Mac and Cheese Soup

Mac and Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender pasta in a rich, velvety broth. It combines everything you love about classic macaroni and cheese with the cozy, spoonable feel of a hearty soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of mac and cheese, you’re going to love this soup version. It’s creamy, satisfying, and easy to make in one pot. Perfect for cold nights, picky eaters, or anyone in need of a warm hug in a bowl. It’s also flexible—you can toss in veggies, protein, or even spice it up. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight winner.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Elbow macaroni or small pasta
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Onion, finely diced
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Mustard powder (optional, for depth of flavor)

directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in milk and broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese (if using). Stir until completely melted and smooth.
7. Add cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder if using. Simmer for a couple more minutes.
9. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese, croutons, or chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Veggie Add-In: Stir in broccoli, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or diced ham.
• Spicy Version: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
• Different Cheeses: Try a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or pepper jack.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture. This soup is best fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months—note that the texture may change slightly due to the cheese and pasta.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta?

Yes, elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells, ditalini, or any small pasta works well.

What’s the best cheese for this soup?

Sharp cheddar melts well and gives great flavor. Feel free to mix in other cheeses.

How can I make it thicker?

Let the soup simmer a bit longer, or add a bit more cheese or a cornstarch slurry.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes! Just store the soup and pasta separately if possible, then combine when reheating to avoid mushiness.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Definitely—it’s a huge hit with kids thanks to the creamy, cheesy flavor.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, just use vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can leave it out or substitute with extra cheddar or a splash of heavy cream.

How do I avoid grainy cheese?

Add cheese off the heat or on very low heat to keep it smooth.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, though the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. Reheat gently with added milk or broth.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try dairy-free cheese, butter, and plant-based milk, but results may vary in texture and taste.

Conclusion

Mac and Cheese Soup is creamy, cozy, and crave-worthy—everything you love about classic mac and cheese, but in spoonable form. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself to a comforting bowl of cheesy goodness.

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