Creamy Reuben Soup is my answer to weeknight hunger and weekend cravings. As a professional chef, I built a career around quick, nourishing meals. I know flavor and comfort can share a busy schedule. For me, this soup blends the tang of a Reuben with a velvety base and tender potatoes. I use halal-friendly ingredients like halal chicken broth and turkey pastrami, so it fits halal-style kitchens. I keep the stovetop method simple, and a quick rye bread crouton finish adds crunch. It’s perfect for me when I’m managing chores, and for professionals winding down after a long day. This Creamy Reuben Soup deserves a place in your weekly menu.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
what makes Creamy Reuben Soup special
I call Creamy Reuben Soup a warm rescue for busy days. When weeknights stretch thin, I reach for this cozy bowl. Creamy Reuben Soup blends bold Reuben flavors with a velvet, comforting base. It’s halal-friendly, practical, and wins over picky eaters with its gentle tang. One pot, minimal fuss, big flavor—perfect for moms and professionals alike. I love how the cabbage and potatoes stretch the meal and the memories. Plus, the cheese melt feels like a little celebration at the table. If you crave warmth after a long day, this recipe forgives your schedule.

Creamy Reuben Soup mood in a bowl
This Creamy Reuben Soup brings together the comforting textures of a creamy broth with the bold flavors you love from a Reuben. The melt of Swiss cheese and the tang of sauerkraut create a nostalgic bite in every spoonful, while potatoes and cabbage add heartiness that feeds a busy day. It’s approachable, family-friendly, and designed to help busy cooks feel like they’ve plated something special without a long kitchen stretch.
Creamy Reuben Soup for busy families
When time is tight, this Creamy Reuben Soup rises to the occasion. It uses one pot, simple pantry staples, and halal-friendly ingredients to keep the kitchen calm and meal-prep practical. The result is a nourishing, restaurant-worthy soup you can finish in about 30 minutes and portion for multiple meals. It’s a comforting, hands-off-enough-to-answer-email kind of dinner that busy moms and professionals will actually reach for.
Ingredients
Exact quantities are printed at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Gather these ingredients for Creamy Reuben Soup; I keep a bright line of staples ready to keep weeknights calm and tasty.
- 2 tbsp butter — melts into a rich base for sautéing the aromatics and starting the creaminess.
- 1 tbsp olive oil — helps prevent butter from scorching and adds a glossy finish.
- 1 small onion, diced — brings sweetness and depth to the soup from the start.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — adds a savory punch that lingers in the pot.
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely chopped — texture and a classic Reuben brightness.
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced — bulk that becomes creamy as they soften.
- 3 cups halal chicken broth — flavor foundation that keeps the dish halal-friendly.
- 1 cup milk — lightens the creaminess and balances richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream — delivers a velvety, restaurant-worthy finish.
- 1½ cups chopped halal turkey pastrami or turkey deli meat — salty, meaty depth for that Reuben vibe.
- 1 tsp paprika — gentle warmth and color that perks up the pot.
- ½ tsp black pepper — a touch of heat to wake the palate.
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste — seasons with care; cheese adds its own saltiness.
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese — melts into silky, stretchy richness.
- ½ cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped — signature tang to balance the creaminess.
- Optional: rye bread croutons or chopped parsley for garnish — finishing crunch or color, if you like.
How to Make Creamy Reuben Soup
Step 1: Sauté aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
Step 2: Build the base with cabbage and potatoes
Add the chopped cabbage and diced potatoes. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring to coat with butter and oil. This step starts the gentle softening that keeps the texture hearty in the final soup.
Step 3: Add broth and begin simmer
Pour in halal chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, until the potatoes are just tender and the flavors meld.
Step 4: Stir in dairy and main proteins
Return the pot to a simmer and stir in milk, heavy cream, chopped turkey pastrami, paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep heat steady and avoid a full boil to preserve creaminess.
Step 5: Melt cheese into the soup
Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the Swiss cheese, a handful at a time, until smooth and velvety. Don’t rush the cheese addition; slow stirring yields the best creaminess.

Step 6: Add sauerkraut for tang
Stir in drained sauerkraut and cook 2–3 minutes to heat through and release a bright tang that balances richness.
Step 7: Taste and adjust
Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or paprika as needed. If you like more tang, add a touch more sauerkraut; for extra creaminess, whisk in a splash of milk.
Step 8: Serve and garnish
Ladle hot into bowls and top with rye bread croutons or a sprinkle of parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.
Tips for Success
- Use low to medium heat when adding cheese; high heat can separate the fat and make the soup greasy.
- If the soup thickens, whisk in a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
- Drain sauerkraut well to avoid extra liquid diluting the cream and brightness.
- For dairy flexibility, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a lighter option.
- Keep halal ingredients in mind to ensure a comforting, compliant family meal.
- Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and avoid scalding.
Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven — sturdy, even heat for one-pot simmering.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula — for gentle stirring without scratching enamel.
- Knife and cutting board — safe, sharp prep for onions, cabbage, potatoes.
- Measuring cups and spoons — predictable dairy and broth portions.
- Optional: immersion blender — optional for silkier, creamier texture.
Variations
- Swap corned beef for turkey pastrami for a lighter Creamy Reuben Soup flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- For dairy-free: use almond milk with a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Increase sauerkraut for extra tang, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Add sliced mushrooms or shredded kale for extra nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Reuben Soup
I know weeknights can feel like a tightrope walk, yet this Creamy Reuben Soup makes it feel balanced. One pot, dairy richness, and halal-friendly ingredients come together in under 30 minutes, so you can get dinner on the table without sacrificing flavor. The tang of sauerkraut cuts through the velvety cream, while turkey pastrami adds meaty depth you can actually taste. It’s cozy, comforting, and surprisingly uplifting after a busy day, a bowl of Creamy Reuben Soup you’ll want to share.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Reuben Soup
I pair this Creamy Reuben Soup with sides to keep weeknights cozy. The rye crunch, greens, and a sparkling sip lift the mood as flavors mingle in balance.
- Rye croutons for classic texture
- Light green salad with tangy vinaigrette
- Crisp apple cider or sparkling water
- Parsley for color and brightness
Creamy Reuben Soup Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Ideas
When life is busy, I reach for meal prep ideas that keep Creamy Reuben Soup tasting like a fresh, comforting bowl at dinner time. Here’s how I plan ahead so weeknights feel calm rather than chaotic.
Preparing ahead: fully cook the potatoes, cabbage, and turkey pastrami through Step 4, then cool completely and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently, adding the cheese and sauerkraut at the end to keep brightness alive and avoid a grainy finish.
- For freezer-friendly options, portion cooled soup into airtight containers (leave a little headroom) and freeze up to two months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove over low heat, whisking in a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Add cheese gradually as you reheat to maintain a silky texture.
- When reheating from frozen, you may need a touch more sauerkraut or paprika to refresh the Reuben tang.
FAQs for Creamy Reuben Soup
Can I make this dairy-free or lactose-free? Yes. Use a dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese substitute, then add a teaspoon of lemon juice or white miso to mimic the tang and depth of the Swiss cheese.
Can I freeze Creamy Reuben Soup? Yes, but freezing can alter texture slightly; freeze in portions, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stove while whisking in a little milk or broth to restore creaminess.
What if I don’t have turkey pastrami? You can substitute deli turkey or even corned beef if halal options are available; the key is to maintain the tang with sauerkraut and brightness with paprika.
How thick should the soup be? It should be velvety but spoonable; adjust with broth or milk during reheating if it thickens too much as it sits.
Finally, Creamy Reuben Soup isn’t just dinner; it’s a little ritual that makes weeknights calmer and more delicious. I love how a single pot can deliver bold Reuben flavors with a velvet-smooth creaminess, all while using halal-friendly ingredients. The tang of sauerkraut dances with the richness of Swiss cheese, and tender potatoes and cabbage make every spoon feel hearty and comforting. Leftovers surprise me, turning into quick lunches that taste like a treat. If you crave warmth after a busy day, this Creamy Reuben Soup gives you permission to slow down, savor the moment, and smile through every comforting bite.
Print
Creamy Reuben Soup: 5 Cozy, Rich, Irresistible Comfort.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Reuben Soup blends the bold, comforting flavors of a classic Reuben into a luscious, easy-to-make soup. Tender potatoes and cabbage simmer with chicken broth, briny sauerkraut, and sliced turkey pastrami, all ribboned with melted Swiss cheese and a velvety cream sauce. A hint of paprika, garlic, and onion adds depth, making this cozy bowl perfect for a chilly night with rye bread croutons.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth (halal)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups chopped turkey pastrami or turkey deli meat (halal)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- Optional: rye bread croutons or chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and potatoes, stirring well. Cook for 3 minutes to soften slightly.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk, heavy cream, turkey pastrami, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add Swiss cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Stir in sauerkraut and cook for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with rye bread croutons if desired.
Notes
- Halal certification: Use halal chicken broth and halal turkey pastrami to keep the dish halal-friendly.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Feel free to add extra sauerkraut for tang or adjust paprika for more heat.
- Serve with rye bread croutons or chopped parsley for garnish.
- Leftovers store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: Approx. 670
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: Approx. 1,200 mg
- Fat: About 50 g
- Saturated Fat: About 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: About 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 28 g
- Fiber: About 3 g
- Protein: Approximately 34 g
- Cholesterol: About 150 mg
Keywords: Creamy Reuben Soup, Reuben soup, deli-inspired soup, comfort food, turkey pastrami soup, Swiss cheese soup, cabbage potato soup, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner