If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the ultimate comfort food in a bowl, this Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this dish combines the creamy indulgence of traditional mac and cheese with the cozy warmth of a velvety soup. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create a luscious, hearty meal perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe shines because it’s made from straightforward, approachable ingredients that each play an essential role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the buttery aromatic veggies to the sharp cheddar cheese, every component complements the others perfectly.
- Butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to a flavorful base.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Offers a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped): Provides a slight crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings warm, savory undertones that enhance the overall flavor.
- Flour (6 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth or veggie broth (4 cups): Gives the soup body and a savory backbone.
- Heavy or whipping cream (1 cup): Introduces smooth creaminess and richness that makes this soup irresistible.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds an unexpected depth with its tangy, umami punch.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon or to taste): Enhances all the flavors, making them shine.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (1 cup): The classic pasta choice that’s perfectly bite-sized for soup.
- Water (1/2 cup, if needed): Helps adjust the consistency if the soup gets too thick while simmering.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star ingredient, delivering that signature tangy, gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Pepper (optional, to taste): A little spice to brighten and round out the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, allowing them to soften and release their sweet aromas for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step forms the aromatic base that infuses every spoonful with comforting flavor.
Step 2: Build the Roux
Next, stir in the minced garlic and flour. Cook the mixture for around 2 minutes, stirring steadily to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux serves as the thickening canvas that will give your soup its luscious texture.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to dissolve every speck of flour so the soup stays silky smooth. This careful step prevents lumps and keeps your soup perfectly creamy.
Step 4: Cream and Seasonings
Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Turn up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil, which helps combine the flavors and slightly thickens the soup base before adding the pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, allowing steam to escape while the pasta cooks through and absorbs all those savory flavors for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep stirring regularly to avoid sticking on the bottom.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency
If your soup begins to thicken too much before the pasta is fully tender, stir in the half cup of water (or a bit more if necessary) to loosen it up, ensuring that velvety, soup-like texture remains.
Step 7: Melt in the Cheese
Turn off the heat and gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and blended. This finishing touch is what transforms the dish into that irresistible, creamy mac and cheese soup you’ve been craving.
Step 8: Final Seasoning
Taste and season with pepper and additional salt if desired. This last step fine-tunes the flavor balance and brings everything together beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped chives or crispy bacon bits add a wonderful contrast in texture and a pop of color, elevating this soup from comforting to truly special.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for dunking, or a crisp green salad to cut through the richness and add freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini cast iron skillets. Topping with a baked parmesan crisp adds an elegant crunch that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because it’s thick and cheesy, stirring well before reheating will bring back the perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
While the creamy, cheesy elements may change texture slightly after freezing, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months if needed. Use freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat your creamy mac and cheese soup, warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help restore that silky smooth consistency. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or cavatappi also work wonderfully and hold the creamy soup around each bite beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for a flavorful vegetable broth, and you’ll still have all the decadence and comfort without any meat products.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour and ensure your broth is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the creamy goodness.
How sharp should the cheddar cheese be?
The sharper, the better! Sharp cheddar delivers that bold, tangy flavor that makes this soup so crave-worthy, but feel free to adjust based on your preference for mild or extra sharp cheese.
Can I add vegetables or protein to make it more filling?
Definitely! Adding cooked chicken, bacon, or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and spinach can turn this into a heartier meal without sacrificing the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a new way to enjoy mac and cheese or want a fabulous soup recipe that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe is a total winner. Easy to make, lovingly rich, and endlessly comforting, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite. So grab your pot and ingredients, and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to bowls of pure cheesy happiness!
Print
Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Mac and Cheese Soup combines the comforting flavors of classic mac and cheese with a rich, savory broth. Featuring sautéed onions, celery, and garlic, thickened with flour and enriched with heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese, this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal. Quick to prepare, it cooks the macaroni directly in the soup, making it both convenient and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup water (if needed)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Pepper, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the butter, chopped onion, and celery to a pot and sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and flour, cooking for about 2 minutes while stirring continuously to remove the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Incorporate Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to the roux, ensuring all flour lumps dissolve and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low so the soup simmers gently. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar.
- Simmer Soup: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add the 1/2 cup water or more if the soup becomes too thick.
- Add Cheese: Turn off the stove and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with pepper and extra salt if needed. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor but can be omitted or replaced with soy sauce for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Stirring frequently during simmering prevents pasta from sticking to the pot bottom and avoids burning.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the added water; for thinner soup, increase it as needed.
- Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for best flavor impact but feel free to use your preferred type of cheddar.
