic Reuben sandwich that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 40 minutes, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and Swiss cheese creates a velvety texture that elevates the taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge, making it easy to reheat for quick lunches throughout the week.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on your pantry, while still keeping the core flavors intact.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy its hearty flavors, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Reuben Soup, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without splatter.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables and meats.

Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
For the Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, diced
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
To Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Reuben Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Broth and Vegetables
Add the beef broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the diced potatoes, sauerkraut, corned beef, caraway seeds, and thyme. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Incorporate Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat to a gentle setting. Stir in the heavy cream and Swiss cheese until fully melted. The soup should become rich and creamy.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Reuben Soup in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Reuben Soup
Reuben Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It pairs well with numerous accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors and creamy texture.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve your Reuben Soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. Sourdough or rye are excellent choices that complement the soup’s flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a savory crunch, making each bite more enjoyable.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
Accompanied by Pickles
- Dill Pickles: Serve alongside dill pickles for a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the soup.
- Pickled Vegetables: A variety of pickled vegetables can add an interesting texture and flavor balance to your meal.
How to Perfect Reuben Soup
Creating the perfect Reuben Soup involves paying attention to both flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Use Quality Broth: Start with a high-quality beef broth for a deeper flavor.
- Adjust Creaminess: Experiment with the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for richness; add more for extra creaminess.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh herbs and quality ingredients like Swiss cheese for optimal taste.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning during cooking to achieve the perfect balance.
Best Side Dishes for Reuben Soup
Pairing side dishes with Reuben Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, this sandwich offers gooey cheese that complements the soup’s creaminess.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup, adding texture and zest.
- Potato Chips: Crispy potato chips bring an enjoyable crunch, making them a fun accompaniment.
- Caesar Salad: The tangy dressing and crisp romaine lettuce enhance the overall dining experience without overpowering the soup.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad offers great flavor variations while being easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add healthy fiber and contrast in texture, rounding out your meal nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Reuben Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key aspects that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid while preparing this delicious soup.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season adequately can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender but firm potatoes for the best texture.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or expired ingredients can compromise flavor. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before cooking.
- Ignoring the cream temperature: Adding cold cream directly can cause separation in the soup. Warm it slightly before adding to ensure a smooth blend.
- Neglecting garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley or other garnishes might lead to a less appealing presentation. Garnishing adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Reuben Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container for expansion when freezing.
Reheating Reuben Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until hot, ensuring not to boil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this delightful Reuben Soup.
What is Reuben Soup?
Reuben Soup is a creamy, hearty soup inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich, featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
Can I make Reuben Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute corned beef with diced mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth for a flavorful vegetarian version.
How can I customize my Reuben Soup?
You can add extra vegetables like carrots or celery, switch up the cheese, or use different herbs according to your taste preferences.
How do I thicken my Reuben Soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup while heating.
Can I use other types of cheese in my Reuben Soup?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you could also experiment with Gruyère or cheddar for different flavors.
Final Thoughts
This creamy and comforting Reuben Soup captures all the beloved flavors of its sandwich counterpart while being incredibly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or serving it at a gathering, this recipe invites creativity in customization. Give it a try and discover your favorite twist!
Reuben Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of creamy Reuben Soup, a delightful twist on the classic sandwich that transforms rich flavors into a hearty bowl of goodness. This savory soup features tender chunks of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and luscious Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a velvety broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, it’s an easy-to-make dish that brings everyone together. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for meal prep and ensures that you have delicious leftovers ready for quick lunches throughout the week. Enjoy this cozy meal that will surely become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, diced
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until onion is soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in diced potatoes, rinsed sauerkraut, diced corned beef, caraway seeds, and dried thyme. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg