Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy mac and cheese soup warms up chilly afternoons with its comforting blend of childhood nostalgia and grown-up sophistication.

Melted cheese cascades through tender pasta, creating a velvety experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Hearty ingredients come together in unexpected ways, promising rich flavor in every spoonful.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can elevate this classic dish into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become more exciting with this innovative twist on a beloved favorite.

Cheese lovers will find themselves captivated by the depth and complexity of each carefully crafted bite.

Grab a ladle and prepare to transform your dinner routine with this delightful recipe that blends tradition and creativity.

Why Mac And Cheese Soup Is The Ultimate Comfort

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This mac and cheese soup transforms a classic dish into a cozy, one-pot marvel that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers endless personalization options, from swapping cheeses to adding crispy bacon or fresh herbs, allowing home cooks to make the dish uniquely their own without complicated technique.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy, cheesy soup that combines the beloved flavors of mac and cheese in a comforting liquid form, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
• Minimal Kitchen Mess: Using just one pot means minimal cleanup, making this recipe a stress-free meal solution that saves time on both cooking and washing dishes, ideal for home cooks who want delicious results without extensive kitchen work.

What You Need For Mac And Cheese Soup

• Olive Oil: A golden foundation for sautéing aromatics with a light, smooth flavor.
• Onion: Provides sweet and savory depth to the soup's base.
• Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic punch to enhance overall flavor.

• Flour: Creates a smooth roux for thickening the soup with a silky texture.
• Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the soup's foundation.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, rich consistency.
• Cream: Boosts richness and provides a luxurious mouthfeel.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Deliver sharp, tangy cheese flavor and creamy melting quality.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the cheese sauce.
• Paprika: Offers a mild, sweet pepper warmth and beautiful color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance overall flavor.

• Bacon Bits: Adds crispy, smoky texture and flavor.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color.

Steps To Make Mac And Cheese Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they transform into soft, translucent delights. Sprinkle minced garlic and let it dance around for another minute, releasing its magical fragrance.

Step 2: Create Silky Thickening Base

Shower flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly with enthusiasm. Keep moving the mixture to prevent any burning and develop a golden, nutty undertone.

Step 3: Pour Liquid Goodness

• Milk
• Cream
• Dijon mustard
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything until harmoniously combined.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Directly in Soup

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then introduce pasta. Let it simmer, occasionally stirring, until noodles reach perfect tenderness. Watch for that delightful moment when pasta becomes soft yet maintains a slight bite.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Wonderland

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until they transform into a luxurious, smooth embrace. If the soup seems too thick, splash in extra milk or broth to restore its silky consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into welcoming bowls. Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or an extra handful of cheese for those seeking extra indulgence.

Tips To Get Mac And Cheese Soup Creamy

• Customize Pasta Choice: Select short, sturdy pasta like elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini that hold cheese sauce well and prevent mushy texture.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust liquid levels by adding extra broth or milk if soup becomes too thick, ensuring creamy and pourable consistency.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Remove pot from direct heat before adding cheese, stirring gradually to create smooth, velvety texture without grainy appearance.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Experiment with cheese varieties like smoked gouda, sharp white cheddar, or gruyere to elevate traditional mac and cheese soup profile.
• Make Dietary Modifications: Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use gluten-free flour and pasta for celiac-friendly version.

How To Store Mac And Cheese Soup Properly

• Refrigerate leftover mac and cheese soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
• Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy-based soup's tendency to break down and lose its smooth texture when thawed.
• If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1-2 months, understanding the potential texture changes.
• When reheating, stir frequently and warm slowly to maintain the soup's original richness and prevent scorching.

What To Pair With Mac And Cheese Soup

• Crisp Wine Companion: Pair this creamy mac and cheese soup with a crisp, unoaked chardonnay that cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a smooth amber ale or mild pale ale that complements the cheesy depth without overwhelming the soup's delicate flavor profile.
• Hearty Side Salad: Serve a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and add a bright, fresh element to the meal.
• Crunchy Topping Boost: Sprinkle crispy pancetta or toasted breadcrumbs on top to introduce a delightful textural contrast and enhance the soup's savory notes.

Fun Changes To Mac And Cheese Soup

• Spicy Southwest Mac and Cheese Soup: Add diced jalapeños, replace Dijon with chipotle pepper, mix in black beans, and top with cilantro and crushed tortilla chips for a zesty kick.
• Vegetable Loaded Mac and Cheese Soup: Incorporate roasted broccoli, diced bell peppers, and spinach for extra nutrition and color. Swap half the broth with vegetable stock to enhance veggie flavors.
• Truffle Mushroom Mac and Cheese Soup: Sauté wild mushrooms like shiitake and porcini, drizzle with truffle oil, and use gruyère cheese instead of cheddar for an elegant, earthy version.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Mac and Cheese Soup: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with dried oregano. Garnish with kalamata olives and fresh basil for a Mediterranean touch.

Mac And Cheese Soup Questions Answered

• Why use Dijon mustard in mac and cheese soup?

Dijon mustard adds a tangy, sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and enhances the overall taste profile of the soup.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables or plant-based protein to boost the nutrition.

• How can I prevent my soup from becoming too thick?

Stir in additional milk or broth gradually if the soup seems too dense. The key is to add liquid slowly and keep stirring to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Is mac and cheese soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love the familiar cheesy flavor and soft pasta. It’s a fun twist on classic mac and cheese that can be a comforting meal for the whole family.

Mac And Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting mac and cheese soup brings southern comfort straight to your kitchen, blending creamy pasta goodness with hearty soup tradition. Cheese lovers will savor each spoonful of this classic dish that warms both heart and stomach.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Additional cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious pot over medium flame, drizzling olive oil to create a silky base. Gently coax chopped onions into translucent softness, allowing their sweet aroma to bloom. Introduce minced garlic, letting it dance and release its fragrant essence for a brief moment.
2. Dust the aromatic foundation with a delicate snowfall of flour, whisking continuously to create a golden, smooth roux that will serve as the soup’s velvety backbone.
3. Gradually pour in broth, transforming the mixture into a harmonious liquid. Incorporate milk, cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until the seasonings integrate seamlessly.
4. Elevate the temperature to a gentle simmer, introducing pasta to the bubbling landscape. Allow the noodles to pirouette and soften, absorbing the rich surrounding flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Lower the heat, inviting cheddar and Parmesan to melt into a luxurious embrace. Monitor the consistency, adding splashes of milk or broth if the soup becomes too dense, ensuring a silky, pourable texture.
6. Ladle the creamy concoction into waiting bowls, offering optional garnishes of crisp bacon bits, verdant green onions, or an extra sprinkle of cheese to personalize each serving.

Notes

• Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free options to make this soup celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Create a lighter version by using low-fat milk and reducing cheese quantity for a healthier twist.
• Control soup consistency by gradually adding liquid – start with less broth, then adjust to prevent watery results.
• Elevate flavor profile by experimenting with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar for unexpected depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 70mg