This Mac and Cheese Soup is a warm and comforting dish that captures all the beloved flavors of traditional macaroni and cheese in a creamy soup form. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its rich texture and cheesy goodness, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This Mac and Cheese Soup can be made in just 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Comforting and Rich: The creamy texture combined with three kinds of cheese makes this soup incredibly satisfying, perfect for warming up on cold nights.
- Family-Friendly: With its cheesy flavor and pasta, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an easy choice for family dinners.
- Versatile Garnishes: You can elevate your soup with various toppings like green onions or crispy bacon, allowing everyone to customize their bowl.
- Easy Clean-Up: With minimal pots required, you spend less time cleaning up after enjoying your delicious meal.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools needed to prepare this delightful Mac and Cheese Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Grater
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: This is essential for boiling the broth and cooking the macaroni at the same time without crowding.
- Whisk: A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring that your roux and cheese sauce are lump-free.
Ingredients
This decadent Mac and Cheese Soup is everything you love about macaroni and cheese turned into a rich and creamy soup you’ll want to curl up with on a cold winter’s night. Ready in just 30 minutes, it only takes slightly longer to make than the boxed stuff and will feed the whole family! Serve it with some crusty bread and a sprinkle of green onions for a delicious meal you’ll be thinking of long after the bowl is empty.
For the Soup Base
- 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup (about ½ pound) elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked
For the Cheese Sauce
- 1/3 cup butter, unsalted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups sharp yellow cheddar cheese, grated
- ⅓ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon mustard powder
For Garnish
- Fresh green onions, finely chopped
- Black pepper, freshly cracked
How to Make Mac and Cheese Soup
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, add broth and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add macaroni pasta and cook just until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly to make a roux, about 1-2 minutes until smooth and thickened.
Step 3: Add Milk
Gradually add in milk while whisking constantly to combine. The sauce will thicken initially but will smooth out as more milk is added.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheeses
Add in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese while reducing heat to low. Stir in garlic powder and mustard powder until well mixed.
Step 5: Combine Soups
Slowly pour the cheese mixture into the macaroni soup while mixing well until fully combined.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with green onions and freshly cracked black pepper before serving warm. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Mac and Cheese Soup!
How to Serve Mac and Cheese Soup
Mac and Cheese Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The creamy texture and rich flavors can be enhanced with various toppings and sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your soup.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Green Onions: Finely chopped for a fresh and mild onion flavor.
- Chives: Adds a subtle garlic-like taste that complements the cheese.
- Parsley: Offers a touch of color and freshness to your bowl.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: Dipping into the soup enhances the flavor and texture.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky taste pairs perfectly with creamy soup.
- Breadsticks: Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, perfect for scooping.
Add Some Protein
- Cooked Bacon: Crispy bits give a delightful crunch and smoky flavor.
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced pieces add heartiness for a complete meal.
- Crab Meat: For a luxurious touch, crab meat brings sweetness to the dish.
How to Perfect Mac and Cheese Soup
Making the perfect Mac and Cheese Soup is all about balance in flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time.
- Use Quality Cheese: High-quality cheese melts better, giving you that perfect creaminess.
- Adjust Thickness: If too thick, add more broth or milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Season Well: Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper for best results.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding different cheeses like gouda or fontina for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Mac and Cheese Soup
Completing your meal with some delightful side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to enjoy alongside your Mac and Cheese Soup.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds freshness.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli provides a healthy contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice or quinoa for added flavor and texture.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers roasted until caramelized pair beautifully.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside, soft inside – perfect for dipping in your soup!
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the creaminess of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mac and Cheese Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will elevate your dish.
- Skipping the roux: Not making a roux can lead to a soupy texture. Always whisk flour with butter before adding liquids to thicken your soup properly.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long leads to mushiness. Aim for al dente, as it will soften further in the soup.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Grate fresh cheese for a smoother and creamier consistency.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you cook for maximum flavor.
- Not letting it sit: Serving immediately prevents flavors from melding. Letting the soup rest for a few minutes enhances the taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before sealing it in containers.
Freezing Mac and Cheese Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers since the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Mac and Cheese Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each until evenly warmed.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mac and Cheese Soup.
What is Mac and Cheese Soup?
Mac and Cheese Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional macaroni and cheese into a warm soup format.
Can I customize my Mac and Cheese Soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or even proteins like chicken or bacon for extra flavor.
How do I make my Mac and Cheese Soup thicker?
You can thicken your soup by using more roux or by allowing it to simmer longer without a lid.
What can I serve with Mac and Cheese Soup?
Pair this delightful soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Mac and Cheese Soup is not only rich and creamy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it according to your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion. Try it today, and enjoy a warm bowl filled with comfort!
Mac and Cheese Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mac and Cheese Soup, a delightful twist on the classic macaroni and cheese dish. This creamy soup combines the familiar flavors of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses with tender elbow macaroni in a rich broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Top it off with fresh green onions or crispy bacon for added flavor and texture. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or serving a crowd, this easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups sharp yellow cheddar cheese (grated)
- ⅓ cup fresh Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon mustard powder
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux for about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until smooth.
- Lower heat and incorporate cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses along with garlic and mustard powders.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni soup until fully mixed.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions and black pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
