Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup

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Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but have you ever tried it in soup form? This Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup takes everything you love about the classic dish—cheesy, creamy goodness—and turns it into a cozy, spoonable delight. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with tender macaroni in a luscious cheese-infused broth. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a big bowl of warmth and nostalgia.

I love how this soup brings the best of both worlds: the heartiness of mac and cheese and the soothing quality of a warm, homemade soup. It’s easy to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, this creamy mac and cheese soup will quickly become a new favorite in your comfort food lineup.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup

• Ultra creamy and cheesy – Made with a rich blend of cheeses and a smooth, velvety base.
• Quick and easy – Comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Comfort food perfection – Like a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for chilly evenings.
• Kid-friendly – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable – Add bacon, veggies, or different cheeses to make it your own.

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What Type of Cheese Works Best for Mac and Cheese Soup?

The key to a rich and creamy mac and cheese soup is using the right combination of cheeses. A good melting cheese, like sharp cheddar, gives that classic flavor, while Velveeta or American cheese adds extra creaminess. For depth, a sprinkle of Parmesan or Gruyère can enhance the richness. Avoid pre-shredded cheese since it contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Instead, grate fresh cheese for the smoothest, silkiest texture.

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Options for Substitutions

• Cheese Options – Swap cheddar for Colby Jack, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
• Milk & Cream – Use half-and-half for a richer soup or whole milk for a lighter version. Dairy-free? Try oat milk or almond milk with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Macaroni – Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use shells, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.
• Broth Base – Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
• Add-ins – Stir in cooked bacon, ham, sautéed mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and texture.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in this soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Elbow Macaroni – The classic pasta choice, perfectly shaped to hold onto the creamy cheese sauce.
• Butter – Helps create a rich base for the roux, adding depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Flour – Used to thicken the soup and give it that luxurious, velvety texture.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Provides a savory foundation that keeps the soup from feeling too heavy.
• Milk & Heavy Cream – A combination that ensures the soup is ultra creamy without being overly rich.
• Cheddar Cheese – The star of the show! Sharp cheddar adds a deep, cheesy flavor.
• Velveeta or American Cheese – Melts smoothly into the soup for that extra creamy consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a hint of nuttiness and enhances the overall cheesy goodness.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Simple seasonings that boost the savory notes in the soup.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for balancing the flavors and bringing out the cheesiness.
• Parsley (Optional) – A touch of fresh parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and freshness.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until the mixture is golden and slightly bubbly. This step helps thicken the soup and prevents a raw flour taste.

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Step 3: Add the Liquids

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form. Then, pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

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Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar, Velveeta (or American cheese), and Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.

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Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Stir in the cooked macaroni and let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.

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Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

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How Long to Cook Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup

This soup comes together quickly! Here’s a breakdown of the cooking time:

• Cooking the pasta – About 7-8 minutes until al dente.
• Making the roux – 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
• Simmering the liquid – 5-7 minutes to thicken the broth.
• Melting the cheese & combining everything – 3-5 minutes for a smooth, creamy finish.

In total, expect to have this delicious soup ready in 30 minutes or less!

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup

• Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese creates a silkier soup.
• Adjust consistency – If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.
• Use a mix of cheeses – Combining cheddar, Velveeta, and Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it sits in the soup, al dente pasta prevents it from getting mushy.
• Stir constantly when adding cheese – Prevent clumps by slowly incorporating cheese over low heat while stirring.
• Season to taste – Cheese can be salty, so taste before adding extra salt. A pinch of paprika or mustard powder can enhance the flavor even more.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using pre-shredded cheese – It contains anti-caking agents that make the soup grainy instead of smooth. Always shred your own cheese for the best texture.
• Cooking on high heat – High heat can cause the cheese to separate, making the soup oily. Keep the heat low when adding cheese.
• Overcooking the pasta – Macaroni continues to soften in the soup, so cooking it al dente prevents it from turning mushy.
• Adding all the cheese at once – Stir it in gradually to ensure a silky melt without clumps.
• Skipping the roux step – The butter and flour mixture is crucial for thickening the soup and giving it a creamy consistency.
• Not adjusting the consistency – If the soup gets too thick, a splash of milk or broth can bring it back to the perfect creamy texture.

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What to Serve With Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup

This soup is rich and comforting, so pairing it with something fresh or crunchy can balance the meal.

Garlic Bread

A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

Crisp Green Salad

A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup.

Crispy Bacon Bits

Sprinkle crispy bacon on top for a smoky, savory contrast.

Grilled Chicken

A lean protein like grilled or roasted chicken makes this soup a complete meal.

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli pairs beautifully with cheese, adding a nutritious, slightly crunchy element.

Soft Dinner Rolls

Buttery rolls are great for scooping up every last bit of soup.

Pickles or Pickled Vegetables

A little acidity helps balance the creamy richness of the soup.

Tomato Slices or Roasted Tomatoes

The natural acidity of tomatoes enhances the cheesy flavor of the soup.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerating

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating.

Freezing

Mac and cheese soup doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content, which can separate and become grainy. If you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat slowly, whisking in extra milk or cream to smooth it out.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on ingredient choices.

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk, reducing the amount of cheese, or adding more broth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency.

How do I keep the cheese from becoming grainy?

Use freshly grated cheese and melt it over low heat. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and turn grainy.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, shells, rotini, or cavatappi work great too. Just make sure to cook it al dente.

What if my soup is too thick?

Simply add more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate the liquid smoothly.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.

Is there a way to make this soup healthier?

You can use low-fat milk, reduce the cheese amount slightly, or add extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a healthier version.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Definitely! Shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or even ground beef would be delicious add-ins.

What can I do if my soup is too salty?

If it’s too salty, add more milk or broth to dilute it. You can also add a small amount of cooked potatoes, which help absorb excess salt.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup is the perfect combination of comfort food and cozy warmth in a bowl. Whether you make it for a quick dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share it with fellow cheese lovers!

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