Here’s a comforting and creamy Reuben Soup recipe inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich! This soup combines all the delicious flavors of a Reuben—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing—into a rich, creamy soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
For the Croutons:
- 2 cups cubed rye bread (about 4 slices)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss the rye bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and caraway seeds (if using), and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Soup:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps, and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
- Stir in the drained sauerkraut, chopped corned beef, and Swiss cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the soup.
- Add the Thousand Island dressing and Dijon mustard (if using), and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with homemade rye croutons.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the corned beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.
- For extra richness: You can replace the half-and-half with all heavy cream for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Add more tang: If you love the tanginess of a Reuben, add a bit more Dijon mustard or a spoonful of sauerkraut juice to the soup.
This Creamy Reuben Soup is a warm and comforting dish, packed with the same great flavors of a Reuben sandwich, but in soup form! Perfect for cozy evenings.