Slow Cooker Creamy Reuben Soup (All the Deli Flavor in One Cozy Bowl)
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Make this Slow Cooker Creamy Reuben Soup with tender corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, potatoes, and a rich creamy broth. All the classic Reuben deli flavors come together in an easy, comforting slow cooker meal.
Slow Cooker Creamy Reuben Soup (All the Deli Flavor in One Cozy Bowl)
Introduction
If you love a classic Reuben sandwich, this Slow Cooker Creamy Reuben Soup takes all those unforgettable deli flavors and transforms them into one warm, rich, and comforting bowl.
Tender pieces of corned beef combine with tangy sauerkraut, creamy broth, melted Swiss cheese, potatoes, and traditional Reuben-inspired seasonings. Everything slowly cooks together until the potatoes are tender and the broth is rich, velvety, and packed with savory flavor.
The inspiration comes straight from the classic deli sandwich: salty corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, rye bread, and creamy dressing. Instead of stacking those ingredients between slices of bread, this recipe turns them into an easy slow cooker dinner that’s especially satisfying on chilly evenings.
The slow cooker makes preparation incredibly simple. Add most of the ingredients, let them simmer for several hours, then finish the soup with cream and Swiss cheese shortly before serving. The result is a hearty soup that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day—with very little hands-on work.
Serve each bowl with crunchy rye croutons and an extra sprinkle of Swiss cheese for the ultimate Reuben experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich.
- Rich and creamy broth.
- Tender corned beef in every spoonful.
- Easy slow cooker preparation.
- Perfect for leftover corned beef.
- Hearty enough for dinner.
- Excellent cold-weather comfort food.
- Great for family meals.
- Easy to customize.
- Delicious with toasted rye bread.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound cooked corned beef, chopped or shredded
- 2 cups sauerkraut, well drained
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Optional Garnishes
- Additional shredded Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Chopped green onions
- Rye bread croutons
- Extra corned beef
- A small drizzle of Thousand Island dressing
Kitchen Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Cheese grater
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef
Cut or shred the cooked corned beef into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using leftover corned beef, trim away excessive fat before chopping.
Set aside.
Step 2: Drain the Sauerkraut
Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly.
For a milder flavor, you can briefly rinse it under cold water and squeeze out the excess moisture.
If you love a stronger traditional Reuben flavor, simply drain it without rinsing.
Step 3: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Add the following ingredients to the slow cooker:
- Corned beef
- Sauerkraut
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Broth
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Caraway seeds
- Black pepper
Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
LOW for 6–7 hours
or
HIGH for 3–4 hours
The soup is ready for the next step when the potatoes are completely tender.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add the softened cream cheese.
Stir until it begins melting into the broth.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir again.
Step 6: Add the Swiss Cheese
Gradually stir in the shredded Swiss cheese.
Add it in small handfuls rather than all at once so it melts smoothly into the soup.
Cover and continue cooking on LOW for approximately 20–30 minutes.
Avoid allowing the soup to boil after adding the dairy.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup before adding any salt.
Corned beef, sauerkraut, broth, and Swiss cheese can already contain plenty of sodium.
Add additional black pepper, Dijon mustard, or caraway seeds according to your preference.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Top with shredded Swiss cheese, chopped parsley, extra corned beef, or crunchy rye croutons.
Serve immediately.
Homemade Rye Croutons
Rye croutons are one of the best toppings for this soup because they bring in the final major flavor of a classic Reuben sandwich.
Ingredients
- 4 slices rye bread
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the rye bread into small cubes.
Toss with melted butter and garlic powder.
Spread onto a baking sheet and bake for approximately 8–12 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp.
Sprinkle over the soup immediately before serving.
Why This Soup Tastes Like a Reuben Sandwich
A traditional Reuben is built around several distinctive flavors, and this soup recreates those same elements.
Corned beef provides the savory, salty meatiness.
Sauerkraut contributes the signature tangy flavor.
Swiss cheese melts into the broth for richness.
Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce add savory depth.
