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Creamy and Comforting Mac and Cheese Soup

Creamy and Comforting Mac and Cheese Soup for Cozy Nights

This Creamy and Comforting Mac and Cheese Soup captures the essence of childhood flavors in a warm, one-pot meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Casseroles
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian.
  • 1 cup Elbow Macaroni Gluten-free pasta can be substituted.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can be swapped with olive oil for dairy-free.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, or can use garlic powder.
For Creaminess
  • 2 cups Milk Almond or oat milk for dairy-free.
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese Vegan cream cheese for plant-based version.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Can substitute with mild cheddar or non-dairy cheese.
  • 1 cup Swiss Cheese Replace with more cheddar or vegan cheese.
For Flavor Enhancement
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onions can be used instead.
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder Optional.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Medium Pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add in 1 cup of elbow macaroni, stirring occasionally. Cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes; do not drain the broth.
  2. In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1 minute. Stir until smooth and bubbly to create a roux.
  3. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the roux and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, then add 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook until thickened and bubbling, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Mix continuously until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine the cooked elbow macaroni (with its broth) into the cheese mixture, stirring thoroughly. Heat together on low for about 3 minutes.
  7. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese and fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use high-quality cheese for better melt. Store leftovers airtight and reheat gently.

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