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Creamy and comforting Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup, featured in a delicious food photography image.

Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Ultimate

This Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines the richness of cheese and the creaminess of milk and cream. The perfect balance of ingredients and techniques results in a velvety smooth texture and deep, satisfying flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 4 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • Grater

Method
 

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth.
  6. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, chives, or crumbled bacon, if desired.

Notes

For an extra creamy texture, use a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties to find your perfect flavor profile. Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.