Mac and Cheese Soup: A Perfect Recipe!

Sometimes, the simplest ideas turn into the biggest dinnertime wins. I remember the first time I made Mac and Cheese Soup. My little one had a sore throat, and all she wanted was mac and cheese, but something warm and soothing. So, I thought, “Why not turn it into a soup?” It was a total experiment, born out of a cozy chaos kind of night.

The whole family devoured it. I was surprised by how much everyone loved it, and it quickly became a regular on our meal plan. It’s amazing how such a simple dish can bring so much comfort, right?

It’s been a journey perfecting my family’s version of Mac and Cheese Soup. I’ve learned a few comfort hacks along the way to make it even easier for busy weeknights.

If you’re like me – a busy mom seeking sanity-saving comfort food – then this Mac and Cheese Soup recipe is for you. Let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

This Mac and Cheese Soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Cooked and crumbled bacon for topping

No worries if you don’t have cheddar cheese on hand! I sometimes use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra comfort in my Mac and Cheese Soup. You can even try a little bit of parmesan cheese, too!

For the milk, whole milk makes it extra creamy, but 2% works great, too. This Mac and Cheese Soup proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive – or fancy.

Here’s a Mac and Cheese Soup comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: pre-shredded cheese. I know, I know – some people say it doesn’t melt as well. But, honestly, the time savings are worth it for me!

Trust me, a little planning goes a long way in the kitchen. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of garlic powder to the soup while it cooks. Try it and let me know if you like it, too!

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook it! Slightly al dente pasta holds up best in the soup. This Mac and Cheese Soup needs perfectly cooked macaroni!
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is going to help thicken the creamy mac and cheese soup and get rid of that flour taste!

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Mac and Cheese Soup – I’d get lumps! The trick is to whisk constantly and make sure the butter and flour are fully combined.

4. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth.
5. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Or maybe sneak a square of chocolate – you deserve it, fellow comfort seekers!
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Keep stirring so the cheese doesn’t stick or burn. Your cheesy macaroni soup should smell amazing by now! This is the best part!

Don’t worry if your Mac and Cheese Soup looks a little thin at first. It will thicken as it simmers and the cheese melts. My Mac and Cheese Soup usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish!

7. Stir in the cooked macaroni, salt, and pepper.
8. Heat through, stirring occasionally. Take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
9. Serve hot and top with cooked bacon, if desired.

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this comforting Mac and Cheese Soup when I serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or carrot sticks. The little veggies add a little freshness and makes me feel good about sneaking in something healthy!

This Mac and Cheese Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I also love making it on chilly weekends when we’re all craving something warm and cozy.

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top of each bowl. It just makes it look extra appealing, you know?

We usually have leftovers, which are great for lunch the next day! Just add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy. My husband likes to take the leftover Mac and Cheese Soup to work.

One time, my daughter’s friend came over, and she asked if she could have a bowl of this. She loved it! I think this soup made me a supermom in her eyes.

I sometimes add a can of diced tomatoes for a little acidity and flavor. You can even add some cooked sausage or ham for a heartier meal. My family loves the cheesy macaroni soup whatever version I make!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Is this Mac and Cheese Soup really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The macaroni and cheese provide carbohydrates and protein. The broth adds volume and extra nutrients. Plus, you can always add a side of veggies or a protein like chicken or beans to make it even more filling. My kids are fueled for anything after this!
• What if my picky eater won’t try this Mac and Cheese Soup? Ah, the picky eater challenge! Start by serving a very small portion alongside something they already love. Let them see you and other family members enjoying it. You can also try pureeing some vegetables (like butternut squash or carrots) into the soup for added nutrients without them knowing. Sometimes, just calling it “cheesy noodle soup” does the trick!
• Can I meal prep this Mac and Cheese Soup for busy weeks ahead? Yes, you can! The best way is to make the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The macaroni may absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a little extra milk or broth when reheating. You can also freeze it, but the texture of the macaroni might change slightly.
• Can I use different types of cheese? Definitely! Experiment with different cheeses to find your family’s favorite flavor combination. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack all melt well and add a unique flavor to the creamy mac and cheese soup.
• Is it possible to make this Mac and Cheese Soup gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free macaroni and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. My friend with celiac disease loves my homemade Mac and Cheese Soup!
• What can I add to make this Mac and Cheese Soup spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it’s simmering. You can also add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor and heat.
• How do I prevent the macaroni from getting mushy? Don’t overcook the macaroni! Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the soup. Also, add the cooked macaroni to the soup just before serving to prevent it from sitting in the liquid for too long. Check out Creamy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli Soup – Supper With Michelle for another flavorful twist!

Final Thoughts

This Mac and Cheese Soup is a dinnertime winner in our house, and I hope it will be in yours, too! It’s simple, comforting, and customizable to suit your family’s tastes. My hope is that this recipe will give you a sanity-saving comfort food option for those busy weeknights.

My Mac and Cheese Soup Comfort Hacks:

• Pre-shredded cheese: Saves time and effort!
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle flavor boost.
• Diced tomatoes: A quick way to add acidity and freshness.

Here are a few family-tested Mac and Cheese Soup variations:

• Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Soup: Add steamed broccoli florets to the soup. My son loves this version!
• Bacon Mac and Cheese Soup: Stir in cooked and crumbled bacon. My husband is a huge fan!
• Spicy Mac and Cheese Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. My daughter loves a little kick!

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and finding what your family loves. Make this Mac and Cheese Soup your own! For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this Potsticker Soup.

I’m so happy to share this comfort with you. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for Chicken Parmesan Soup. You can find more inspiration at Homemade Mac & Cheese (extra creamy) Spend With Pennies.

Happy cooking, fellow comfort seekers! Enjoy creating this satisfying Mac and Cheese Soup for your family!

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Mac and Cheese Soup

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This creamy Mac and Cheese Soup is comfort in a bowl! It’s packed with cheesy flavor and tender pasta, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

• Author: Beatriz
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Cooked bacon crumbles for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Pour in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, or until pasta is tender.
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve immediately. Garnish with bacon crumbles, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.