cheddar soup mac and cheese recipe

The Best cheddar soup mac and cheese recipe

I am so excited to share with you my favorite cheddar soup mac and cheese recipe. This dish is a staple in our household and is always a hit with my family.

It’s a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. The creamy cheese sauce, the al dente pasta, and the perfectly cooked vegetables all come together to create a truly delightful experience.

I love how this recipe is easy to make and can be adapted to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this mac and cheese is always a good idea.

I’ve been making it for years, and my family has grown to love it just as much as I do. We’ve even started making it for our friends and family gatherings, where it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks like me.

Cheddar Soup Mac and Cheese

4.5 from 1571 votes

A creamy and comforting mac and cheese made with cheddar soup as the base. This recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 tbsp salt

For the Cheese Sauce

1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional Topping

1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the elbow macaroni, then cook according to package directions until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
4In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk.
5Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
7Stir constantly with a whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
8Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated.
9If you prefer a baked version, preheat your oven to 375Β°F and transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
10For the optional topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
11Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly.
12If not baking, serve immediately while hot.

πŸ”§Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Baking dish (if baking)
Oven (if baking)

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 12g❀️Cholesterol: 55mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 45gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5gπŸ₯©Protein: 18g

πŸ“Notes

For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. You can also mix in cooked bacon or steamed broccoli before baking.

Watch Video Of How Cheddar Soup Mac and Cheese Works

This cheddar soup mac and cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is quick, easy, and loved by everyone. I make it for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, and potlucks and it never fails to satisfy.

The creamy sauce and tender pasta make it a comforting dish that works for family gatherings or casual evenings at home. For storage let the mac and cheese cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container.

It keeps in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat add a splash of milk and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

You can also bake it in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. For serving ideas try topping it with breadcrumbs and baking for a crunchy crust or stirring in cooked bacon or peas for extra flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar Soup Mac and Cheese

Q1: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this cheddar soup mac and cheese recipe, I recommend using elbow macaroni or shells. These shapes hold onto the cheese sauce perfectly, allowing each bite to be loaded with flavor.

Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with various types of cheese to create your own unique flavor profile. Feel free to mix in some Parmesan or Gruyère for added depth or use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.

Q3: How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming too soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure to cook the pasta al dente before adding the cheese sauce. Also, don’t overmix the sauce once it’s been added – you want to preserve that lovely texture.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While you can prepare the components separately before assembling the dish, I recommend assembling and baking the mac and cheese just before serving. This ensures maximum flavor and texture.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This cheddar soup mac and cheese recipe is vegetarian-friendly; however, if you’re using chicken or beef broth in place of vegetable broth, please verify that your chosen broth is vegetarian-friendly.

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