Cold-weather nights are made for hot homemade soup. When you’re looking for warming soup recipes that out of the ordinary, turn to Reuben soup. It features all the flavors of the classic deli sandwich, only more like a deconstructed version in a bowl: savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut and nutty Swiss cheese.
Like other leftover corned beef recipes, this is a perfect dish to make after St. Patrick’s Day. You’ll need just a few other ingredients, including vegetables, chicken broth and half-and-half, then the soup comes together quickly. Don’t forget the rye croutons to really bring home the Reuben sandwich flavors.
Ingredients for Reuben Soup
- Chicken broth: Chicken broth is the backbone for this savory soup. Use homemade broth or your favorite store-bought brand (here are the best chicken broth brands according to our Test Kitchen!). If going with the latter, choose a low-sodium broth, as the kraut and corned beef already add a lot of salt to the soup.
- Sauerkraut: A classic ingredient in the Reuben sandwich, sauerkraut adds texture and the perfect zing to this soup. Whether you use store-bought or homemade sauerkraut, rinse it before using to get rid of some of the saltiness.
- Half-and-half: Half-and-half serves as a stand-in for the creamy texture a Thousand Island dressing brings to the Reuben sandwich. It also balances the acidity of the sauerkraut.
- Corned beef: Use homemade corned beef or meat from the deli. If you still have some meat to use up after cooking this soup, take a look at our other favorite recipes to make with corned beef.
- Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is nutty and mild, the perfect level of cheesiness for this soup. Use shredded cheese (here’s how to grate cheese) so it melts evenly. We have lots of Swiss cheese recipes to use up any leftovers.
Directions
Step 1: Make the base
In a large saucepan, saute the onion and celery in butter until tender. Add broth and baking soda, and stir well. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until it becomes a smooth slurry, then gradually add the mixture to the pan.
Bring everything to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes or until the broth has thickened. Reduce the heat.
Editor’s Tip:Â A cornstarch slurry is a classic way to thicken sauce, soups and stews. Make sure the cornstarch and water are completely blended so you don’t get lumps.
Step 2: Add remaining ingredients
Add the sauerkraut, half-and-half and corned beef to the broth mixture. Simmer and stir the soup for 15 minutes. Add the cheese, and heat until it’s fully melted.
Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with optional rye croutons.
Reuben Soup Variations
- Use pastrami instead of corned beef: When it comes to pastrami vs. corned beef, the two can be used interchangeably in most recipes. Both are variations of salt-cured brisket, but the difference lies in the preparations and flavor. Corned beef is made from the leaner flat brisket, which is slightly drier and leaner; it’s most often boiled or braised. Made with point brisket, pastrami contains more marbling and is richer. It’s also smoked and roasted, thus smokier in flavor, which would give this Reuben soup a slight smoky flavor.
- Add more vegetables: Try red potatoes, cabbage and carrots, which will transform this soup into a Reuben sandwich-boiled dinner hybrid!
How to Store Reuben Soup
Always avoid leaving soup (or any perishable food!) at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent harmful bacteria from developing. Once cooled, transfer the soup to a shallow airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, store it in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to look through our tips for freezing soup like a pro!
Reuben Soup Tips
How do you make rye croutons for Reuben soup?
Don’t get rid of that rye bread just yet! To make rye croutons similar to these seasoned croutons, bake butter-coated leftover rye bread chunks in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until browned. They’re great for soups or any of our top salad recipes!
What do you serve with Reuben soup?
Serve any of your favorite breads, crackers or biscuits with Reuben soup. A simple crusty homemade bread is perfect for cleaning every drop from the bowl. And, of course, any of these Irish soda breads would be delicious with the soup.
