Deliciously Healthy Reuben Soup: A Lighter, Creamy Take on Your Favorite Sandwich
Craving the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but looking for a comforting, cozy, and lighter alternative? Look no further than this incredibly delicious Healthy Reuben Soup! Imagine all the savory goodness of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, transformed into a rich, creamy soup that’s perfect for chilly days or a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This recipe takes the classic deli favorite and reinvents it in a bowl, using wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and milk instead of heavy cream to create a wonderfully satisfying texture without the extra richness.
This hearty soup, often described as a Reuben Chowder, offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes. It’s thick, creamy, and brimming with the distinctive zest that makes the original sandwich so beloved. Inspired by popular recipes such as our Turkey Reuben Panini, this soup captures the essence of a classic Reuben while offering a fresh, innovative twist. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a slice of crusty rye bread for the ultimate experience, enhancing those traditional Reuben flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Reuben Soup
There are countless reasons why this healthy Reuben soup will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home. Firstly, it offers a fantastic way to enjoy the bold, unique flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a comforting, warm format. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you desire a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The use of lighter dairy options ensures a creamy texture that feels indulgent yet is kind to your waistline, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.
This soup is incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly into your meal plan for a festive St. Patrick’s Day gathering or simply as a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of tender corned beef, savory Swiss cheese, and the slight tang of sauerkraut creates a balanced flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for using up leftover corned beef, turning it into a completely new and exciting dish. Its rich aroma will fill your kitchen, promising a satisfying meal that everyone will eagerly anticipate.
🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Reuben Soup
To create this irresistible Reuben soup, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients that come together to replicate that classic sandwich taste. Each component plays a vital role in building the soup’s robust flavor and creamy texture.
- Butter. We opt for unsalted butter in this recipe. Given that ingredients like corned beef and sauerkraut already contribute a significant amount of sodium, using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the soup more effectively, seasoning to taste at the end.
- Corned beef. For convenience and consistent results, we recommend using quality deli corned beef, finely chopped. However, if you have leftover homemade corned beef, that works wonderfully too – just ensure it’s diced into small, manageable pieces.
- Caraway seeds. These tiny seeds are essential for authentic Reuben flavor, providing a warm, peppery, slightly anise-like note. They also add a subtle visual contrast to the soup, reminiscent of rye bread.
- Mustard powder. Also known as dry mustard, this ingredient adds a sharp, pungent kick that complements the corned beef and cheese, deepening the flavor profile of your Reuben chowder.
- Hot mustard. A touch of hot mustard, like Keen’s, provides an extra layer of warmth and a delightful zing that elevates the soup. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Milk. To keep this Reuben soup lighter and healthier, we use 1% milk. It contributes to the creamy base without adding excessive fat, allowing the other flavors to shine through.
- Greek yogurt. Another secret to the soup’s lighter creaminess! Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and richness, mimicking the effect of sour cream or heavy cream but with significantly fewer calories and more protein.
- Swiss cheese. This is where the magic happens! It’s crucial to use freshly shredded Swiss cheese for the best melting results. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make the cheese lumpy and difficult to incorporate smoothly into your soup. Grate it finely for an even melt.
- Sauerkraut. The quintessential tangy element of a Reuben. Ensure it’s well-drained and chopped to prevent your soup from becoming too watery or having overly large pieces. Its sour notes cut through the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Onion. A simple yellow or white onion, sautéed until tender, forms the aromatic base for this flavorful soup, adding a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Beef Broth. The foundation of our soup, providing a rich, savory backdrop for all the other ingredients. Choose a good quality low-sodium beef broth to control the seasoning.
- All-Purpose Flour & Olive Oil. These two ingredients combine to create a roux, which is essential for thickening the soup to that delightful chowder-like consistency. Olive oil offers a healthy fat choice.
*See recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities and precise measurements.
📖 Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions for Your Reuben Soup
One of the best things about homemade soup is the flexibility it offers. This Reuben soup recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs, pantry staples, or simply to satisfy a particular craving. Here are some fantastic ways to modify this hearty and healthy Reuben chowder:
- WW Friendlier/Lighter Options – To make this healthy Reuben soup even lighter and more Weight Watchers friendly, consider a few simple swaps. You can easily substitute the corned beef deli meat with lean turkey deli meat for a lower-fat protein option. Opt for light butter and fat-free milk to reduce calorie and fat content further. While finding light Swiss cheese can be a bit of a challenge, it’s an option if available. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of roux (flour and oil mixture) or use cornstarch (see “Thickening Options”) for a thinner, yet still flavorful and creamy, broth.
- Spice It Up – If you enjoy a bit of heat, transform your Reuben soup into a spicy sensation. A pinch of chili pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper stirred in during the simmering stage will add a delightful warmth and kick. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Dry Mustard Alternatives – Don’t have dry mustard on hand? No problem! You can substitute Dijon mustard for dry mustard, using 1 ½ tablespoons of Dijon for every teaspoon of dry mustard. Dijon will offer a similar tang and depth, though it might be slightly less pungent.
- Cabbage for Sauerkraut – While sauerkraut is a hallmark of the Reuben flavor, if you don’t have it or prefer a milder tang, you can substitute fresh cabbage. You’ll need to finely shred and precook the cabbage until it’s very soft. To mimic the characteristic tangy flavor of sauerkraut, add 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of white granulated sugar to the soup along with the cooked cabbage. This will give it a comparable sour-sweet profile.
- Broth Choices – Beef broth provides a rich base, but feel free to substitute chicken broth or even vegetable broth if you prefer, or if that’s what you have available. Keep in mind that chicken or vegetable broth might alter the depth of flavor slightly, but the soup will still be delicious.
- Olive Oil Substitutes – Instead of olive oil for the roux, you can use canola oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter for a richer roux. Choose what you have or what best fits your dietary preferences.
- Crispy Topping Ideas – Elevate the texture of your Reuben soup with fun toppings. Homemade rye croutons are an excellent choice, mirroring the bread of the sandwich. You could also use pretzel croutons or even a sprinkle of crumbled potato chips for an unexpected crunch.
- Corned Beef Flexibility – Whether you have fresh leftover corned beef from a holiday meal or prefer to use convenience deli counter corned beef, both work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the soup.
🔪 How to Make Your Delicious Reuben Soup
Making this healthy Reuben soup is a straightforward process, designed to bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and comforting meal:
In a large, sturdy saucepan or Dutch oven, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the foundational aromatic base for your soup.
Pour in the beef stock. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; these add extra flavor to your broth. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once the stock comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow it to cook gently for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the onions to soften completely, preparing the base for the star ingredients.
Carefully stir in the chopped corned beef, well-drained and chopped sauerkraut, caraway seeds, mustard powder, hot mustard, Greek yogurt, milk, and the freshly shredded Swiss cheese. Stir well to combine all these wonderful flavors. At this stage, the soup will be thinner, but don’t worry, the roux will thicken it beautifully.
Continue to cook and stir the soup over medium-low heat for approximately 10 minutes. The goal here is for the Swiss cheese to become soft and melty, but not yet fully incorporated or completely smooth. You’ll notice it starting to break down and become stringy, which is exactly what you want before adding the thickening agent.
While your soup is simmering and the cheese is nearly melted (still showing some delightful lumps and strings), it’s time to prepare your roux. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and all-purpose flour until a smooth paste forms. This paste is your roux and will be key to thickening your Reuben chowder.
Hint: For best results and a smoother melt, shred your Swiss cheese on the fine setting of a grater or pulse it in a food processor.
Add the prepared roux to the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook on medium-low heat, vigorously whisking, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency and the Swiss cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup. Once thickened and creamy, remove the pot from the heat.
Serve your steaming hot healthy Reuben soup immediately. It pairs perfectly with slices of fresh rye bread, crispy crackers, or homemade croutons. For an extra authentic touch, serve a side of dill pickles to cut through the richness. If you like, garnish with a sprinkle of additional caraway seeds for extra aroma and visual appeal.
*If you’re preparing this for a gathering and need to keep it warm, transfer the finished soup to a slow cooker and set it to the “low” or “warm” setting, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Top Tips for Perfect Reuben Soup Every Time
Achieving a perfectly balanced and creamy Reuben soup is easy with a few expert tips. These insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your homemade chowder is absolutely delicious:
- Adjusting Soup Thickness: The amount of roux (oil and flour mixture) you add directly impacts the thickness of your soup. If you prefer a thinner, brothier soup, start by adding only half of the prepared roux and whisk it in. If it’s not thick enough for your liking, gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency. You don’t have to use all of it!
- Optimal Cheese Melting: For the smoothest, creamiest Reuben soup, always use freshly shredded Swiss cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting seamlessly, resulting in a grainy or lumpy texture. Grating it yourself ensures a superior, velvety finish.
- Preparing Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut can sometimes be quite strong or overly tangy. If you find your sauerkraut to be too acidic, give it a quick rinse under cold water. This helps to reduce some of its intense flavor without washing away all of its characteristic tang. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly afterwards to avoid watering down your soup.
