The Coziest Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Creamy mac & cheese soup brings comfort straight to your favorite bowl of warmth.

Melted cheese swirls around tender pasta, creating a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Hearty ingredients combine for an unexpected culinary experience that warms you from the inside out.

Every spoonful promises rich, velvety goodness that feels like a cozy hug.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this mouthwatering recipe.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical on your stovetop.

Let hunger guide you toward this irresistible soup that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Mac & Cheese Soup Turns a Classic into Something Extra Creamy

Savor the Comfort: Mac & Cheese Soup Delights

• Quick Comfort Meal: Transforms classic mac and cheese into a warm, satisfying soup that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers rich, cheesy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an instant family favorite that everyone will love.
• Versatile Winter Warmer: Provides ultimate comfort during cold days, serving as a hearty lunch or cozy dinner option that fills you up and warms you from the inside out.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a simple cooking process that uses just one pot, saving time and reducing dish-washing hassle for home cooks.

Mac and Cheese Soup Ingredient Breakdown

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for soaking up creamy cheese soup. Choose good quality durum wheat pasta for best texture.

• Butter, Cheddar Cheese, Heavy Cream, Milk: Creamy components that create rich and smooth soup texture. Select full-fat dairy for maximum flavor. Sharp cheddar provides stronger cheese taste.

• Chicken Broth, Salt, Black Pepper, Mustard Powder, Vinegar: Flavor enhancers that add depth and balance to the soup. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of saltiness. Dijon or white vinegar work well for tang. Fresh ground black pepper preferred over pre-ground.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating roux and thickening soup base. Use unbleached flour for best results.

Mac & Cheese Soup Comfort Food Guide

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a large pot and fill it with water.

Add a pinch of salt.

Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook until it’s just right – tender but not mushy.

Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Create a Buttery Base

Grab the same pot and melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk like crazy.

Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes until it turns golden and smells nutty.

This is your flavor-packed roux that’ll make the soup super creamy.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Magic

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Heavy cream

Whisk continuously to keep everything smooth and prevent any annoying lumps.

Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Time to add the star of the show – cheese!

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar gradually.

Stir until it melts completely, creating a silky, dreamy soup base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Boost the Flavor

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Mustard powder

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning.

Want a little zing?

A splash of vinegar can do wonders.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Soup

Reunite the cooked pasta with your cheesy soup.

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.

This allows the flavors to get to know each other and the pasta to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the soup into bowls.

• Extra cheese sprinkle
• Fresh herbs
• Cracked black pepper

Dive in and enjoy your ultimate comfort food adventure!

Creamy Comfort Tips for Mac & Cheese Soup

• Choose elbow macaroni or small shells for the best texture and soup-friendly shape.
• Grate cheese fresh off the block for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Whisk flour and butter constantly to prevent burning and create a silky smooth base for your soup.
• Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth for a thinner soup or simmering longer to thicken naturally.
• Enhance depth by adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking for extra complexity.

Reheat Mac & Cheese Soup Properly

• Store leftover mac & cheese soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if the soup contains cream, as it may separate when thawed.
• Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching. Heat until thoroughly warm and steaming.
• Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each, to ensure even heating and maintain the soup's smooth texture. Use a microwave-safe container and cover loosely to prevent splattering.

Fun Matches for Mac & Cheese Soup

• Enhance Mac & Cheese Soup Pairings
• Crunch Companion: Serve with garlic-buttered crusty sourdough bread for adding delightful textural contrast and soaking up the creamy soup.
• Wine Whisper: Select crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate between spoonfuls.
• Veggie Balancer: Add roasted broccoli or steamed green beans on the side to introduce fresh, vibrant notes and nutritional balance against the hearty soup.
• Protein Accent: Pair with crispy bacon bits or diced rotisserie chicken to elevate protein content and introduce smoky, savory undertones.

Mac and Cheese Soup with Fresh New Spins

• Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese Soup: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add roasted cauliflower or white beans for extra protein and nutritional value.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and sprinkle smoked paprika to transform the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern-style soup with bold flavors.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, cheesy essence of the original recipe.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for mac & cheese soup?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most robust flavor, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for a smoother, milder taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free to make the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How can I prevent the soup from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese off the heat and stir gradually. Use room temperature cheese and grate it fresh. Keep the temperature low when melting cheese to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without separating.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

While delicious, this soup is high in calories and fat. Consider adding vegetables like broccoli or peas to increase nutritional value. Use low-fat milk options if you want to reduce overall calorie content.

Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets innovation in this mac & cheese soup, blending nostalgic pasta with rich, velvety broth. Cheese lovers will savor each spoonful of this hearty dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Thickening and Flavor Agents:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Seasoning:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, submerging the elbow macaroni until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency. Drain the pasta carefully, preserving its texture for later incorporation.
2. Transform the same pot into a smooth roux foundation by gently melting butter and whisking in flour. Allow the mixture to toast and develop a golden, nutty fragrance for a brief moment.
3. Introduce chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the roux, whisking with precision to eliminate potential lumps. Maintain consistent motion while the liquid gradually thickens and develops a velvety consistency.
4. Integrate shredded cheddar cheese into the simmering liquid, folding continuously to ensure complete dissolution. Manipulate the heat to create a harmonious, silky texture without scorching.
5. Elevate the flavor profile by seasoning with salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Taste and refine the seasoning, considering a subtle splash of vinegar to enhance the overall complexity.
6. Reunite the reserved pasta with the cheese-infused base, allowing them to merge and absorb each other’s essence. Permit a gentle simmer to marry the flavors and achieve optimal creaminess.
7. Present the soup in warm bowls, adorned with optional garnishes like additional cheese, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to elevate the visual and gustatory experience.

Notes

• Select shorter pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells for better soup texture and easier eating.
• Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by removing the pot from heat before adding cheese and stirring gradually.
• Use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyere for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Enhance soup’s richness by adding a small amount of cream cheese or mascarpone during cheese melting stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 572
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg