Easy Reuben Soup Recipe - with Sauerkraut, Corned Beef, and Rye Toast! (2024)

ThisEasy Reuben Soup recipe has all the best reuben sandwich flavors! It’s loaded with Yukon gold potatoes, sauerkraut, corned beef, swiss cheese, veggies, garlic, and more, then served with a side of toasted marbled rye bread! Only requires 12 ingredients!

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  • General
  • What is a reuben?
  • Ingredients
  • How to make
  • Get the recipe
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to serve
  • How to store
  • Nutrition information

I’m not kidding when I say this is my latest soup obsession. It’sthe best soup I’ve made this season. Now, before you run away because you think you don’t like sauerkraut, just give this soup a try and you’ll be re-evaluating every food you thought you didn’t like!

What is a reuben?

The Reuben is a classic warm American sandwich made up of corned beef, sauerkraut, melted swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and toasted rye bread.

I love a good classic, but I love a good mash-up, too. Enter: reuben soup!This Reuben soup is hearty, creamy, and PACKED with flavor. You’re gonna love it!

Ingredients

This soup is the perfect representation of that classic American sandwich. It still contains Russian dressing, sauerkraut, corned beef, swiss cheese, and rye bread (served toasted on the side), but it’s “souped up” (see what I did there) with veggies, broth, and potatoes:

  • Butter– used to sauté and flavor the veggies.
  • Celery and Yellow Onion– add texture to the soup.
  • Garlic– gives that subtle nutty flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper– adds a little spice and brings out other flavors.
  • Flour– helps to thicken the broth to achieve that ultra-creamy texture.
  • Chicken Broth– adds flavor and thins out the soup. I find beef broth too salty for this.
  • Half and Half– makes the brothsuper creamy, while not adding an insane amount of calories. Use 2% milk to lighten this up (although it will be thinner) or heavy cream if that’s all you have on hand!
  • Russian Dressing– a thick and creamy dressing typically made up of mayo, ketchup, and spices. Gives this soup that classic reuben flavor!
  • Potatoes– use Yukon gold potatoes because for the best texture and creamiest consistency.
  • Sauerkraut– gives a tang and tartness that pairs PERFECTLY with the creaminess of the soup. Don’t omit. Even if you don’t think you like sauerkraut, it’s very subtle, yet necessary in this soup.
  • Corned Beef– adds some delicious salty texture and protein! You can’t have a reuben without it! Visit the deli section at your grocery store and spring for the good stuff!
  • Swiss Cheese– super melty and delicious, swiss cheese adds a mildly sweet nuttiness.
  • Marbled Rye Bread– toasted for serving!

Not a fan of corned beef? Make a “rachel” soup by using sliced roasted turkey instead.

How to make reuben soup

This soup gets better as it sits, so make a batch on Sunday and enjoy for lunch that week!

  1. Sauté veggies, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large stockpot.
  2. Use a whisk to mix butter, flour, and chicken broth in a small bowl. Stir mixture into your pot.
  3. Add in additional chicken broth, half and half, Russian dressing, potatoes, sauerkraut, and corned beef.
  4. Simmer then stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted.
  5. Taste and re-season if necessary then serve with toasted marble rye bread!

Whisking together the butter, flour, and a small amount of broth is my way of making a quick roux, which helps to thicken the soup, so don’t skip this step!

Ilovethe tanginess from the Russian dressing and sauerkraut, the texture from the celery, potatoes, and corned beef, and the creaminess of the half and half and cheese. The toasted bread for dunking takes this over the top.

It’s comfort in a bowl!

Easy Reuben Soup Recipe - with Sauerkraut, Corned Beef, and Rye Toast! (2)

What to serve with reuben soup

You *must* serve this reuben soup with a side of toasted marbled rye bread. It’s just too good! Rye croutons would also be a delicious topping. To contrast this rich soup, I love to pair it with a bright, crunchy salad:

  • Pear, blue cheese, candied pecan salad
  • Fruit salad

Easy Reuben Soup Recipe - with Sauerkraut, Corned Beef, and Rye Toast! (3)

How to store

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

To reheat, simply pop in a bowl in the microwave or in a pot on the stove until heated through.

If you love this creamy and cozy soup, you’ll also love this Healthy Instant Pot Turkey Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, this Easy Beer Cheese Soup Recipe, and this One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe.

Slurp up!

– Jennifer

Easy Reuben Soup Recipe - with Sauerkraut, Corned Beef, and Rye Toast! (4)

Easy Reuben Soup

5 from 16 votes

ThisEasy Reuben Soup recipe has all the best reuben sandwich flavors! It's loaded with Yukon gold potatoes, sauerkraut, corned beef, swiss cheese, veggies, garlic, and more, then served with a side of toasted marbled rye bread! Only requires 12 ingredients!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 6 people

Print Pin Rate Recipe

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste (I used 1 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth divided
  • 2 cups fat free half and half warmed
  • 1/2 cup Russian dressing
  • 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cubed (approximately 1/2 - 1 inch cubes)
  • 3/4 cup sauerkraut drained
  • 1 pound cooked deli sliced corned beef chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • Marbled rye bread toasted for serving

Instructions

  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large stockpot over medium heat.

  • Add in celery, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  • Cook, stirring often, until the celery is tender, about 5-10 minutes.

  • Reduce heat to low.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons melted butter, flour, and 1/4 cup chicken broth.

  • Slowly whisk mixture into the stockpot and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.

  • Slowly whisk in the remaining 2 3/4 cups chicken broth, then pour in half and half, Russian dressing, potatoes, sauerkraut, and corned beef.

  • Increase heat back to medium, bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

  • Cover and simmer (you'll probably need to lower the heat back to low) until the potatoes are cooked, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Remove from heat, stir in shredded swiss cheese until melted.

  • Taste and re-season, if necessary, and serve with toasted marbled rye bread!

  • Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!

STORING

Room Temp:N/A

Refrigerator:3-4 Days

Freezer:2-3 Months

Reheat:Microwave or stovetop until warm.

*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Easy Reuben Soup

Amount Per Serving

Calories 491 Calories from Fat 297

% Daily Value*

Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 13g81%

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 87mg29%

Sodium 1974mg86%

Potassium 920mg26%

Carbohydrates 28g9%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 285IU6%

Vitamin C 42.3mg51%

Calcium 273mg27%

Iron 4.8mg27%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: corned beef, cozy, creamy

Enjoy this recipe?

Tag @showmetheyummy on Instagram and hashtag it #showmetheyummy

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: American, Irish

This post has been updated to provide more detailed content.

Easy Reuben Soup Recipe - with Sauerkraut, Corned Beef, and Rye Toast! (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between a Rachel and a Reuben? ›

The difference between a Rachel and a Reuben is the use of cole slaw rather than sourkraut. Traditionally, both sandwiches were made with corned beef, but that has been modified by using other meats, such as turkey. But the form of cabbage is the distinguishing factor.

Should a Reuben be pressed or toasted? ›

In some cases, this rule works for melts, which is what a Reuben technically is. But with the Reuben, I prefer to revert to single-side toasting, because I like the inner surfaces of the bread in a Reuben to be slightly steamed and tender, the whole thing partially fusing together.

Why is a Reuben on rye bread? ›

Omaha, Nebraska Origins

The request came from a city store owner and casual poker player named Reuben Kulafofsky. Schimmel chose to add Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on dark rye bread. This version originated in 1925 and was quickly put on the hotel's menu by owner Charles Schimmel.

What is the difference between a Reuben and a corned beef sandwich? ›

Both feature corned beef and sauerkraut on rye bread, but where a corned beef sandwich keeps it simple with mustard and relish, the reuben takes things an extra step further by adding Russian dressing and melty cheese.

Should a Reuben be pastrami or corned beef? ›

A Reuben sandwich is typically made with corned beef. It would taste great with pastrami too, it just wouldn't be a classic Reuben! Bottom line: You can't go wrong with either of these flavor-packed deli meats.

What is a Dinty Moore sandwich? ›

Cool, crisp coleslaw and melty swiss layered with warm corned beef give this Deli classic a refreshing change.

How do you keep a Reuben from getting soggy? ›

Both kinds of meat are cured, but pastrami is then coated with a flavorful spice rub and smoked. Why is my Reuben sandwich soggy? The culprit is most likely the sauerkraut. Be sure to drain off as much liquid as possible from the sauerkraut before piling it onto your Reuben sandwich to prevent any sogginess.

Is sauerkraut warm or cold on a Reuben? ›

I actually prefer mine hot with fresh sliced pastrami. It helps melt the cheese and keeps the kraut warm as well. Reuben sandwiches have corned beef (or pastrami), Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and either Thousand Island or Russian dressing on rye bread. Definitely HOT!!

Is Arby's Reuben real corned beef? ›

About the Sandwich

Marbled rye bread filled with freshly sliced corned beef, melty Swiss Cheese, tangy sauerkraut and creamy Thousand Island dressing. This is a Reuben sandwich inspired by the New York standard.

What is a Texas Reuben? ›

A staple in delicatessens throughout the country, a typical Reuben includes pastrami and vinegar-y sauerkraut on some rye bread. We knew that we could do better, and decided to experiment one weekend with our menu. This Texas Reuben features our own lean smoked brisket thrown over some buttered and griddled rye bread.

Can Jews eat rye bread? ›

In Israel, rye bread is very popular due to the large Jewish population of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. It is popular with Israelis of Middle Eastern and North African Jewish descent (Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews) as well. It is also commonly used in restaurant kitchens and is a staple at many bakeries.

What is a Katz Reuben? ›

Your choice of pastrami, corned beef or turkey breast with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and homemade Russian dressing, all on grilled rye bread... Order Online.

What animal is pastrami? ›

Pastrami is made from beef brisket that has been cured, coated in spices, cold smoked and then steamed. Pastrami's thick coat of spices typically includes crushed black pepper, coriander, mustard seeds, garlic and other spices that might be included in a pickling spice mixture.

Is a Reuben still a Reuben without sauerkraut? ›

You can certainly make a sandwich without sauerkraut, but it won't be a reuben sandwich since one of the ingredients that defines the sandwich as being a reuben is sauerkraut.

What animal is corned beef made from? ›

corned beef, food made of beef brisket cured in salt. Related to the word kernel, a corn is a coarse grain of rock salt. In North America, corned beef is brisket, taken from the lower chest of a cow or steer, that has been brined in salt and spices.

Why is a Reuben called a Rachel? ›

Rachel sandwich

In some parts of the United States, especially Michigan, this turkey variant is known as a "Georgia Reuben" or "California Reuben", and it may also call for barbecue sauce or French dressing instead of Russian dressing. The name may have originated from the 1871 song "Reuben and Rachel".

What is a Reuben without sauerkraut called? ›

The Rachel sandwich is one of several variations on the famous sandwich. Instead of the classic corned beef and sauerkraut, the Rachel is usually made with turkey or pastrami and coleslaw. Both sandwiches are made with Swiss cheese and rye bread.

What defines a Reuben? ›

variants or Reuben. : a grilled sandwich consisting of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut usually on rye bread.

Why is the sandwich called a Reuben? ›

According to Omaha lore, the Reuben Sandwich was dreamed up at Omaha's Blackstone Hotel in 1925 by Reuben Kulakofsky, a local grocer, to feed a group of late-night poker players. Charles Schimmel, one of the players and the hotel's owner, liked it so much he put it on the menu of The Plush Horse, the hotel restaurant.

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