The Best Reuben Soup Recipe for Cold Weather

Bowl of creamy Reuben soup with rye croutons on top

If you love the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich, you’ll enjoy this Reuben soup recipe. It brings together corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread in a warm, creamy soup form that’s perfect for chilly days. This soup offers all the taste of your favorite sandwich in a cozy bowl.

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You’ll find simple ingredients like potatoes and garlic join the mix to make the soup hearty and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and great for a quick meal that feels special but doesn’t take hours to make.

This recipe also lets you customize your soup, adding a little spice or extra cheese to match your taste. Your family and friends will appreciate a comforting dish with familiar flavors served in a new way.

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How to Make Reuben Soup

Making Reuben soup means bringing together classic sandwich flavors into a warm, creamy dish. You’ll need to gather specific ingredients, follow clear steps, and know a few tricks to get the best taste. This will help you make a soup that’s both hearty and full of flavor.

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Hearty Reuben Soup recipe inspired by the classic sandwich:

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped
  • 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for that rye bread flavor)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Rye bread croutons, for garnish

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the corned beef and sauerkraut, stirring to combine. Pour in the half-and-half and continue to simmer until the soup thickens slightly. Stir in the Swiss cheese until melted and creamy. Season with caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with rye croutons..

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Tips for the Perfect Flavor

Use high-quality corned beef or pastrami for the best taste.

Drain your sauerkraut well to avoid a watery soup.

For a richer soup, add more Swiss cheese slowly and taste as you go.

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Toast your rye bread until crisp to add crunch and texture.

Adjust the tanginess by adding more or less sauerkraut depending on your preference.

Keep the heat low when melting cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.

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Serving and Storing Reuben Soup

You can enjoy Reuben soup as a main meal or with some tasty extras to make it more filling. When you have leftovers, it’s important to store and reheat the soup properly to keep its flavors fresh and delicious.

Best Side Dishes

Reuben soup pairs well with simple breads and light sides. Rye or pumpernickel bread is perfect for dipping, as it complements the sauerkraut and corned beef flavors. You can also toast the bread with a little Swiss cheese on top for a warm, melty treat.

For a side salad, something crisp and green works well, like a simple cucumber or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette. Avoid heavy or creamy sides since the soup itself is already rich and creamy.

Reheating and Freezing

To reheat Reuben soup, warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir often to prevent burning and keep the cheese from sticking to the bottom. Avoid using high heat, so the soup stays creamy without breaking apart.

If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly on the stove for the best texture. Avoid microwaving frozen soup directly to keep the flavors balanced.

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