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Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe

4.8 from 136 reviews

This creamy Mac and Cheese Soup combines tender elbow macaroni, a rich cheese sauce, and flavorful seasonings for a comforting bowl of warmth. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, this soup is a perfect cozy meal enhanced with garlic and mustard powder and topped with fresh green onions and black pepper.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup (about ½ pound) elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked

Cheese Sauce

  • 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

Garnish

  • Fresh green onions, finely chopped
  • Black pepper, freshly cracked

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, set aside with the broth.
  2. Make the Roux: While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken to form a roux.
  3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Initially, the mixture might clump and thicken unevenly, but as more milk is incorporated, the sauce will become smooth and creamy.
  4. Incorporate Cheeses and Spices: Lower the heat to low and add the grated sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder and mustard powder, mixing well to combine all flavors.
  5. Combine Soup and Cheese Sauce: Slowly pour the prepared cheese sauce into the pot containing the cooked macaroni and broth. Stir well to thoroughly combine, creating a creamy mac and cheese soup.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with finely chopped fresh green onions and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheesy flavor.
  • For a richer soup, substitute some of the milk with cream.
  • Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if the soup gets too thick.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture.
  • You can use gluten-free flour to make the soup gluten-free.

Keywords: mac and cheese soup, creamy soup, cheese soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, stovetop soup, macaroni soup