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Looking for the ultimate comfort food? My Mac and Cheese Soup recipe transforms your favorite pasta dish into a luxurious bowl of creamy goodness. The whole family begs for this soup whenever temperatures drop and nothing beats watching them dive into steaming bowls of cheesy heaven. After years of testing I've perfected this 30-minute recipe that'll warm your soul.
The Perfect Bowl of Comfort
Trust me this soup will become your new go-to dinner. I created this recipe during a particularly cold winter when my kids were craving something cozy and filling. Now it's our most requested meal especially on busy weeknights when we need something quick and satisfying. The best part? You can toss in whatever ingredients you have on hand to make it your own.
What You'll Need From Your Kitchen
- Broth: 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth will create the tasty base.
- Elbow Macaroni: 2 cups uncooked pasta become perfectly tender in the broth.
- My Secret Cheese Mix: 2 cups sharp cheddar plus ½ cup Parmesan create pure magic together.
- Milk: 2 cups whole milk makes everything silky smooth.
- My Favorite Spices: A pinch of garlic powder and mustard powder really make the flavors sing.
- Butter & Flour: These work together to create that perfect thick texture.
- Fresh Touch: Sliced green onions brighten up each bowl.
Let's Make Some Soup
- Start With the Pasta
- Pour 4 cups of broth into your biggest pot bring it to a bubble then add 2 cups of macaroni. Cook until they're just tender about 8 minutes. Keep the broth.
- Create Your Base
- Grab another pan melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons flour and whisk until smooth for about 2 minutes.
- Time for Milk
- Pour in 2 cups of milk slowly keep whisking until you see it getting thick and smooth.
- The Best Part Cheese
- Turn down the heat then add your cheddar and Parmesan. Watch it melt into pure gold. Sprinkle in those special spices.
- Bring It Together
- Pour your gorgeous cheese sauce into the pasta pot. Stir until everything becomes one creamy dream.
- The Final Touch
- Scatter those green onions on top add some fresh pepper and grab your favorite bread.
Make It Your Own Way
My family loves throwing in leftover ham or crispy bacon bits. Sometimes I sneak in roasted broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrients. When I'm feeling fancy I swap in some Gruyere cheese it's absolutely divine.
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My Kitchen Secrets
Want to know my biggest trick? Never stop whisking that roux and add your milk slowly. I always grate my cheese fresh right before cooking. Those bags of pre-shredded stuff just don't melt right and leave weird clumps trust me I learned this the hard way.
Saving Some For Later
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 days. When you're ready for round two just warm it up slowly on the stove. I usually add a splash of milk to bring back that silky smooth texture we all love.
About Freezing Your Soup
Let's talk freezing. I wouldn't recommend it with this recipe. The creamy texture just isn't the same after thawing. If you must freeze it do it before adding the cheese sauce then stir in fresh cheese when reheating.
What Goes Well With Your Soup
In my house we love dunking crusty sourdough into this soup. A fresh green salad on the side keeps things balanced. My kids go crazy for some crunchy croutons sprinkled on top of their bowls.
Spicing Things Up
Some nights I like to add a little excitement with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. My husband loves when I garnish his bowl with fresh jalapeño slices. It's amazing how a little heat brings out the cheese flavors.
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Switch Up Your Pasta
Sometimes I use rotini or those cute little bow ties instead of regular macaroni. Each shape holds the creamy sauce differently giving you a whole new experience. My daughter loves when I use those shell shapes they catch little pools of cheese sauce inside.
Adding Extra Protein
Want to make it more filling? I often toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey. On special occasions I'll add some cooked shrimp. It turns this cozy soup into a real power meal.
Making It Plant Based
My vegan friends love this soup too. Just swap in your favorite plant based cheese blend and use almond milk. Vegetable broth keeps things completely plant based and honestly it's just as creamy and delicious.
Getting That Perfect Thickness
Sometimes I like my soup extra thick. A little trick I learned from my grandmother mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. Keep simmering until it's exactly how you like it.
Kid Approved Add Ins
My little ones never complain when I sneak in some steamed broccoli or sweet peas. Their faces light up when I sprinkle crushed potato chips on top. It's our little secret way of making sure they eat their veggies.
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Perfect for Having Friends Over
This recipe is my go-to when hosting book club. I double everything keep it warm in my slow cooker and set out bowls of toppings. Everyone loves customizing their own bowl and the kitchen always fills with happy chatter.
Fresh Herbs Make Everything Better
Fresh herbs from my garden take this soup to another level. A sprinkle of parsley thyme or chives right before serving adds such a lovely fresh flavor. Plus it makes every bowl look like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Drinks That Go Great With Your Soup
On cozy nights we love pairing this with a glass of crisp white wine. For family dinners we stick to iced tea or warm apple cider. Something about the combination just works perfectly.
Prep Ahead Tips
Here's a busy mom tip cook your soup base ahead but keep the pasta separate until serving time. This way everything stays fresh and perfect. Such a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights.
Fancy Cheese Options
Sometimes I splurge on special cheese like aged Gruyere or smoky Gouda. A tiny drizzle of truffle oil turns this comfort food into something truly spectacular. Perfect for those nights when you want to feel a bit fancy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I freeze this soup?
- Not recommended as cheesy soups don't freeze well. Best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers within a few days.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Cool to room temperature, store in airtight container in fridge. Reheat gently to avoid soggy pasta.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
- Sharp cheddar provides best flavor, but you can experiment with cheese combinations while keeping total amounts same.
- → Why add mustard powder?
- Mustard powder enhances cheese flavor without adding noticeable mustard taste.
- → Can I make it gluten free?
- Use gluten-free pasta and substitute cornstarch for flour in the roux.
Conclusion
This Mac and Cheese Soup is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food.Combining creamy three-cheese sauce with perfectly cooked elbow pasta, it offers a warming and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.