Cream Of Reuben Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a Reuben sandwich, then you know the magic that happens when rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing come together. Now, imagine all those comforting, hearty flavors transformed into a creamy, velvety soup-sounds irresistible, right?

The Cream of Reuben Soup is the perfect way to bring together the nostalgia of a classic deli sandwich with the cozy, soothing qualities of a soup. It’s a rich, savory dish with just the right balance of tangy, salty, and creamy notes. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a decadent lunch.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making this soup, including the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some expert tips to make it even better.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6

This Cream of Reuben Soup is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, creamy and indulgent while still feeling hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this soup:

Corned Beef – The key protein of a Reuben sandwich, corned beef provides that savory, rich flavor that’s a hallmark of the dish.
Sauerkraut – This adds the signature tangy, fermented kick that balances the richness of the soup.
Swiss Cheese – Creamy and nutty, Swiss cheese melts beautifully into the soup, lending it that gooey, comforting texture.
Rye Bread – Instead of using it as a side, you’ll use this for croutons to add a little crispy texture contrast in the soup.
Heavy Cream – The secret ingredient for making the soup rich and smooth. It’s what turns a simple broth into a creamy, luxurious base.
Butter – For sautéing vegetables and enriching the flavor of the base.
Onion – Finely chopped, the onion adds a depth of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the corned beef and sauerkraut.
Garlic – A couple of cloves to bring in some aromatic warmth.
Beef Broth – The foundation of the soup, beef broth complements the corned beef and gives the soup a savory backdrop.
Russian Dressing – A touch of this dressing adds both tang and a hint of sweetness, contributing to that familiar Reuben flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce – Just a dash to deepen the umami flavor of the broth.
Salt and Pepper – Seasonings to taste.
Croutons (optional) – Toasted rye bread chunks, to add crunch and texture to each bite.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the Cream of Reuben Soup from scratch:

Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Build The Soup Base
- Add 4 cups of beef broth to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add The Corned Beef And Sauerkraut
- Stir in 2 cups of corned beef, shredded or chopped, and 1 ½ cups of sauerkraut, drained. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
Add The Cream And Dressing
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, and 3 tablespoons of Russian dressing, stirring to combine. This will give the soup its luscious texture and Reuben-inspired tanginess.
Melt In The Swiss Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded Swiss cheese and let it melt slowly into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
Season And Adjust
- Taste the soup and add Worcestershire sauce (a teaspoon or so), salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings based on your preference.
Prepare Croutons (Optional)
- While the soup is simmering, toast slices of rye bread in a skillet with butter until crispy. Cut into small cubes to make croutons. They’ll add the perfect crunch to contrast the creamy soup.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with croutons for that extra texture. Enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a vital role in building that classic Reuben flavor. Let’s break it down:

Corned Beef: Rich, salty, and tender, corned beef is the backbone of this soup. It carries the dish’s meaty flavor and gives it its hearty texture.
Sauerkraut: The tangy, slightly sour flavor of sauerkraut adds a zesty contrast that complements the creaminess of the soup. Plus, it’s packed with probiotics!
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is mild yet creamy, making it the perfect choice for a soup. As it melts, it creates a luscious texture without overpowering the other flavors.
Russian Dressing: Typically a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, and spices, Russian dressing adds a tangy sweetness and is essential to recreating the Reuben sandwich flavor profile.
Rye Bread: Rye bread’s slightly earthy, caraway-flavored crunch makes it the ideal match for the soup’s creamy richness, especially when made into croutons.

Expert Tips

Balance the Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter version of this soup, try substituting half the heavy cream with milk or even a plant-based cream for a less indulgent but still creamy texture.
Fresh Croutons: Homemade croutons are the perfect touch, but you can use store-bought rye croutons in a pinch. Just make sure they’re crispy enough to hold up in the soup.
Corned Beef Variations: If you don’t have corned beef on hand, you could substitute it with pastrami or another smoked deli meat for a twist.
Sauerkraut Adjustments: Sauerkraut can sometimes be quite tangy. If you’re not a fan of its strong flavor, rinse it under cold water before adding it to the soup.
Cheese Alternatives: If you want a bolder cheese flavor, you could mix in a little Gruyère or even cheddar for a sharper bite.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian version, you can swap out the corned beef for mushrooms or tempeh, both of which will absorb the flavors of the broth and add a savory umami element.
Spicy Reuben Soup: If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the soup base. You could also throw in some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream and dairy-free cheese. You could also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Low-Sodium Version: To reduce the sodium content, opt for low-sodium broth and rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly. You can also go easy on the Worcestershire sauce and seasoning.

Final Words

This Cream of Reuben Soup is comfort food at its finest, combining all the classic elements of a Reuben sandwich in a warm, hearty soup. It’s creamy, tangy, and filled with layers of flavor that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for cold days or whenever you crave something cozy and indulgent!

Cream Of Reuben Soup Recipe