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Mac and Cheese Soup is a hearty and filling main dish soup with all of the flavors of our favorite homemade mac and cheese recipe!
This is an extra thick and creamy cheese soup filled with elbow macaroni and three kinds of cheese.
This recipe is easy enough for every day and makes a great meatless meal but chunks of ham or chicken can be added.
A Creamy Cheesy Soup
- This velvety smooth soup recipe is a new twist on an old favorite, with plenty of fresh cheddar, Swiss, and cream cheese and even room for add-ins!
- Affordable and easy to make, mac and cheese soup is a cold-weather favorite that everyone loves!
- This soup makes a great meatless meal but feel free to add in leftover ham chunks, cooked chicken or even smoked sausage or bacon.
- Serve it with some freshly baked Cheesy Breadsticks or some Fluffy Dinner Rolls ready in 30 minutes!
- Top it with crumbled bacon, crostini, or some crispy onions!
Ingredients in Mac & Cheese Soup
This cheese soup is “all about that base”! Extra rich and creamy it starts with a roux and then milk and cream cheese are added. Onion powder and dry mustard give the base a lot of flavor so don’t skip them! Swirl in a little beer for a beer cheese variation – choose a lager or a porter.
Choose bold cheeses like cheddar and swiss cheese, they pair well together and melt easily. Feel free to use portions of Monterey Jack, Colby, and for a little Southwestern heat, some shredded Peperoncino is a tangy white cheese studded with red pepper flakes.
Just like the boxed kind, elbow macaroni noodles are the favorite but small shells are a close second. Since this mac and cheese is up-leveled, any pasta will do! Penne, rotini, shells, and even orzo are perfect for mac and cheese soup! The pasta is cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor!
Variations
ADD-INS Mac and cheese soup is perfect as is, but it’s also perfect for using up leftovers like mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, tomatoes, grilled or caramelized onions, or potatoes. Or go for diced chili peppers or a can of Rotel tomatoes! It’s a new recipe every time!
MAKE IT NEXT LEVEL and place it in ceramic bowls or crocks and top with cheese, broil it like you would a French onion soup. Oh yes please!! Or, top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs and broil for a crunchy topping!
PRO TIP: It’s worth the effort to shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses have additives that keep it from sticking together – but also make it harder to melt smoothly. Grating cheese is a good task for a little home chef-in-training!
How to Make Mac and Cheese Soup
Cooking homemade Macaroni and Cheese Soup has just three easy steps:
- Simmer the first 4 ingredients together (as per recipe below).
- Add remaining ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Gently stir in cooked macaroni and serve.
Cheese can separate and become oily if cooked too long or at to high of a temperature. Once the base is ready, ensure the soup is on low heat to melt the cheese for a smooth result.
Storing Leftover Soup
Keep leftover mac and cheese soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop. Freeze mac and cheese soup in zippered bags with the date labeled on the outside up to 8 weeks. Reheat as above.
More Creamy Soups
Did your family love this Mac & Cheese Soup? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Mac and Cheese Soup
Creamy and delicious mac & cheese soup is loaded with 3 kinds of cheese.
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In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, per the time indicated on the package. Do not drain.
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While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a separate saucepan and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute.
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Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in milk a little at a time until smooth. Stir in seasonings and cook over medium heat while whisking until thick and bubbly. Let boil for about 1 minute.
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Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in cream cheese and shredded cheeses. Whisk until smooth; the mixture will be thick.
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Once the pasta is cooked, add along with the chicken broth into the cheese mixture. Stir to combine. Heat over medium heat about 3 minutes or until hot.
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Taste and season with salt & pepper if desired. Garnish with additional cheese and parsley to taste.
- Any small pasta can be used in this recipe.
- Shred your own cheeses, pre-shredded cheeses do not melt as well.
- This recipe calls for spreadable cream cheese as it melts easier. If you have block cream cheese, add it once the milk is thickened before adding the cheddar and simmer until smooth. You can use a hand blender if needed.
- Flavored spreadable cream cheese (such as herb and garlic) works well in this recipe.
- Chicken broth can be replaced with water and 2-3 bouillon cubes.
- Add ham, shredded chicken, or smoked sausage if desired.
Calories: 518, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 97mg, Sodium: 773mg, Potassium: 431mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 1073IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 430mg, Iron: 1mg
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine American
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