Mac and Cheese Soup

It seems like just yesterday, I was staring into a fridge full of “nothing” (sound familiar?), desperately trying to conjure up a dinnertime win. My kids were clamoring for comfort food, but I craved something with a little more nutritional oomph. That’s when the idea of Mac and Cheese Soup popped into my head.

My first attempt at making Mac and Cheese Soup was… well, let’s just say it involved a little too much water and not enough cheese! But the kids devoured it anyway, which gave me the confidence to keep tweaking and improving.

I quickly realized that this wasn’t just about making another meal. My Mac and Cheese Soup was a way to sneak in extra veggies, use up leftovers, and create a dish that everyone actually enjoyed.

It was a total nutrition win when I swapped out some of the regular pasta for whole wheat. You couldn’t even tell!

This seemingly simple Mac and Cheese Soup became a staple in our house, a go-to for busy weeknights and chilly afternoons. It’s also a great way to use up the leftover broccoli from the night before!

The best part is that it supports my family’s nutrition goals without requiring me to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s my kind of dinnertime solution!

I’m so excited to share this Mac and Cheese Soup with you because I know how much we all crave those sanity-saving nutrition wins. Simple, nourishing, and family-approved – that’s what we’re all about here! If you’re anything like me and trying to solve the mystery of feeding your family without being in the kitchen 24/7, then this one’s for you.

Here’s to more simple nutrition solutions and less dinnertime stress! I hope this inspires you to keep going!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s a peek into what you’ll need to make this Mac and Cheese Soup a dinnertime hit. Trust me, this Mac and Cheese Soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni: The classic choice, but feel free to use any small pasta shape you have on hand. I love using whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and staying power in my Mac and Cheese Soup!
• 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
• 4 cups milk: I use 2% for a balance of creaminess and nutrition, but any kind of milk works.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor.
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! I like to use a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, but mild cheddar is great too.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
• Optional: 1 cup cooked broccoli florets: A great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

No worries if you don’t have broccoli on hand – I sometimes add leftover cooked carrots for extra nutrients in my Mac and Cheese Soup. Adds a little sweetness, too!

You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. I’ve even found great deals on cheese and pasta at my local discount store.

Here’s a Mac and Cheese Soup nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I started buying pre-shredded cheese. It’s a total time-saver, and it melts beautifully into the soup.

This easy Mac and Cheese Soup proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your budget and your family’s preferences.

For ingredient prep shortcuts, I like to measure out all my spices and shred the cheese ahead of time. It makes the cooking process so much smoother when you’re juggling a million things.

My family gets extra nutrition when I add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the soup. It gives it a cheesy flavor boost and a dose of B vitamins.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, fellow nutrition-seekers, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this Mac and Cheese Soup is so easy, even the kids can help.

1. Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. This step is crucial, so don’t forget to set your timer!
2. Make the roux: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This is called a roux, and it’s the base for our creamy soup.
3. Add the liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens! Your Mac and Cheese Soup should smell nourishing by now.
5. Season: Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni and broccoli (if using) to the soup. Stir to combine and heat through.
7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy your delicious, nutritious Mac and Cheese Soup!

In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Mac and Cheese Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those nights when you need a quick and satisfying meal!

While the macaroni is cooking, it’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!

Don’t worry if your creamy Mac and Cheese Soup looks a little thin at first. It will thicken up as it sits.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Mac and Cheese Soup – I would add the cheese too quickly, and it would clump up. Learn from my experience: add the cheese gradually and stir constantly!

While your healthy Mac and Cheese Soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! Even a simple meal like this can make a big difference in their health and well-being.

For a family-tested nutrition shortcut, I sometimes use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to add protein to this soup. It’s a total time-saver and the kids love it!

A wellness lesson I learned is that even small changes can make a big impact on my family’s nutrition. Swapping out regular pasta for whole wheat, adding extra veggies – these little tweaks add up over time.

This easy Mac and Cheese Soup reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, my Turmeric Chicken Soup.

How We Love to Eat This!

Now for the fun part: how we actually enjoy this Mac and Cheese Soup! Because let’s be real, presentation matters, especially when you’re trying to get kids to eat their veggies.

