If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful soup that captures the magic of a beloved deli sandwich, this Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe will hit the spot! Imagine all the iconic elements of a classic Reuben—tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and the unmistakable hint of caraway—all transformed into a lusciously creamy, warming bowl. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends on a chilly evening, this soup is a conversation starter and comfort meal all in one. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner but special enough to serve at a gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe is how each straightforward ingredient brings a little magic to the pot. These essentials not only nail the signature Reuben flavors, but also add distinct textures and heartiness perfect for soup season.
- Butter: Lends richness and helps soften the aromatics right from the start.
- Onion: Diced onion brings gentle sweetness and base flavor to the soup.
- Garlic: Just a little minced garlic brightens and deepens the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour: This is your thickener, ensuring you get that dreamy, creamy texture.
- Beef broth: Infuses the soup with hearty, savory depth—don’t skimp on quality if you can help it!
- Half-and-half or whole milk: Adds creaminess without making the soup too heavy; use what’s on hand.
- Corned beef (cooked): The star of the show. Leftovers or good-quality deli meat both work beautifully.
- Sauerkraut (drained): Offers that signature tang that sets a Reuben apart—don’t forget to drain it well!
- Swiss cheese (shredded): Melts smoothly into the soup, bringing a nutty, melty deliciousness.
- Caraway seeds (optional): A sprinkle adds that telltale Reuben flavor, reminiscent of rye bread.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, letting all those flavors shine through.
- Rye croutons or toasted rye bread: The perfect crispy topper, adding crunch and a classic finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Begin by melting the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook for three to four minutes—just until it’s nice and soft. This is where your delicious flavor base begins, so resist the urge to rush. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute. The scent at this stage is amazing and sets the tone for the soup.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over your softened onions and garlic, stirring constantly. It’ll quickly become a thick, fragrant paste. Cook this mixture for one minute to remove any raw flour taste—this step guarantees your Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe will be velvety and smooth, not lumpy or gritty.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure no lumps remain as you pour. Stir in the half-and-half (or milk), and keep whisking until everything is incorporated. Bring the soup up to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for five to six minutes. This helps the soup thicken and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Stir in the Good Stuff
Add the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese to your bubbling soup. If you love that signature Reuben flavor, sprinkle in the caraway seeds too. Stir everything together so the cheese fully melts and the meat and kraut are warmed through. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed—the flavors are wonderfully layered here!
Step 5: Serve Hot with Rye Toppers
Ladle your finished soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. Top each serving with crunchy rye croutons or a slice of toasted rye bread. It’s the perfect way to echo the classic sandwich and add a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe

Garnishes
This soup truly shines when you play up the garnishes! Sprinkle extra Swiss cheese on top for a gooey finish, add fresh cracked pepper, or a few snips of chives for color and a fresh bite. Of course, rye croutons or a crisp triangle of toasted rye are can’t-miss toppers, echoing the classic sandwich in every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Because Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe is rich and full of flavor, simple sides work best. Consider a bright, crispy green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or lightly steamed green beans for freshness on the side. Pickles add just the right tang, or set out a platter of sliced apples for a subtle sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls—hollow out small rye rolls and pour in the hot soup for an impressive presentation. You can also make shooter-style soup cups for parties, or offer a DIY topping bar with grated Swiss, extra kraut, and different kinds of croutons so guests can build their perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in the fridge. Pour any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making the Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to two months, though the dairy may slightly alter the texture upon thawing. For best results, let the soup cool completely before ladling it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your soup over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently so the cheese stays smooth and the soup regains its creamy texture. If the soup thickens up too much after chilling, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up—you’ll be rewarded with that original silky consistency!
FAQs
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux and serve with your favorite gluten-free bread or croutons. Every other ingredient in the Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What type Soup
Leftover homemade corned beef is fantastic, but good-quality deli corned beef (sliced thick) works too. Just chop it into bite-size chunks for the perfect texture in every spoonful!
Is there a way to make this soup even richer?
If you want decadence, use heavy cream in place of half-and-half. It makes for a thicker, ultra-luxe soup that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want a little extra comfort.
Can I prepare Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavors deepen beautifully overnight. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve, and enjoy an even tastier meal.
What if I don’t have caraway seeds?
No sweat—caraway adds classic rye bread flavor, but your soup will still be delicious without it. Feel free to experiment with a pinch of dill or simply leave it out if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food with a twist, you owe it to yourself to try this Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe. It takes everything nostalgic and wonderful about a Reuben sandwich and transforms it into a soul-warming meal. Give it a go and savor every single spoonful—you just might discover your new favorite way to enjoy corned beef!
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Easy Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich with this Easy Creamy Reuben Soup recipe. Creamy, savory, and loaded with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, this soup is a hearty and delicious meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
Add-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Rye croutons or toasted rye bread for serving
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir to form a roux. Whisk in beef broth, then add half-and-half.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer, cook until slightly thickened.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and caraway seeds if using. Season to taste.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls, serve with rye croutons or toasted rye bread.
Notes
- For a richer texture, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
- You can use deli corned beef or leftovers from a roast.
- This soup reheats well for make-ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg