Reuben Soup: A Hearty Twist on a Classic Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich is a beloved deli classic, with its layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all sandwiched between two slices of toasted rye bread. But what if you could enjoy the comforting, savory flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a warm, cozy soup form? Enter Reuben Soup—a creative and delicious twist on the traditional sandwich that is perfect for cold weather and a great way to switch up your usual soup repertoire.
This rich, creamy, and tangy soup combines all the flavors you love in a Reuben sandwich—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a creamy base—without the need for bread. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step through the process of making Reuben Soup, so you can enjoy this comforting dish right from your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Reuben Soup
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of creamy broth, tender corned beef, and Swiss cheese makes for a filling, satisfying meal.
- Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious bowl of Reuben Soup in about 45 minutes.
- All the Classic Flavors: This soup captures all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich but in a more comforting, warming form.
- Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover corned beef, this soup is a fantastic way to use it up, transforming it into a whole new dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Corned Beef: 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped (leftovers from St. Patrick’s Day or store-bought)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauerkraut: 1 cup drained sauerkraut (you can also rinse it to reduce some of the tang if desired)
- Beef Broth: 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream (for a rich, creamy texture)
- Swiss Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (freshly shredded for the best melt)
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (adds a tangy kick)
- Thousand Island or Russian Dressing: 2 tablespoons (for that classic Reuben flavor)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Rye Bread (optional for garnish): 2-3 slices, toasted and cut into cubes (optional, for serving as croutons)
Step-by-Step Method to Make Reuben Soup:
