A comforting bowl of Reuben soup is an innovative twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. This recipe masterfully combines tender corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in a creamy base, topped with crunchy rye bread croutons. The soup is broiled until the cheese is melted and slightly golden, creating a delectable dish that's perfect for chilly days.
Corned beef and sauerkraut are the key ingredients that you might need to pick up from the supermarket. Corned beef, typically found in the deli section, is beef brisket that has been cooked and seasoned with pickling spices. Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage and can be found in jars or cans in the pickle aisle. It adds a unique tangy flavor to the soup.
Ingredients for Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese
Rye bread: Adds a hearty, slightly sour flavor that complements the other ingredients in the soup.
Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adds richness to the soup.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
Celery: Gives a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to achieve the perfect consistency.
Water: The base of the soup.
Beef bouillon: Enhances the flavor of the soup.
Corned beef: Delivers a rich, meaty flavor.
Half-and-half: Makes the soup creamy and luxurious.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, nutty flavor.
Sauerkraut: Gives a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
One reader, Cletus Mcarthur says:
This Reuben soup with Swiss cheese recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the melted Swiss cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a good Reuben sandwich. Highly recommend giving it a go!
Techniques Required for Making Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese
How to toast rye bread: Toast the rye bread slices in a toaster until they are lightly browned. Then, cut the toasted bread into cubes.
How to cook onion and celery: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the onion and celery in the butter for 5 to 10 minutes until they are tender.
How to make a roux: Stir the flour into the cooked onion and celery mixture, and cook for a few minutes to form a roux.
How to make the soup base: Gradually stir the water and beef bouillon into the roux mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
How to thicken the soup: Stir in the corned beef, half-and-half, 1 cup of Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut into the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes until the soup thickens.
How to broil the soup: Set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source, then preheat the oven's broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-proof bowls, top each with bread cubes and ¼ cup of cheese, then broil in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
How To Make Reuben Soup With Swiss Cheese
This hearty Reuben soup is packed with savory corned beef, a creamy and thick broth, then topped with rye bread for a filling meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6rye bread slices
- 3tbspbutter
- ½cuponion,chopped
- ¼cupcelery,chopped
- ¼cupall-purpose flour
- 3cupswater
- 4tspbeef bouillon
- 1¼lbscorned beef,shredded
- 3cupshalf-and-half
- 3cupsSwiss cheese,shredded, divided
- 1cupsauerkraut,drained
Instructions
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Toast the rye bread in a toaster until lightly browned. Cut into cubes.
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Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the onion and celery in the butter for 5 to 10 minutes until tender. Stir the flour into onion mixture.
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Gradually stir the water and bouillon into onion mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, then simmer for 5 minutes.
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Stir in the corned beef, half-and-half, 1 cup of Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut into a pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes until the soup thickens.
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Set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source, then preheat the oven’s broiler.
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Ladle the soup into 8 oven-proof bowls. Top each soup bowl with bread cubes and ¼ cup of cheese.
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Broil the soup in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 520.45kcal
- Fat: 39.33g
- Saturated Fat: 21.44g
- Trans Fat: 0.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.48g
- Carbohydrates: 13.97g
- Fiber: 1.15g
- Sugar: 5.55g
- Protein: 27.64g
- Cholesterol: 128.84mg
- Sodium: 1099.82mg
- Calcium: 509.19mg
- Potassium: 435.09mg
- Iron: 1.98mg
- Vitamin A: 234.22µg
- Vitamin C: 23.42mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese
Toasting the rye bread before adding it to the soup not only gives it a nice crunch, but it also helps to prevent it from becoming too soggy when submerged in the soup. Additionally, when melting the swiss cheese on top, keep a close eye on it under the broiler. It can go from perfectly melted to burnt very quickly. Lastly, for a more intense flavor, consider using homemade beef bouillon instead of store-bought.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Reuben Soup
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare the bread cubes in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use pre-cooked corned beef: Instead of cooking the corned beef from scratch, use pre-cooked corned beef to cut down on preparation time.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare the toppings and set the table to maximize efficiency.
Invest in a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables and shred the cheese, saving time on prep work.
Organize your workspace: Keep all the ingredients and utensils within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items while cooking.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to ensure that you're using your time efficiently and not making unnecessary steps.
Substitute Ingredients For Reuben Soup With Swiss Cheese Recipe
rye bread - Substitute with pumpernickel bread: Pumpernickel bread has a similar dense and slightly sweet flavor, which can complement the soup just like rye bread.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich and smooth texture to the soup, similar to butter, while also providing a hint of fruity flavor.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a hint of licorice flavor, which can bring a unique twist to the soup.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can act as a thickening agent, similar to flour, but it creates a smoother texture and is gluten-free.
water - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can enhance the savory flavor of the soup, adding depth and richness.
beef bouillon - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste can provide a savory and umami flavor, similar to beef bouillon, while also adding a hint of fermentation.
corned beef - Substitute with pastrami: Pastrami has a similar smoky and spiced flavor profile to corned beef, making it a suitable alternative for the soup.
half-and-half - Substitute with whole milk and heavy cream mixture: Mixing whole milk and heavy cream can replicate the richness and creaminess of half-and-half.
swiss cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, similar to Swiss cheese, and melts beautifully, adding a rich and creamy texture to the soup.
sauerkraut - Substitute with cabbage and vinegar: Chopped cabbage mixed with a splash of vinegar can provide a tangy and crunchy element similar to sauerkraut.
