Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy mac and cheese soup! It’s the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug with every spoonful. Imagine a chilly evening, curling up on the couch with a big bowl of this deliciousness—it’s pure bliss! This soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Trust me, it’s a family favorite that never fails to impress. The rich, cheesy flavor combined with that creamy texture makes it a go-to recipe in my kitchen, and I know it’ll become a staple in yours too!
Ingredients for Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup
To whip up this heavenly creamy mac and cheese soup, you’ll need some simple yet delicious ingredients! Gather 2 cups of elbow macaroni—don’t worry, I promise it cooks up perfectly! You’ll also want 4 cups of chicken broth for that rich flavor, and 1 cup of heavy cream to give it that luscious creaminess we all crave. Next, grab 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to make it extra cheesy. Don’t forget 1/4 cup of butter and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to create a nice base. Finally, season it with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. That’s it! Simple ingredients for a soul-warming soup!
How to Prepare Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup
Making this creamy mac and cheese soup is simpler than you’d think! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of deliciousness in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
First things first, cook those elbow macaroni! Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add in 2 cups of macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until they’re al dente. Once done, drain them and set aside. Just a little tip: drizzle a bit of olive oil on them so they don’t stick together while you prepare the soup!
Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a large pot, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour along with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Stir this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it’s bubbly and slightly golden. You want it to smell amazing, like a savory hug!
Step 3: Create the Soup Base
Now, it’s time to create that rich soup base! Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. You’ll notice it start to thicken a bit—this is what you want! Give it around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nice and smooth. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it in until fully combined. Now comes the best part—add in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheese is melted and you’ve got that creamy, dreamy texture. Oh wow, just wait until you smell this!
Step 5: Combine with Macaroni
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked macaroni to your cheesy soup mixture and gently stir to combine everything. Make sure every little elbow is coated in that luscious cheese sauce. It should be thick and creamy—just how we like it!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. I love a good sprinkle of black pepper for a little kick! Serve it hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, top with some extra cheese or crispy bacon bits. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive right in!
Tips for Success with Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup
To ensure your creamy mac and cheese soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, be sure to cook your macaroni just until al dente; it’ll continue cooking in the soup. Also, when adding the cheese, do it gradually and stir constantly to avoid any clumping. If your soup gets too thick, don’t panic! Just add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. And remember, taste as you go—seasoning is key to bringing those flavors to life! You’ve got this, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy every cheesy spoonful!
Variations of Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup
The beauty of this creamy mac and cheese soup is its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. How about adding some cooked bacon or crispy pancetta for a savory crunch? If you’re looking to sneak in some veggies, throw in some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. For a spicy twist, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can even switch up the cheeses—try gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy mac and cheese soup is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen it up since it may thicken a bit in the fridge. Keep stirring until it’s warmed through and creamy again. Trust me, you’ll love how it tastes just as good the second time around!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional values provided for this creamy mac and cheese soup can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Always check the labels for the most accurate information, especially if you’re keeping an eye on calories, sodium, or other dietary needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich and comforting, just like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Endlessly versatile—add your favorite proteins or veggies.
- A crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Leftovers taste just as amazing the next day!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out classic chicken noodle soup or creamy tomato basil soup. If you’re interested in the health benefits of cheese, you can read more about it here.
Imprimer
Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup: 5 Secrets to Pure Comfort
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A rich and comforting creamy mac and cheese soup perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the heavy cream and continue to cook until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or vegetables.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 25g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: creamy mac and cheese soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe