Reuben Soup

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Creamy Reuben Soup combines corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for warming up and satisfying fans of classic deli flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3 cups water
  • 4 teaspoons instant beef bouillon or 4 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1/2 pound corned beef, shredded
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, well drained
  • 3 cups half and half
  • 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, cook chopped onion and celery in butter until tender.
  2. Stir in flour until smooth.
  3. Gradually stir in water and bouillon and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  5. Add shredded corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, half and half, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
  6. Cook for 30 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently.
  7. Ladle the soup into 8 ovenproof bowls.
  8. Top each with a slice of bread and 1/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top of the bread.
  9. Place in oven under broiler until the cheese melts and browns lightly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in. For a lighter option, substitute half of the half-and-half with low-fat milk. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Reuben Soup hot, garnished with extra shredded Swiss cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with a side of rye bread or a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Open-Face Beef Sandwiches to enhance the Reuben theme. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy gatherings or as a satisfying lunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or milk to restore the desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can cause the cheese to become rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Reuben Soup contains roughly 1014 calories, with 7g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1123mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

1014 kcal 51% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 97.5g 100% DV
Carbs 28.4g 10% DV
Fiber 4.9g 17% DV
Sugar 4.6g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1122.8mg 49% DV
Potassium 526.2mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 286.7mg 96% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 61.8mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 19.1mg 21% DV
Calcium 145.7mg 11% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while Swiss cheese gives the traditional Reuben flavor, you can substitute it with Gruyère or provolone for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary slightly, so adjust cooking times as necessary.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of the Reuben Soup, replace the corned beef with shredded jackfruit or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon. You can also add more vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

Can I freeze this soup?

Freezing the soup is not recommended due to the dairy content, which can separate upon thawing. However, if you plan to freeze it, omit the half-and-half and cheese, then add them after reheating. This will help maintain the soup's creamy texture.

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).

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