Reuben Soup

The rich flavors of a classic deli-style Reuben sandwich come to life in this velvety, soul-warming soup.
With chunks of savory corned beef, the tang of sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese folded into a creamy broth, this soup is everything you love about the sandwich — but even cozier. The addition of rye croutons on top adds the perfect crunch and a nod to the iconic rye bread that completes the Reuben flavor profile.

Ideal for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this comforting dish delivers bold flavors with every spoonful. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something hearty, this Reuben Soup will satisfy your cravings in the most delicious way. Make a big pot — seconds are inevitable.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups beef broth

• 2 cups half and half

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for classic rye flavor)

• 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped

• 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut, drained and chopped

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Rye bread croutons or toasted rye slices for garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.

4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the half and half, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

5. Add Worcestershire sauce and caraway seeds if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Stir in the chopped corned beef and sauerkraut. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

7. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve hot, garnished with rye croutons or toast and a sprinkle of parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, you’re in for a real treat. This Creamy Reuben Soup transforms everything you love about that iconic deli sandwich—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and warm rye bread—into a bowl of steaming, creamy comfort. It’s everything familiar, yet delightfully unexpected.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner during the colder months or a unique dish to serve at a get-together, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for repurposing leftover corned beef from holidays like St. Patrick’s Day.

A Twist on the Classic Reuben Sandwich

The traditional Reuben sandwich has roots in both Jewish and Irish-American deli culture. Made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread, it’s been a lunchtime favorite for decades.

This recipe takes the bold flavors of a Reuben and reimagines them into a creamy, cozy soup that’s both nostalgic and elevated. Every spoonful gives you the salty, tangy, and savory notes of the sandwich—without needing a knife and fork.

Why This Reuben Soup Is So Special

1. Full-on Flavor, Simple Ingredients
   One of the best things about this recipe is how it delivers gourmet-style flavor using everyday ingredients. With a base of butter, onion, garlic, beef broth, and half-and-half, the soup builds flavor fast. Add in caraway seeds for that signature rye taste, and you’ve got something truly irresistible.
2. Great Use of Leftovers
   Have leftover corned beef? This soup is the perfect way to use it up in a way that feels fresh and exciting. You can also buy sliced corned beef from your deli counter if you’re making this dish on a whim.
3. One-Pot Wonder
   Busy weeknight? No problem. This recipe only needs one pot and takes about 30–35 minutes from start to finish. Less cleanup and more flavor—what’s not to love?
4. Comfort Food, Upgraded
   There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of hot soup. This Reuben Soup takes that comfort to the next level by combining the richness of Swiss cheese with the creaminess of the broth and the punchy tang of sauerkraut.
5. Customizable for Your Taste
   Want to add some diced potatoes or swap out the cheese? You can! This recipe is very forgiving and allows for creative tweaks based on what you have at home.

Nutritional Benefits

While this soup is rich and hearty, it still provides a decent balance of protein and fat to keep you full and satisfied.

• Corned Beef is a good source of protein and iron, helping support energy levels and muscle repair.
• Sauerkraut adds probiotics and digestive support, especially when added at the end and not overcooked.
• Swiss Cheese contains calcium and adds a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Onions and Garlic not only add depth of flavor but also offer antibacterial and heart-supporting properties.

Pairing this soup with a side salad or some roasted veggies can make it part of a well-rounded meal.

How to Serve Reuben Soup

This soup is a star on its own, but a few finishing touches can take it from good to unforgettable:

• Top with Rye Croutons – These give you that signature bread component of a Reuben sandwich. Simply dice up some rye bread, toss with olive oil, and toast until crisp.
• Sprinkle with Fresh Parsley – For a pop of color and freshness.
• Add a Dollop of Thousand Island Dressing – A small swirl of dressing on top adds a sweet-savory punch that mimics the Reuben’s classic condiment.

This soup is perfect for:

• A comforting dinner on cold nights
• Casual gatherings or game day parties
• A creative St. Patrick’s Day menu addition
• Batch cooking and freezing for later

Variations to Try

The base of this soup is so versatile that you can make it your own with a few changes:

• Make It Low-Carb: Skip the croutons and use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of flour.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute corned beef with chopped mushrooms or roasted chickpeas and use veggie broth instead of beef broth.
• Add Potatoes: For a heartier version, add diced cooked potatoes to the soup before serving.
• Spice It Up: Add a touch of hot sauce or diced pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist.

FAQs About Reuben Soup

Can I freeze Reuben Soup?
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the dairy may separate a little upon reheating, so stir well and reheat slowly on the stovetop for best texture.

Can I use canned corned beef?
While fresh or deli-sliced corned beef is ideal for texture and flavor, canned corned beef can work in a pinch. Just be sure to break it up gently and stir it in at the end of the cooking process.

What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
If you’re not a fan of Swiss, try provolone, Gruyère, or even a mild cheddar. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.

Why Reuben Soup Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation

This isn’t just another soup—it’s a comforting bowl of nostalgia with a modern twist. If you’re someone who loves bold, savory flavors and appreciates comfort food with flair, then Reuben Soup is a must-try.

It takes the essence of a deli sandwich and transforms it into something warm, creamy, and spoon-worthy. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and makes enough to share. Whether you’re serving it to guests or curling up with a bowl for yourself, this soup always delivers.

Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your cold-weather cooking lineup.

Conclusion

Reuben Soup is the ultimate fusion of comfort and flavor, blending the nostalgic taste of a classic deli sandwich with the soul-soothing warmth of a creamy, homemade soup. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and exciting—perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or impressing guests with something unique yet comforting. With its rich layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a savory broth, this soup brings all the elements of a Reuben together in a single, satisfying bowl.

Whether you’re craving something hearty for a chilly evening or looking for a creative way to use leftover corned beef, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite soup.