- Using Leftover Corned Beef: If you’re fortunate enough to have leftover corned beef, it’s an excellent addition to this soup! For the best texture, dice the cooked corned beef into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures an even distribution throughout the soup and makes every spoonful a delight.
- Roux Incorporation Technique: The key to a lump-free, perfectly thickened soup is to ensure your roux (the oil and flour mixture) is smooth before adding it to the hot liquid. Once added, whisk constantly and vigorously. This continuous motion helps to fully disperse the flour particles, preventing clumps and ensuring a silky-smooth chowder.
- Gluten-Free Thickening Options: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version of this delicious Reuben soup, you can easily substitute cornstarch for all-purpose flour in the roux. To do this, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering soup, whisking constantly, until it reaches your desired thickness. Cornstarch thickens quickly, so add it slowly.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. With ingredients like corned beef and sauerkraut, the saltiness can vary. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash more hot mustard or caraway seeds to truly bring out all the flavors.
👪 Serving Size & Adjustments
This creamy and hearty Reuben soup recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings, with each serving being about 1 ⅓ cups (a total of 8 cups). This makes it perfect for a family meal or for having delicious leftovers. Should you need to adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger crowd, our interactive recipe card allows you to easily half, double, or even triple the recipe. Simply click on the serving number in the recipe card and select your desired quantity, and all the ingredient amounts will automatically adjust for your convenience.
🔢 Making Your Reuben Soup Weight Watchers Friendly
While this healthy Reuben soup is already a lighter alternative to many cream-based soups, thanks to the use of milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, it’s worth noting that ingredients like flour, corned beef, and cheese still contribute to its overall points and calories. However, you have several options to lighten it up even further, making it an excellent choice for those managing their Weight Watchers points.
As mentioned in our variations, consider swapping traditional deli corned beef for lean turkey deli meat, using light butter, opting for fat-free milk, and trying to source light Swiss cheese. Furthermore, you can significantly reduce the points by using less roux (the flour and oil mixture) or by substituting it with a cornstarch and water slurry for thickening. While these adjustments might result in a slightly thinner soup, it will maintain its delicious, creamy broth and satisfying Reuben flavor, all while helping you stay within your daily points target. The exact WW points will depend entirely on the specific substitutions and quantities you choose, but these tips provide a clear path to an even healthier, point-conscious version.
🥗 What to Serve with Your Healthy Reuben Soup
This healthy Reuben soup is wonderfully hearty and satisfying enough to be a complete meal on its own, especially given its rich and creamy texture. However, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, enhancing the dining experience and making it a more substantial spread. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Classic Sandwich Pairings: For those who love the “soup and sandwich” combo, this Reuben chowder is a natural match. A simple grilled cheese sandwich or, for a nod to its inspiration, our Open Face Tuna Melts create a comforting and delicious duo.
- Fresh Salads: To balance the richness of the soup, a light and refreshing salad is an excellent choice. Our vibrant Kale Salad with Cranberries and Feta adds a touch of sweetness and tartness, while a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also be delightful.
- Bread and Rolls: No soup is complete without something to soak up all that delicious broth! Crusty rye bread, classic bread rolls, or even homemade Everything Bagel Cloud Bread would be perfect for dipping and savoring every last drop.
- St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: If you’re serving this healthy Reuben soup for a festive St. Patrick’s Day meal, consider pairing it with other themed treats. A refreshing Green Grasshopper Mocktail (as shown in the image below) makes a fun, non-alcoholic drink option. For dessert, delightful Shamrock Tarts or healthier Matcha Muffins would be a perfect sweet ending.
And for those truly looking to indulge and celebrate, consider serving our rich and decadent Chocolate Guinness Cake for a truly memorable dessert! No matter how you choose to serve it, this healthy Reuben soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
🌡️ Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the many benefits of this healthy Reuben soup is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Properly stored, you can savor its delicious flavors days after preparing it.
Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezing: This Reuben soup freezes exceptionally well, providing a convenient option for future meals. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until it’s hot and creamy. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or beef broth.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions About Reuben Soup
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure you have the best experience making and enjoying your healthy Reuben soup:
Absolutely! This Reuben soup is an excellent candidate for freezing. You can store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Reuben Soup is a creative and comforting culinary interpretation of the classic Reuben sandwich. It captures all the signature flavors – corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and the distinctive notes of mustard and caraway seeds – but in a warm, liquid form. While variations exist, many Reuben soups feature a creamy base. Some recipes also incorporate vegetables like celery, carrots, and onions to add depth and nutrition. Depending on the recipe, the texture can range from a thinner broth to a thick, chowder-like consistency, much like our recipe. It’s almost always served with rye bread, crackers, or croutons on the side to complete the sandwich experience.