Presentation Ideas for Reuben Soup
Elevate the soup with a unique garnish: Add a touch of sophistication to the presentation by garnishing the soup with a delicate swirl of thousand island dressing and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This will add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Opt for elegant serving vessels: Present the Reuben soup in elegant, porcelain soup bowls to elevate the dining experience. The classic and refined look of the bowls will complement the richness of the soup and add a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Create a visually appealing arrangement: Arrange the toasted rye bread cubes on top of the soup in a symmetrical pattern, creating a visually appealing presentation. This meticulous arrangement will showcase attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Incorporate a touch of artistry with cheese: Instead of simply sprinkling the cheese on top, consider creating a beautiful cheese crisp to adorn the soup. Mold the Swiss cheese into delicate, lacy crisps and place them on the soup for an artistic and gourmet touch.
Emphasize precision in portioning: Pay close attention to portion sizes, ensuring that each serving is meticulously portioned and presented with precision. Consistency in portion sizes demonstrates a commitment to culinary excellence and attention to detail.
Essential Tools for Making Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese
- Toaster: A kitchen appliance used to toast bread slices by exposing them to radiant heat, browning them evenly.
- Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, or simmering ingredients.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and broiling food by exposing it to dry heat.
- Broiler: A part of the oven used for cooking food by exposing it to high, direct heat.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups and stews.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, stirring, and mixing various components of a dish.
Storing and Freezing Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese
- Allow the reuben soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the soup, place the container or bag in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If the soup appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a little water or beef broth to adjust the consistency.
- For best results, prepare the bread cubes and swiss cheese topping fresh when serving the reheated soup.
How To Reheat Leftover Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese
The best way to reheat leftover reuben soup is to use a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent scorching. Heat until the soup reaches your desired temperature, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the soup is heated through.
To maintain the texture and flavor of the rye bread croutons and melted swiss cheese topping, it's best to prepare them fresh when reheating the soup. Toast the rye bread cubes in a toaster or under the broiler until lightly browned, then set aside. Once the soup is heated, ladle it into oven-safe bowls, top with the fresh croutons and shredded swiss cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you have a large batch of leftover soup, consider reheating only the portion you plan to serve. This will help maintain the quality of the soup and prevent multiple reheating cycles, which can affect the texture and flavor of the corned beef and sauerkraut.
When storing leftover reuben soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup promptly and consume within 3-4 days for the best quality and safety. When reheating, ensure the soup reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Interesting Fact About Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese
Reuben soup is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, incorporating the flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut into a hearty and comforting soup.
Is Making Reuben Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
The Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of corned beef and Swiss cheese may increase the overall cost, but the recipe yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for multiple servings. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $30-$35. The rich flavors and hearty nature of the soup make it a satisfying meal, earning a verdict rating of 8 out of 10 for taste and versatility.
Is Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Reuben soup recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat due to the generous amounts of butter, half-and-half, and Swiss cheese. Consuming excessive saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.
- Corned beef, a key ingredient in the soup, is typically high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
- The recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Rye bread, while a classic component of a Reuben sandwich, is a refined carbohydrate that can cause blood sugar spikes when consumed in excess.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some of the half-and-half with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative to reduce the overall fat content.
- Use a smaller amount of reduced-fat Swiss cheese to minimize the saturated fat intake while still maintaining the signature flavor.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the soup, such as carrots, potatoes, or kale, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Opt for a lower-sodium corned beef or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as chicken or turkey.
- Serve the soup with a side salad or additional steamed vegetables to balance out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals.
- Choose a whole-grain rye bread or a lighter option, such as croutons, for the topping to reduce the refined carbohydrate content.
Editor's Opinion on Reuben Soup with Swiss Cheese
The Reuben soup with Swiss cheese recipe is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese creates a rich and comforting soup. The addition of rye bread adds a satisfying crunch, reminiscent of the sandwich. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal. The broiled cheese topping adds a lovely finishing touch. Overall, this recipe is a creative and delicious take on the beloved Reuben sandwich, sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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Why trust this Reuben Soup With Swiss Cheese Recipe:
This recipe for Reuben Soup with Swiss cheese offers a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, transforming it into a comforting and flavorful soup. The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese creates a rich and savory flavor profile that will surely satisfy your cravings. With the careful incorporation of ingredients and the use of traditional cooking techniques, this recipe promises to deliver a hearty and delicious soup that you can trust to impress your taste buds. Embrace the warmth and comfort of this Reuben soup and indulge in its delightful flavors.
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