If you’ve ever wished for a bowl of pure comfort that tastes just like your childhood favorite but in ultra-creamy, spoonable form, then you’re about to fall in love with Mac and Cheese Soup. This is everything you adore about classic mac and cheese — ooey-gooey cheddar, silky cheese sauce, and those nostalgic elbows — but with the extra soul-soothing powers of a perfectly seasoned soup. Whether you’re hoping to warm up on a rainy weeknight or impress family and friends at a casual gathering, this Mac and Cheese Soup will bring big smiles and an even bigger hug in a bowl.

Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the building blocks of this irresistible soup! Each ingredient here is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, give our soup that signature creamy texture, and create a dreamy, golden color. This is a dish where the simple things truly shine, so don’t skip on the good stuff.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The base that adds rich depth and ensures every spoonful is satisfying without feeling heavy.
Elbow Macaroni Pasta: Classic elbows are perfect for soaking up the cheese sauce and delivering that iconic Mac and Cheese Soup bite.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating a smooth, luscious roux that gives the soup its velvety body.
All-Purpose Flour: This is how we thicken things up (no runny soups here) and achieve that plush mouthfeel.
Milk: Adds creaminess without weighing things down — I recommend whole milk for the richest results.
Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show, bringing tang, color, and that signature stretchy melt.
Fresh Parmesan Cheese: For extra savory notes and a subtle salty bite that rounds out all the flavors.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melt factor! This cheese brings irresistible creaminess and a stunning cheesy pull.
Garlic Powder: Infuses every sip with warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering the creamy base.
Mustard Powder: Trust me: just a hint of mustard livens up the dish and balances all the richness.
Green Onions (for garnish): A pop of freshness and color right before serving.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (for garnish): Adds a gentle heat to wake up all those cheesy flavors.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Soup

Step 1: Cook the Pasta in Broth

Start by bringing your broth to a lively boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your elbow macaroni and let it cook just until al dente — about 8 to 10 minutes is perfect. Cooking the pasta directly in the broth infuses every bite with savory flavor, so don’t be tempted to drain it! When it’s ready, simply set the pot aside while you work on the next layer: the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make a Dreamy Roux

While your pasta cooks, move over to a separate large saucepan. Melt the butter gently over medium heat, then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly for a minute or two, watching as the mixture bubbles and turns a light golden color — this is your secret weapon for thick, creamy soup that never feels heavy. Don’t rush this part; a smooth roux means no lumps later!

Step 3: Whisk in Milk for Creaminess

Now it’s time to bring in the milk. Pour it in slowly, whisking with energy as you go. At first, the roux will thicken and clump, but stay the course and keep whisking. As you add more milk, it will transform into a silky, pourable sauce that’s ready to snuggle up with all that cheese.

Step 4: Add Cheeses and Seasonings

Lower the heat to keep things smooth, and start stirring in your cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Watch as the cheese melts to form the luscious base of your Mac and Cheese Soup! Sprinkle in the garlic powder and mustard powder—these two secret ingredients will deepen the flavor without overpowering the cheese. Mix until everything is smooth, dreamy, and glossy.

Step 5: Combine for the Ultimate Soup

Now, the magic moment! Slowly pour your golden cheese sauce into the pot of broth and macaroni. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every noodle is covered in cheesy goodness. Your kitchen will smell downright irresistible at this point!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, ladle the Mac and Cheese Soup into bowls and top with a handful of finely chopped green onions plus a generous twist of black pepper. This final touch brings a burst of freshness and just the right hit of heat.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Soup

Garnishes

For the most inviting presentation and pop of flavor, don’t skip the green onions and cracked black pepper. If you want to switch things up, try crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a dusting of extra Parmesan for extra decadence. Every bowl will look and taste restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

Because Mac and Cheese Soup is so wonderfully rich, pair it with something bright or crunchy. Try a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or even classic garlic bread for dipping. If you’re feeling playful, serve with little grilled cheese sliders or pickles on the side for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really wow your guests, ladle the soup into mini bread bowls for party-perfect appetizers or serve in oversized mugs for a cozy movie night. Another fun trick: set up a soup bar with an array of toppings like scallions, bacon, hot sauce, or tiny soft pretzels so everyone can customize their bowl of Mac and Cheese Soup just the way they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it chills, but that just means even heartier spoonfuls tomorrow!

Freezing

For best texture, I recommend enjoying Mac and Cheese Soup fresh, but you can freeze it in pinch. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to preserve that signature creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen things up, since the pasta will have absorbed some of the liquid. Microwaving works too—just go low and slow in 30-second bursts, stirring in between for even reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Mac and Cheese Soup, feel free to swap in small shells, ditalini, or even mini penne. The key is to use pasta shapes that hold onto the cheesy sauce.

What’s the best cheese for Mac and Cheese Soup?

Sharp cheddar is the backbone for classic flavor, but you can experiment with Gruyère, Fontina, or even a little smoked cheese to make the dish your own. Just be sure to keep at least one strongly flavored cheese in the mix.

How do I make this gluten free?

To skip the gluten, substitute your favorite gluten-free macaroni and swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The results are just as creamy and delicious!

Can I add vegetables or protein?

Definitely! Stir in cooked broccoli florets, peas, or baby spinach for extra color and nutrition. Diced cooked chicken or crispy bacon are also delicious protein boosts that pair perfectly with the cheesy base.

What if my soup is too thick or too thin?

If your soup thickens more than you’d like, just add a splash of broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, to concentrate the flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about a bowl of Mac and Cheese Soup that makes everything a little brighter and cozier. If you’re craving a little comfort or looking to dazzle at your next family dinner, this is the recipe to try. Grab a spoon and dig in—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy mac and cheese!