To further reduce calories and fat in your healthy Reuben soup, consider a few strategic substitutions. Opt for lean turkey deli meat instead of corned beef. Use light butter or a cooking spray to sauté the onions, and choose fat-free milk and light Swiss cheese. You can also minimize the amount of flour and oil used in the roux, or swap it entirely for a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons cold water) to achieve thickening without the added fat from flour. These changes will result in a lighter, yet still incredibly flavorful, soup.
If sauerkraut isn’t available or if you prefer a less intense tangy flavor, you can absolutely substitute it with fresh cabbage. Simply shred green cabbage finely and cook it until very tender before adding it to the soup. To replicate the characteristic tanginess of sauerkraut, stir in 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of white granulated sugar to the soup along with the cooked cabbage. This combination will provide a similar sour-sweet balance to your Reuben chowder.
While Swiss cheese is traditional for a Reuben, you could experiment with other melty cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous. Provolone or a mild white cheddar could work, but be aware that the flavor profile will shift significantly from the classic Reuben taste. Ensure you’re using freshly shredded cheese for the best melting properties.
Yes, this healthy Reuben soup is fantastic for meal prepping! Its flavors tend to develop even further when stored in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Just store it in individual airtight containers and reheat as needed.
This healthy Reuben soup has quickly become a family favorite in our home. If you, like us, adore the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, then you are absolutely going to LOVE this warm, comforting, and wonderfully creamy Reuben chowder!
🥣 More Healthy & Delicious Soup Recipes to Enjoy
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting warmth and wholesome goodness of our Healthy Reuben Soup, you’re in for a treat! We believe that soup can be both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully nutritious. Here are some more of our favorite healthy soup recipes that are perfect for any time of the year, offering diverse flavors and hearty satisfaction:
- Shredded Carrot Chowder (Award-winning)
- Healthy Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe
- Healthy Pumpkin Soup (without cream)
- Loaded Pierogi Soup
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📋 Healthy Reuben Soup Recipe
Equipment
- food processor
- large soup pot
- whisk
- cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion. chopped
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 cups milk * I use 1% milk
- 350 g lean corned beef (deli meat) chopped *or use leftover corned beef
- 1 cup drained sauerkraut chopped
- 1.5 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon hot mustard
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt (0% non-fat)
- 3 teaspoon dry mustard/ mustard powder
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Over medium heat, sauté onion in butter until tender and translucent.
- Add beef stock to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped corned beef, well-drained and chopped sauerkraut, caraway seeds, mustard powder, hot mustard, Greek yogurt, milk, and freshly shredded Swiss cheese. *For the best results, ensure your Swiss cheese is finely shredded.
- Continue to cook and stir on medium-low heat until the cheese is mostly melted and melty, but not completely smooth (this should take approximately 10 minutes).
- In a separate small bowl, mix the olive oil and all-purpose flour together until a smooth roux is formed, then add this to the pot.
- Cook the soup on medium-low, whisking constantly and vigorously until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency and the cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated. *Constant whisking is crucial here to prevent lumps and ensure a creamy texture. Remove from heat.
- Serve your healthy Reuben soup hot with a side of rye bread, crackers, or croutons. It also pairs wonderfully with dill pickles. Garnish with additional caraway seeds if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
- *If you need to keep the soup warm for an extended period, transfer it to a slow cooker and set it to the “low” or “warm” setting, stirring occasionally.
Notes
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- Thinner Soup: You can add less roux (oil and flour) depending on how thick you like your soup (you don’t have to add it all if you prefer your soup thinner.) This is a great way to control the richness and lighten the soup.
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- Cheese Melting: Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese instead of pre-shredded, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect smooth melting, often leading to a lumpy or grainy texture.
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- Sauerkraut Prep: If your sauerkraut has a very strong or overly tangy flavor, rinse it briefly under cold water to mellow it out. Ensure it’s thoroughly drained afterward to prevent adding excess liquid to your soup.
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- Corned Beef Choices: Whether you use fresh leftover corned beef or deli meat, dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures a more even texture throughout the soup and guarantees delicious flavor in every spoonful.
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- Roux Incorporation: Make sure the roux (oil and flour mixture) is completely smooth before adding it to the soup to avoid lumps. Whisking constantly and vigorously when adding the roux and until the cheese melts is key to a silky-smooth, creamy Reuben chowder!
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- Thickening Options: If you prefer a gluten-free version of this soup, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, and then stir it into the soup gradually, whisking constantly until it thickens.