Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent (about 5–6 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Core Flavors
Stir in the chopped corned beef and sauerkraut. Let them cook together for about 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Add the beef broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the cream (or half-and-half). Slowly add shredded Swiss cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until it melts completely into the broth.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Add salt and pepper to taste, and toss in caraway seeds if using. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly and deepen the flavor.
5. Tips for the Best Creamy Reuben Soup
- Rinse the Sauerkraut: Don’t skip this! It removes excess salt and sourness.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may make your soup grainy.
- Low and Slow: Never boil the soup after adding the cream and cheese—this can cause it to curdle.
- Dice Uniformly: Uniform pieces cook evenly and improve texture.
- Taste as You Go: Especially with salt, since corned beef and broth are already salty.
6. Variations and Add-Ons
Want to put your own spin on this soup? Here are a few ideas:
- Reuben Chowder Style: Add diced potatoes and reduce broth slightly for a thicker, chowder-like soup.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of horseradish or a dash of hot sauce.
- Bread Bowls: Serve the soup in hollowed-out rye bread bowls for the ultimate Reuben experience.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip caraway seeds and use a low-carb thickener (like cream cheese or xanthan gum) instead of flour or potatoes.
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream instead of heavy cream.
7. Serving Suggestions
This soup is a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Rye toast or garlic bread
- Pickles or a dill cucumber salad
- A cold beer, especially something malty like a bock or porter
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
For a show-stopping presentation, garnish with:
- Chopped parsley
- Croutons made from rye bread
- A dollop of sour cream or Russian dressing
- A sprinkle of extra Swiss cheese
8. Storing and Reheating
This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can also be frozen.
- To store: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
- To freeze: Use freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid curdling.
9. Pairing Ideas
If you want to serve this soup as part of a larger meal, consider the following pairings:
- Appetizers: Dill pickle spears, mini deviled eggs, or a smoked salmon plate.
- Drinks: A medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, or a crisp lager.
- Desserts: Something light and sweet like lemon sorbet, apple crumble, or chocolate-covered strawberries.
10. Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 400–500
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10–15g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg+
These numbers can vary based on your ingredients and portion sizes. To make it healthier, reduce the cream and cheese or use low-sodium broth.
11. Final Thoughts
Creamy Reuben Soup is not just a clever twist on a deli classic—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort. With its creamy broth, hearty chunks of corned beef, the zing of sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, this soup brings a gourmet touch to everyday dining.
Whether you’re curled up on the couch on a chilly evening or hosting friends for lunch, this recipe is sure to please. Easy to prepare, rich in history, and bursting with flavor, Reuben Soup is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if your guests ask for seconds (and the recipe too!).