The kids devour this nutritious Mac and Cheese Soup when I serve it with a side of carrot sticks and apple slices. The sweetness of the fruit balances out the richness of the soup.

This *Mac and Cheese Soup* is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! It’s also a great option for lunchboxes.

For kid-approved healthy side dishes, I often pair this soup with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. It adds some extra greens to their diet.

I love to top our creamy Mac and Cheese Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. It adds a pop of color and freshness.

This Mac and Cheese Soup is perfect for chilly afternoons or rainy days. It’s warm, comforting, and satisfying.

For leftover ideas, I like to pack the Mac and Cheese Soup recipe in a thermos for the kids’ lunch the next day. It stays warm and delicious until lunchtime.

One seasonal variation I’ve tried is adding roasted butternut squash to the soup in the fall. It adds a touch of sweetness and a boost of vitamins.

My friends always rave about how creamy and flavorful this Mac and Cheese Soup is. They’re always surprised when I tell them how easy it is to make! For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out my Roasted Vegetable Soup.

If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for my White Bean Soup.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you’ve got questions, fellow moms, so let’s tackle them! Here are some common concerns I’ve heard about this healthy Mac and Cheese Soup.

Is this Mac and Cheese Soup really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! It’s packed with calcium from the cheese and milk, plus carbs for energy. You can also sneak in extra veggies like broccoli or carrots to boost the nutritional value even further.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Mac and Cheese Soup?

Start by serving a small portion alongside something they already love. You can also try pureeing some veggies into the soup to make it even more appealing.

Can I meal prep this Mac and Cheese Soup for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! This soup is great for meal prepping. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this Mac and Cheese Soup?

While you can freeze it, the texture might change a bit after thawing. The pasta can become a little mushy. If you do freeze it, I recommend using it within 1-2 months.

What kind of cheese works best in this Mac and Cheese Soup?

I prefer cheddar cheese, but you can use any cheese you like. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.

Can I make this Mac and Cheese Soup gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the roux.

Can I add protein to this Mac and Cheese Soup?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, ham, or even chickpeas would be great additions.

My personal Mac and Cheese Soup experience has taught me that it’s all about finding what works for your family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors!

My family’s health preferences definitely lean towards the cheesier side, so I always make sure to add plenty of cheese!

I often get asked by readers about how to make healthy food more appealing to kids. My answer is always the same: make it fun! Let them help you cook, and let them choose their own toppings.

Final Thoughts:

This Mac and Cheese Soup is more than just a recipe – it’s a symbol of simple nutrition wins in my family. It’s about finding those easy, nourishing solutions that make our lives a little bit easier.

This homemade Mac and Cheese Soup recipe is a family favorite that I turn to often!

My Mac and Cheese Soup Nutrition Hacks:

1. Sneak in veggies: Puree them or add small, cooked pieces.
2. Use whole wheat pasta: Adds extra fiber without sacrificing taste.
3. Add protein: Cooked chicken or beans will make it a more complete meal.

Here are a few family-tested healthy Mac and Cheese Soup variations we love:

• Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Soup: Add 1 cup of cooked broccoli florets.
• Tomato Mac and Cheese Soup: Add 1 can of diced tomatoes.
• Spicy Mac and Cheese Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

My son prefers the broccoli cheddar version, while my daughter loves the tomato soup.

I encourage you to make this homemade Mac and Cheese Soup your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors.

I truly hope this recipe brings you and your family as much joy and nourishment as it has brought to mine. I want your family to thrive as well!

Homemade Mac & Cheese (extra creamy) can be found at Homemade Mac & Cheese (extra creamy) Spend With Pennies. Creamy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli Soup can be found at Creamy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli Soup – Supper With Michelle. How to make homemade mac and cheese with Campbell’s cheddar can be found at How to make homemade mac and cheese with Campbell’s cheddar …

Here’s to many more dinnertime nutrition wins! Try this Mac and Cheese Soup today! I’m here to cheer you on!

Mac and Cheese Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This Mac and Cheese Soup recipe takes the classic comfort food and transforms it into a warm and creamy soup. Perfect for a chilly day, it’s a quick and easy meal the whole family will love.

• Author: Juliette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Cooked bacon, chopped green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with cooked bacon and chopped green onions, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.