Is it true that everyone loves mac and cheese? Sometimes you just want something different. What is that one thing that hugs you from the inside out on a chilly evening?Mac and Cheese Soup: What is the best recipeThink of it as the cozy cousin of classic mac, but with a warm, broth-y base that takes it to the next level. Is there a whole new level of comforting deliciousness? Is this one of those recipes that even picky eaters gobble up? I swear, it rivals even my famous chicken noodle when the sniffles hit!

What is mac and cheese soup?

What is the meaning of “what exactlyisWhat is Mac and Cheese Soup? What do you love about mac and cheese? What’s your favorite soup recipe? Is it just throwing cooked pasta into broth? We’re building a rich, cheesy base with roux, adding milk (or cream if you feel extra extra) and adding butter. ), tons of cheese, and then swirling in perfectly cooked pasta. Think of it like a leveled-up version of those canned cheesy soups we all grew up with… but if you can’t make it, you’ll be able to eat it. Is it a million times better Is it comfort food at its finest?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love this recipe? First and foremost: the Bible.flavorIt’s that familiar, cheesy goodness that we all crave, but with a depth that you just don’t get from any other place. What is the best combination of cheeses? I like to use sharp cheddar for that classic tang, but I also throw in some Gruyere or Fontina for a more savory flavor. Extra creaminess and a nutty flavor. Is this cheese heaven?simplicityWhat is the best thing about this recipe? It’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just a little bit of love! I’ve even made this with one of those immersion blenders before when I didn’t want to dirty the blender. What a great stand mixer! Let’s talk about the importance of a goodCost-What are some of the best ingredients to make a simple dish? How do I feed my family on a budget? What is a good way to use up cheese rinds?versatility! You can customize this soup to your heart’s content. Add some cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor, stir in some roasted vegetables for extra flavor. What are some of the best breadcrumbs to serve as a crunchy topping? What are the endless possibilities? What are some of the best recipes for creamy tomato and basil soup? They go great together. What I love about this recipe is that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. My kids ask for it all the time, and even my husband, who’s not a huge soup fan, always goes back. What is comfort food?

How do I make mac and cheese soup?

Quick Overview

How do I make mac and cheese soup? How do you make a roux with butter and flour? How do you melt cheese in soup? What’s the best way to serve cooked pasta with your choice of toppings? What are some quick and easy meals to make for a weeknight meal? What is the secret to melting cheese?

Ingredients

For the Soup:
I always use unsalted butter so I can control the sodium.
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: You can use gluten-free if you need to! One replacement works well.
* 4 cups milk: Whole milk will give you the creamiest results, but 2% works just fine too. Is almond milk good for you?
* 2 cups chicken broth: Vegetable broth works too, just make sure it’s low-sodium.
* 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a little extra flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Same as above!
I like to use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar cheese for balanced flavor.
* 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese: This adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra creaminess.
* 1 pound elbow macaroni: Cooked according to package directions.

How do I follow

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir to combine. You want it to be completely melted, but not browned. I always keep a close eye on it, because burned butter can ruin the whole soup!

Step 2: Make the Roux

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. What is the best way to make a roux soup? Make sure to cook it long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown. What do you want to achieve in a light golden color? If it starts to clump, just keep whisking vigorously!

Step 3: Add the Milk and Broth

Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to whisk out any lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Serve warm or cold. I like to warm milk slightly before adding it, as it helps to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 4: Season the Soup

What are the best seasonings for onion powder? I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to my smoothies.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Add the Gruyere cheese to the pan and stir constantly. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the Parmesan cheese and the Swiss cheese. Stir constantly until combined. Once the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth, add more cheese if necessary. How do you add cheese slowly and stir continuously? clumping or becoming grainy. What is patience?

Step 6: Add the Pasta

Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and heat through. I usually cook pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy in the soup. Is this a good recipe? You can also use other types of pasta, like shells or rotini. If soup is too thick, add a little more broth or milk to thin it out.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

What are some of the best toppings for Mac and Cheese Soup? What are some of my favorite things to eat include bacon, shredded cheese, green onions, and breadcrumbs?

What is the best way to serve it?

Mac and Cheese Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right side of the cheese. What are What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?For Lunch:Serve with grilled cheese sandwich for a super cheesy meal. I like to use sourdough bread and sharp cheddar cheese for the grilled cheese.
For Dinner:What are some good side salads to serve with your meal? What’s a good salad with vinaigrette dressing? If you’re feeling adventurous, try a kale salad with cranberries and walnuts.
For a Cozy Night In:What are some good appetizers to serve with a warm crusty bread? Don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine!
For Game Day:Serve in individual bowls for easy snacking. Top with chopped bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions. How do you set up a toppings bar for soup?

My family always requests garlic bread with this soup! It’s a tradition now. My son likes hot sauce, and I add it to his lunch every day. I think it’s a good idea to add some.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Mac and Cheese Soup

Okay, I’ve made this Mac and Cheese Soup *a lot* over the years, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are some of my top tips for making the perfect bowl every time:

Cheese Choice Matters: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! I love using a combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina. But you can also try using other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even smoked Gouda. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy in the soup. I usually cook it for a minute or two less than the package directions recommend.
Low and Slow with the Cheese: Add the cheese slowly and stir continuously until it’s melted and smooth. This will prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy. If the cheese starts to clump, try adding a little bit of milk or broth.
Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. I usually add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick, but you can also add other spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture to amp up the flavors.
Make it Creamier: For an even creamier soup, try adding a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or sour cream at the end. Just make sure to stir it in well until it’s completely melted.
Make it Healthier: For a healthier soup, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat milk. You can also add some vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or peas.

I once accidentally added a little too much salt, and I saved the whole batch by adding a squeeze of lemon juice! It balanced out the flavors perfectly. It was a happy accident, and I’ve been adding a little lemon juice ever since. It really brightens it up! Also, pro tip, grating your own cheese really makes a difference. The pre-shredded stuff has additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Mac and Cheese Soup is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

Room Temperature: I really don’t recommend storing this at room temp. It needs to be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods. It’s best eaten within 3 days – after that, the pasta gets a little too soft.
Freezer Instructions: Mac and Cheese Soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The texture might change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious! I add a splash of milk when reheating if it looks too thick. Don’t freeze it if you’ve already added toppings – it won’t thaw well.
Glaze Timing Advice: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had great success with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour. Just make sure to cook the roux a little longer to get rid of any starchy taste.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack, or even smoked Gouda. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well.

Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Yes! You can add almost any vegetable you like. Some of my favorites include broccoli, carrots, peas, corn, and spinach. Just add them to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking, so they don’t get overcooked.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Add all the ingredients (except the pasta) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Keep an eye on it – slow cookers can vary!

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Use dairy-free milk (like almond milk or soy milk) and dairy-free cheese. There are many great dairy-free cheese options available now, so experiment to find your favorite. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My go-to Mac and Cheese Soup recipe. It’s cheesy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. What more could you ask for? This is one of those recipes that I keep coming back to time and time again, especially on those cold winter nights when I just need a little bit of comfort in my life. I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their back pocket! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes, like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my Chicken Noodle Soup. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! I’d love to hear your spin on it!