I just made this “Sauerkraut Chowder” last week. I use only 4 oz of cream cheese instead of 8 oz and I add a teaspoon of Liquid Smoke. Absolutely delicious.
http://www.food.com/recipe/sauerkraut-chowder-96499#activity-feed
That sounds really good. But I would want to add some more veggies, chopped carrots and/or celery maybe.