Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy Mac & Cheese Soup. A warm and satisfying dish perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mac & Cheese Additions:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Chopped green onions, bacon crumbles, or extra cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Create Roux: Whisk in flour, cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Broth and Milk: Slowly whisk in broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
- Season and Thicken: Add mustard, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in cooked macaroni. Add cheeses in batches, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Finish Soup: Stir in heavy cream, simmer for additional minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions, bacon, or extra cheese.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in shredded chicken or diced ham.
- Mix in broccoli florets for a veggie boost.
- Use evaporated milk for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg