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

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable mac and cheese soup that blends rich, cheesy goodness into a warm, velvety embrace.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the luxurious blend of classic macaroni and smooth, hearty soup base.

Every spoonful promises a comforting symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with delightful intensity.

The recipe combines pantry staples with simple techniques to create a knockout dish that screams home-style cooking.

Creamy, indulgent, and packed with cheesy goodness, this soup transforms an all-time favorite into a soul-warming meal.

Prepare to be transported to a world of culinary bliss that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Grab a ladle and get ready to experience pure, cheesy magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Mac And Cheese Soup

• Olive Oil: Secret to building a rich, golden flavor foundation that makes every spoonful sing.
• Onion: Provides sweet, subtle depth and creates a mellow aromatic base for the soup's character.
• Garlic: Adds bold, punchy undertones that elevate the entire dish's complexity.

• Flour: Magical ingredient that transforms liquid into a silky, luxurious texture.
• Milk: Creates creamy smoothness and carries the soup's rich flavor profile.
• Cream: Delivers luxurious richness and velvety mouthfeel.

• Broth: Provides savory liquid base that infuses deep, comforting notes.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy brightness and subtle kick.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky undertone.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies all other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Delivers gentle heat and aromatic complexity.

• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, bold cheesy goodness and classic mac and cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, sophisticated depth.

• Bacon Bits: Introduces crispy, salty crunch.
• Green Onions: Offers fresh, zesty finish.
• Extra Cheese: Provides additional melty indulgence.

Gear You’ll Need For Mac And Cheese Soup

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing and cooking the entire soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring onions, garlic, and roux without scratching the pot.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending broth and preventing lumps in the soup.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and green onions.
• Sharp knife: Helps prepare ingredients with precision.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Ladle: Useful for serving the soup into bowls.

Steps To Cook Mac And Cheese Soup

• Kick Off the Flavor Fest

Heat up a large pot and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in chopped onions and let them dance until they turn soft and golden. Invite garlic to the party and let it sizzle for a quick minute.

• Create a Silky Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic, stirring like you’re mixing a magic potion. Keep stirring to prevent any lumpy surprises.

• Bring the Liquid Love

Slowly pour in broth, whisking until everything looks smooth and dreamy. Add milk, cream, a splash of Dijon mustard, and a dash of spices to make it sing with flavor.

• Pasta Party

Let the mixture bubble gently and drop in your pasta. Let it simmer and get tender, stirring occasionally to keep things moving.

• Cheese Waterfall

Turn down the heat and shower the soup with cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts into a luxurious, creamy embrace. If it gets too thick, splash in some extra milk or broth.

• Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or an extra cheese avalanche if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Tips To Make Mac And Cheese Soup Better

• Creamy Consistency Trick: Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother melting and prevent clumping in the soup.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Protein Power-Up: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to transform this soup into a more substantial meal with extra protein.
• Veggie Boost Option: Stir in roasted broccoli, diced bell peppers, or spinach during the final cooking stage to increase nutritional value and add colorful texture.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or add red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier version of mac and cheese soup.

How To Serve Mac And Cheese Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this creamy mac and cheese soup in deep ceramic mugs for a warm, snuggle-worthy meal perfect for chilly evenings.
• Lunch Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or toasted garlic bread to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add some fresh texture.
• Gourmet Garnish Party: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon crumbles, chopped chives, or a dash of smoked paprika on top to elevate the presentation and add exciting flavor layers.
• Winter Wellness Meal: Transform this soup into a complete dinner by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or diced ham for extra protein and heartiness.

How To Store Mac And Cheese Soup Easily

• Refrigeration Revival: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for 34 days. Gently reheat on stovetop, adding splash of milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent separation.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze soup without pasta for best texture. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating slowly.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide soup into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go meals. Label with date and contents to track freshness and reduce food waste.
• Ingredient Separation Hack: Keep crispy toppings like bacon bits separate until serving time. This prevents sogginess and maintains maximum crunch and flavor when enjoying leftovers.

Creamy Mac And Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy mac and cheese soup blends comfort food classics into one hearty bowl. Cheese-lovers will savor rich flavors and discover a simple, soul-warming meal you can enjoy with crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Crispy bacon bits (optional)
• Chopped green onions (optional)
• Additional cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat a spacious pot over medium flame with olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent, then quickly introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrant essence to permeate the base.
2. Roux Creation: Dust the aromatic mixture with flour, whisking continuously to craft a golden, smooth thickening agent that will provide the soup’s luxurious texture.
3. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour broth and milk, blending in Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until seasonings meld harmoniously, creating a unified flavor profile.
4. Pasta Infusion: Increase heat to a gentle simmer, adding pasta to the bubbling liquid. Allow noodles to cook and absorb surrounding flavors, stirring intermittently to prevent clumping.
5. Cheese Melding: Reduce heat and fold in cheddar and Parmesan, creating a rich, creamy consistency. Adjust thickness with additional milk or broth as needed, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture.
6. Serving Flourish: Transfer the creamy soup into serving bowls. Optionally garnish with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or an extra cheese sprinkle to elevate the final presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Roux Lumps: Whisk flour continuously and add liquid gradually to ensure a smooth, lump-free base for the soup’s creamy texture.
• Control Pasta Cooking: Stir pasta occasionally and monitor cooking time to prevent overcooking, maintaining ideal al dente texture without turning mushy.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese, stirring gently to prevent separation and achieve a silky, even melted consistency.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, use gluten-free pasta, and select lactose-free cheese for accommodating different dietary needs.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg