This Reuben Soup is a cozy twist on the classic sandwich! It combines tender corned beef, creamy cheese, and tangy sauerkraut in a delicious broth. Perfect for chilly days! ☁️
Honestly, it’s like having a warm hug in a bowl! I love to pair it with crunchy rye bread for dipping—simple and oh-so-satisfying. Give it a try and watch it disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The bacon adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, try turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Smoked paprika can also give a similar smoky taste!
Onion: A small onion imparts sweetness, especially when sautéed. You can swap it with shallots for a more delicate flavor or use green onions for a fresh twist.
Sauerkraut: This adds tanginess and depth. If you’re not a fan, try using coleslaw mix for crunch and a milder taste, or go for pickled cabbage for a similar effect.
Corned Beef: I love using shredded corned beef for its classic Reuben flavor. For a lighter option, consider shredded chicken or even vegan protein crumbles if you’re looking for meat alternatives.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese brings creaminess and that iconic Reuben taste. You can substitute it with Gruyère or mozzarella if Swiss isn’t your favorite or available.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup rich and indulgent. For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or a non-dairy cream option, like coconut or cashew cream.
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor in Your Soup?
The key to great flavor in this Reuben Soup lies in properly sautéing your ingredients and layering flavors. Start with the bacon to build a rich base, then sauté onions until they’re soft and sweet. Don’t rush this step – it really enhances the overall taste!
- Cook bacon until crispy, then remove it, letting the fat remain in the pot.
- Sauté onions in the residual fat; this infuses a delicious flavor into your soup.
- When adding the sauerkraut, make sure to give it a few minutes to cook so it penetrates into the broth.
- Stir in the mustard and heavy cream off-heat to keep things from curdling while mixing in the cheese for the ultimate creaminess.
Take your time with each step and taste as you go – it makes a world of difference!
How to Make Comforting Reuben Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 slices bacon, diced (plus more for garnish)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded corned beef
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Rye bread, toasted, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need approximately 10 minutes for prep and about 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, plan to spend around 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be savoring this delightful soup before you know it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crisp the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the yummy bacon fat in the pot. This will add amazing flavor to the soup!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell so good!
3. Add the Sauerkraut:
Stir in the chopped sauerkraut, giving it a little love as you cook for 2–3 minutes. This will really meld the flavors together and give the soup that classic tangy taste.
4. Bring it All Together:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add in the shredded corned beef and caraway seeds if you’re using them. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes so all the flavors can blend together beautifully.
5. Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard and heavy cream. Once combined, add the shredded Swiss cheese, stirring constantly until it’s melted and fully mixed into the soup. The creaminess makes this dish truly comforting!
6. Taste and Season:
Give your soup a taste and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust things to make it just perfect for your palate.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the soup hot and sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon bits on top for that extra crunch. Serve with toasted rye bread on the side for dipping—this is where the fun begins! Enjoy your delicious bowl of Reuben Soup!
This creamy, flavorful soup is a delightful way to enjoy all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Corned Beef?
Absolutely! Leftover corned beef works perfectly in this soup. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot. It’s a great way to use up any leftovers from your St. Patrick’s Day feast!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and corned beef. You can replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and add some extra veggies like diced carrots or bell peppers for added flavor and texture!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Reuben Soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove!
What Pairs Well with Reuben Soup?
This soup goes wonderfully with toasted rye bread or crackers. For a lighter side, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette complementing the flavors of the soup is also a great choice!
