Forget boxed mac and cheese! This creamy, dreamy Mac & Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with cheesy goodness, and surprisingly healthy if you use the right ingredients. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure cheesy bliss!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a flavourful base for your soup.
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Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken your soup beautifully.
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Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
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Season and Simmer: Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
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Cheese Please!: Stir in the cooked macaroni and both types of cheese until melted and creamy. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
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Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Mac & Cheese Soup Perfection:
- Use good quality cheese: The better the cheese, the better the soup! Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package directions, but slightly al dente as it will continue to cook in the soup.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or nutmeg to suit your preferences. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Mac & Cheese Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Mac & Cheese Soup: Crumble cooked bacon and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Vegetable Mac & Cheese Soup: Add other vegetables like broccoli, peas, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the ingredients used but a reasonable estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy recipe offers a healthy and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking that's both quick and satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Enjoy this incredible mac and cheese soup – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!