Creamy Reuben Soup
Creamy Reuben Soup offers a rich blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and savory broth, perfect for comforting lunches or hearty dinners for fans of classic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup unsifted flour ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons beef flavor instant bouillon or 4 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 pound shredded corned beef ⓘ
- 1 cup well drained sauerkraut ⓘ
- 3 cups half and half ⓘ
- 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook chopped onion and celery in margarine until tender.
- Stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually stir in water and beef bouillon.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Add shredded corned beef, drained sauerkraut, half and half, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
- Cook for 30 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring frequently.
- Ladle into 8 ovenproof bowls.
- Top each with bread and remaining cheese.
- Broil until cheese melts.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth instead of water and bouillon. You can substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a more intense taste. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cheese can save you some prep. To enhance the dish, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. This soup can be an excellent starter for a meal featuring other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty rye bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a classic Roast Beef Sandwich for a hearty lunch. For a fun twist, consider topping the soup with crispy bacon bits or fresh chives for added texture and flavor, making it a delightful centerpiece for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Creamy Reuben Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stove over low heat to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Reuben Soup contains roughly 568 calories, with 13g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1715mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until you've added the half and half and cheese, then let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently when you're ready to serve, adding a bit of extra half and half if needed.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While corned beef is traditional, you can use shredded pastrami or even cooked chicken as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it can still result in a delicious soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon, and replacing the corned beef with a plant-based protein like tempeh or seitan. Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).