Delicious Creamy Reuben Soup

There’s something magical about a bowl of soup, isn’t there? A warm, comforting hug on a chilly day, or a light, refreshing meal when you need something satisfying but not too heavy. And when that soup is inspired by a classic sandwich? Well, that’s where the real fun begins. I’m talking about Creamy Reuben Soup, a family favorite that has evolved over the years in my kitchen.

It all started with a craving. A craving for the salty, tangy, and utterly delicious flavors of a Reuben sandwich, but in soup form. It had to be creamy, it had to be comforting, and it absolutely had to capture the essence of that iconic sandwich. The result? A Creamy Reuben Soup that has become a staple in our household, a dish that brings smiles to faces and warms bellies from the inside out.

This Creamy Reuben Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a flavor journey. It’s about taking familiar ingredients and transforming them into something extraordinary. It’s about creating a meal that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul. And it’s about sharing that joy with the people you love. I invite you to join me as we make this truly special Creamy Reuben Soup together.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A good quality olive oil sets the base for sautéing our veggies.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: I like to use yellow onion for its mild, sweet flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must!
• 1/2 cup chopped celery: Adds a subtle crunch and earthy note.
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot: A touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• 4 cups beef broth: Use a good quality beef broth. Homemade is always best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
• 1 pound corned beef, chopped: The star of the show! I prefer to buy a whole corned beef and chop it myself, but pre-chopped works too.
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained: Adds that essential tang and fermented goodness.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that irresistible creaminess.
• 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To thicken the soup.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
• Optional: Rye bread croutons for garnish: Adds a delicious crunch.

For the best flavor in your Creamy Reuben Soup, I recommend sourcing your sauerkraut from a local deli if possible. Freshly made sauerkraut has a tangier, more vibrant flavor. You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this Creamy Reuben Soup at your local farmers market or specialty grocery store. I love the quality of the corned beef I get from a butcher shop, too. This Creamy Reuben Soup proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices. My family loves when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to our Creamy Reuben Soup for a touch of heat. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference!

Let’s Create This Together!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the flavor base of our Creamy Reuben Soup begins to develop.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will help thicken the soup. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Creamy Reuben Soup – learn from my experience! Make sure the flour is fully incorporated before adding the liquid.
3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer. In my kitchen, this flavorful Creamy Reuben Soup typically takes about 15 minutes to reach the perfect simmer.
4. Add the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and smoked paprika to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation! This Creamy Reuben Soup is already starting to smell amazing.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld together. Your Creamy Reuben Soup should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now. Don’t be surprised if your Creamy Reuben Soup develops a deeper, richer color as it simmers.
6. Stir in the heavy cream just before serving. Heat through, but do not boil. This adds that final touch of creamy richness to our Creamy Reuben Soup.
7. Serve hot, garnished with rye bread croutons, if desired. While your Creamy Reuben Soup is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family! This is the step where you can really make it your own. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill for extra flavor. I have fond memories of learning authentic preparation methods from my grandmother, who always emphasized the importance of patience in cooking.

How We Love to Enjoy This!

The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Creamy Reuben Soup appears with a side of crusty rye bread. This Creamy Reuben Soup is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying! I like to serve it in rustic bowls to emphasize the home-style feel.

For a complete meal, I often pair this Creamy Reuben Soup with a simple green salad. The crispness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. This soup also pairs well with potato pancakes!

I love to make a big batch of this **Creamy Reuben Soup** on the weekend, so we can enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and the flavors only get better with time. I sometimes add a swirl of horseradish cream on top for an extra kick!

One of my favorite ways to serve this **Creamy Reuben Soup** is in small cups as an appetizer for a party. It’s always a hit! We’ve even enjoyed it on game days. After the holidays, I like to use leftover corned beef to make this soup, it’s a great way to repurpose those delicious leftovers. This Creamy Reuben soup reminds me of another family favorite, potato soup with crispy bacon bits, so flavorful and comforting!

This Creamy Reuben Soup is perfect for a cold winter day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. My guests always rave about the authentic flavors of this soup. I’ve even had friends ask for the recipe! It makes me so happy to share something that brings so much joy to others.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Does this Creamy Reuben Soup really satisfy hearty appetites?

Absolutely! With its combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and creamy broth, this soup is incredibly filling and satisfying. It’s a meal in itself! This hearty soup is guaranteed to leave you feeling full and content.

What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Creamy Reuben Soup?

No problem! You can easily adjust the amount of sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing to suit your family’s taste preferences. If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate this copycat Panera’s potato soup recipe.

How can I prepare this Creamy Reuben Soup ahead for busy weeks?

This soup is perfect for meal prepping! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together and become even better over time!

Can I freeze this Creamy Reuben Soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup, but the texture of the cream may change slightly. To minimize this, let the soup cool completely before freezing, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Creamy Reuben Soup?

While the corned beef is a key component of this soup, you could try substituting it with smoked tempeh or another vegetarian alternative for a similar flavor profile.

What kind of bread goes best with this Creamy Reuben Soup?

Rye bread is the classic choice, but any hearty bread will work well. I especially like serving it with toasted rye bread croutons for added texture.

Can I use different types of cheese in this Creamy Reuben Soup?

While I prefer not to add other cheese in, some people like to melt a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each bowl just before serving. It adds an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Final Kitchen Wisdom:

This Creamy Reuben Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, family, and the joy of cooking. It supports my family’s authentic meal goals by providing a satisfying, nourishing, and utterly delicious meal that everyone loves. If you liked this hearty soup, you might be interested in instant pot cream of reuben soup.

My Creamy Reuben Soup Flavor Secrets:

1. Quality Ingredients: Use the best quality corned beef and sauerkraut you can find.
2. Patience: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Here are a few family-tested Creamy Reuben Soup variations:

• Spicy Reuben Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Reuben Soup: Melt a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each bowl.
• Vegetarian Reuben Soup: Substitute the corned beef with smoked tempeh.

My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the cheesy version. I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create a signature version that your family will love.

I hope this recipe inspires you to get into the kitchen and create something special for your loved ones. And for more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore my garlic cheddar potato soup. Creating a flavorful and satisfying meal is one of the best ways to show your family how much you care. So go ahead, give this Creamy Reuben Soup a try and watch the smiles bloom! And remember that easy creamy reuben soup recipe is another option to try!