Creamy Reuben Soup brings the classic deli sandwich to the bowl with rich, savory flair. Loaded with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, and tangy—with rye bread croutons to top it all off. Whether you’re using leftover corned beef or deli slices, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for chilly evenings when you’re craving something warm and indulgent.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 2 ribs celery, chopped into ¼-inch pieces

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 4½ cups chicken broth

• 1 lb deli-sliced corned beef, chopped or shredded

• 1 can sauerkraut, thoroughly drained

• 1 tsp caraway seeds

• ½ cup Thousand Island dressing

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided

• 2 slices rye bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces (for croutons)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for croutons)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss rye bread cubes with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside.

2. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring often.

3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

4. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add corned beef, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, Thousand Island dressing, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.

5. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until celery is tender.

6. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and stir in heavy cream and 1½ cups of Swiss cheese until melted.

7. Ladle soup into bowls and top with remaining Swiss cheese, rye croutons, and chopped parsley.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 654 kcal

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 53g

• Saturated Fat: 24g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 7g

• Sodium: 2382mg

• Cholesterol: 143mg

• Vitamin C: 34mg

• Vitamin K: 52mg

• Vitamin B12: 2mcg

• Selenium: 33mcg

A Homage to the Classic Reuben Sandwich

The inspiration behind this dish is, of course, the famous Reuben sandwich—a staple of Jewish-American delis for over a century. Known for its perfect combination of salt, tang, and creamy richness, the Reuben features layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island or Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. It’s one of those iconic sandwiches that never goes out of style.

Creamy Reuben Soup captures all of those signature flavors while offering a whole new way to enjoy them. It’s both an homage and an innovation—keeping the essence of the original while reimagining its textures and warmth in a bowl.

Corned Beef: The Hearty Base of the Bowl

At the heart of this soup is corned beef, the star protein that provides robust, meaty flavor and a satisfying chew. Whether you’re using leftover corned beef from a holiday meal or grabbing sliced versions from the deli counter, it brings a comforting, salty depth to the dish. When simmered in broth, it becomes fork-tender and imparts even more richness to the creamy base.

Corned beef also adds protein and iron, making this soup not just flavorful but filling. It anchors the dish, turning it from a side into a main meal all on its own.

The Tangy Punch of Sauerkraut

No Reuben—sandwich or soup—would be complete without sauerkraut. Its sharp, fermented bite balances the creaminess of the soup and cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. Sauerkraut brings acidity, brightness, and texture, along with probiotics that support gut health.

In soup form, the sauerkraut softens slightly but maintains its signature tang. It blends seamlessly into the broth while still standing out enough to evoke the classic sandwich’s character.

Thousand Island Dressing for Creamy Complexity

One of the more unexpected—but essential—ingredients in Creamy Reuben Soup is Thousand Island dressing. Traditionally used as a sandwich spread, it doubles here as a flavorful shortcut to creaminess and depth. The combination of mayo, ketchup, relish, and seasonings gives the soup a slightly sweet, tangy profile that plays beautifully with the savory and smoky elements.

Stirred into the simmering broth, Thousand Island dressing helps tie all the components together and gives the soup that authentic Reuben flavor with very little extra effort.

Swiss Cheese: Melty, Nutty Goodness

Swiss cheese is more than just a topping in this soup—it’s part of the soul of the dish. Shredded and stirred into the hot broth, it melts into the creamy base and creates a luxurious, velvety texture. Its nutty, slightly sweet flavor enhances the richness of the soup without overpowering it.

The cheese also makes a second appearance as a garnish, adding extra creaminess and a gooey, stringy finish when sprinkled over hot bowls just before serving. It’s the final touch that ensures every bite feels indulgent and satisfying.

The Perfect Garnish: Rye Croutons

Perhaps the most playful—and essential—element of Creamy Reuben Soup is the rye bread croutons. Toasted until golden and crisp, these little cubes bring the signature rye flavor of the original sandwich and add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

Rye bread, with its caraway seeds and slightly sour flavor, is part of what defines a Reuben. By turning it into croutons, you keep the spirit of the sandwich alive while enhancing the soup’s texture and visual appeal. It’s a brilliant way to tie the entire concept together.

Rich, Creamy Texture for Cozy Nights

The base of this soup is where it truly transforms into comfort food. A roux of butter and flour thickens the broth, which is then enriched with heavy cream for a silky, luxurious mouthfeel. Every spoonful is smooth and decadent, coating your palate with warmth and flavor.

The creaminess doesn’t weigh the soup down—it elevates it. Paired with the acidity of the sauerkraut and the saltiness of the corned beef, it creates a perfect balance of indulgence and vibrance that keeps you coming back for more.

A Crowd-Pleasing Option for Leftovers and Entertaining

One of the best things about Creamy Reuben Soup is its versatility. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover corned beef after holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s equally easy to whip up using simple deli ingredients. It’s impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or family gatherings, yet humble enough to make on a quiet night when you need a bowl of something cozy.

Because it reheats well, this soup is also ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches. It gets even better after a night in the fridge, as the flavors have more time to develop and blend.

Nutritionally Rich and Satisfying

While this soup is undeniably indulgent, it also brings nutritional value to the table. Corned beef is high in protein and vitamin B12, while sauerkraut adds gut-friendly probiotics and vitamin C. The Swiss cheese and cream provide calcium and fat for lasting energy, and the vegetables contribute fiber and important micronutrients.

This is a soup that nourishes and satisfies—not just in terms of hunger, but in the way it warms your body and soul on a chilly evening.

Conclusion: All the Flavor of a Reuben, Reimagined in a Bowl

Creamy Reuben Soup takes a beloved deli sandwich and reinvents it as a soul-warming, flavor-packed meal. With tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and the creamy twist of Thousand Island dressing, it delivers everything you love about the original—plus the comfort of a steaming bowl on a cold day.

Finished with golden rye croutons and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this soup is hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in your own craving for something nostalgic and delicious, this recipe will quickly become a go-to.

From the first spoonful to the last bite of rye crouton, Creamy Reuben Soup proves that some of the best dishes are inspired by the classics—only reinvented with heart, creativity, and a ladle full of comfort.