Give Mac And Cheese The Soup Treatment For The Ultimate Comfort Meal

Macaroni and cheese is already nostalgic and comforting, but what if you turned it into an even cozier meal by combining it with something just as hearty? It turns out you can easily turn this iconic pasta dish into a soup, either by making it from scratch or using just a few store-bought shortcuts.

The most simple way to make this combo meal is by starting with your favorite boxed mac and cheese brand. Prepare it as you normally would, then add a can of cheddar cheese soup, some chicken broth, and a splash of heavy cream (for extra richness — you can also just use whole or reduced-fat milk). The amount you add depends on your preferred consistency, but start with the soup for flavor, then add the broth and cream to taste. Let it heat a bit longer to allow everything to combine, and you'll have a tasty soup that only took a few grocery items.

If you have the time to make the soup base from scratch, you'll taste the difference in every bite — plus, you can get more creative with the ingredients. A chicken broth base will give it that true soup flavor, or you can use vegetable broth as a vegetarian alternative. For a creamy soup, mix the broth with heavy cream, and whisk in any cheeses you prefer. The best combinations come down to personal preference, but sharp cheddar and Gruyère are a tried-and-true flavor pairing. If you want the cheese to melt exceptionally well, use American cheese. Other ingredients, such as butter for richness or a roux (either store-bought or homemade) if you prefer the soup extra thick, can be added as desired.

Season the soup any way you want. Keep it classic with just some salt and pepper, or go spicy with a little crushed red pepper, some chipotles in adobo sauce, or even crushed Calabrian chiles. Other flavorful seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder will work here, too. To warm up the dish a bit, add just a pinch of nutmeg. Then, add the pasta to the cheesy broth, and thank us later.