Caraway seeds and rye croutons provide the familiar rye-bread character.
Together, they create a creamy soup that delivers classic deli flavor in every spoonful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Reuben Soup with:
- Toasted rye bread
- Rye croutons
- Garlic bread
- Dill pickles
- Garden salad
- Coleslaw
- Potato wedges
- Toasted sourdough
- Extra sauerkraut
For the full deli-style experience, serve a pickle spear alongside each bowl.
Expert Tips
Drain the Sauerkraut Well
Too much sauerkraut liquid can overwhelm the creamy broth. Drain it thoroughly before adding it.
Shred Your Own Swiss Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than packaged pre-shredded cheese.
Add Dairy Near the End
Heavy cream and cheese should be added during the final stage of cooking to help maintain a smooth texture.
Don’t Add Salt Too Early
Corned beef and Swiss cheese can be salty. Always taste the finished soup before deciding whether additional salt is necessary.
Cut the Potatoes Evenly
Uniform pieces cook at approximately the same speed and give the soup a better texture.
Delicious Variations
Extra Cheesy Reuben Soup
Increase the Swiss cheese to 2½ cups for an especially rich and cheesy soup.
Low-Carb Reuben Soup
Leave out the potatoes and add cauliflower florets instead.
Spicy Reuben Soup
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of prepared horseradish.
Extra Creamy Reuben Soup
Increase the cream cheese to 8 ounces for a thicker, richer consistency.
Reuben Soup Without Potatoes
Simply omit the potatoes for a lighter soup focused on the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
How to Thicken Reuben Soup
If you’d like a thicker soup, whisk together:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Stir the slurry into the soup before adding the cheese.
Allow it to cook until slightly thickened, then finish with the cream and Swiss cheese.
Alternatively, mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the slow cooker to naturally thicken the broth.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can chop the corned beef, potatoes, onions, and garlic the night before.
Keep everything refrigerated in separate airtight containers.
The next morning, place the ingredients into the slow cooker and begin cooking.
For best results, wait until the final 30 minutes to add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and Swiss cheese.
Storage
Refrigerator
Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer
Cream-based soups can sometimes separate after freezing, so refrigeration is preferred.
If freezing, store for up to 2 months and thaw slowly in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
How to Reheat
Warm leftover soup gently in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Avoid boiling because high heat can cause the dairy to separate.
If the soup becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or milk while reheating.
Nutrition Information
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 495
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Total Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1,080mg
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary significantly depending on the corned beef, broth, sauerkraut, cheese, and serving size used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover corned beef?
Absolutely. This is an excellent recipe for turning leftover corned beef into a completely different meal.
Can I use deli corned beef?
Yes. Thick-cut deli corned beef works well. Chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup.
Should I rinse the sauerkraut?
You don’t have to. Rinsing creates a milder soup, while using drained but unrinsed sauerkraut gives you a stronger tangy Reuben flavor.
What cheese works best?
Swiss cheese is the classic choice. Gruyère can also be used for a richer variation.
Can I leave out the potatoes?
Yes. The potatoes add body and make the soup more filling, but they aren’t essential.
Why did my cheese become grainy?
Excessive heat can cause cheese to separate. Add the cheese toward the end and avoid boiling the soup afterward.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer the vegetables and broth until the potatoes are tender, then add the corned beef, cream cheese, heavy cream, and Swiss cheese over gentle heat.
What bread should I serve with it?
Rye bread is the perfect choice because it recreates another important element of the classic Reuben sandwich.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Creamy Reuben Soup takes everything people love about the classic deli sandwich and transforms it into a rich, cozy meal. Tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, potatoes, and savory seasonings slowly come together in a broth that’s hearty enough to satisfy on even the coldest evening.
Top each bowl with crunchy rye croutons and extra Swiss cheese, add a pickle on the side, and you’ve got all the unmistakable deli flavors of a Reuben in comforting soup form. Easy enough for a family dinner and memorable enough to share with guests, this slow cooker recipe is a delicious new way to enjoy a beloved classic.
