Campbell Soup Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Campbell Soup has long been a trusted name in kitchens across America, offering a wide array of soups, sauces, and meal solutions. Among their iconic offerings is their Macaroni and Cheese – a comfort food that is quick, creamy, and so satisfying. Whether you’re a college student looking for a budget-friendly meal or a busy parent trying to whip up something delicious for the family, this recipe has been a lifesaver for many. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Campbell Soup’s version of this classic, you’re in for a treat. It’s simple, but packed with flavor, making it perfect for those days when you want something hearty without all the fuss.

But this isn’t just about the recipe; it’s about making it your own, exploring ingredient variations, and mastering the art of creating a creamy, dreamy bowl of mac and cheese that everyone will love.

Let’s dive into how you can recreate Campbell’s Macaroni and Cheese at home, with a bit of flair and some extra tips to elevate your dish!

Campbell Soup Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

This dish is one of the easiest recipes you’ll find that still delivers on rich flavor and comforting texture. The key to making this macaroni and cheese great is using Campbell’s cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup as a base. These soups add a creamy depth that traditional cheese sauces sometimes miss, making the dish extra luscious.

What Makes This Special?

• The soup base gives it a smoother, velvety texture.
• The cheese blend ensures a rich flavor profile, balancing both tang and creamy goodness.
• It’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes and a faster cleanup!

So, let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed

To make a creamy, cheesy, irresistible batch of macaroni and cheese, you’ll need the following:

• Macaroni pasta (about 2 cups dry or 8 oz)
• Campbell’s cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
• Milk (about 1 cup, for creaminess)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, more if you want it extra cheesy)
• Butter (2 tablespoons, adds richness)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (for seasoning)
• Optional: Garlic powder or onion powder (a pinch, for added flavor depth)
• Optional: Bread crumbs (for a crunchy topping if you prefer a baked version)

These ingredients are the foundation, and while the recipe is pretty standard, it’s the subtle extras like the soup base that makes it stand out.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring everything together in just a few simple stages.

1. Cook The Macaroni

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes).
   • Drain the macaroni and set aside.

2. Prepare The Sauce

   • In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add the Campbell’s cream of mushroom (or cheddar) soup to the pot. Stir to combine.
   • Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. You’ll want a smooth, creamy consistency here.

3. Add The Cheese

   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety and smooth.

4. Combine The Pasta And Sauce

   • Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder here for an extra flavor boost.

5. Optional: Bake For Extra Crunch

   • If you like a crispy top, pour the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish and top with bread crumbs. Place it under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, just until the top is golden and crispy.

Ingredient Insights

• Campbell’s soup base: The beauty of using Campbell’s cream-based soups is in the texture and flavor they provide. The soup not only thickens the cheese sauce, but it also adds a depth of flavor. The cream of mushroom adds an earthy, savory note that complements the cheese perfectly.
• Cheddar cheese: It’s the star of the show when it comes to flavor. Sharp cheddar is the best choice for mac and cheese because it gives a bold, tangy taste that balances the richness of the cream and butter. You could mix in some mild cheddar for creaminess, but a sharp variety keeps the flavors from being too one-dimensional.
• Butter: This adds the richness and smoothness that makes the sauce feel indulgent. Don’t skimp here – it’s what helps everything come together seamlessly.
• Milk: Whole milk is ideal for this recipe as it contributes to the creaminess without making the sauce too thick. If you want to go even richer, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream.

Expert Tips

• Choose the right pasta: While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can get creative with pasta types. Penne, rotini, or shells can all hold the sauce well and provide a bit of texture variation.
• For a smoother sauce: If you want a silkier, creamier sauce, consider adding a little cream cheese to the soup mixture. This will help create a luscious texture that’s almost velvety.
• Use a mix of cheeses: If you like a more complex flavor profile, consider mixing cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even some Parmesan. These cheeses melt beautifully and add different notes to the dish.
• Bake it: If you want to take your mac and cheese to the next level, pour it into a baking dish, top it with breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Recipe Variations

You can easily transform this basic Campbell’s Macaroni and Cheese recipe into a variety of different dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Buffalo Mac and Cheese: Add a bit of buffalo sauce to the cheese mixture for a tangy, spicy kick. Top with crumbled blue cheese for a full-on buffalo flavor experience.
• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Crumbled, crispy bacon mixed into the sauce or sprinkled on top is always a crowd-pleaser. The smoky, salty flavor contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Vegetable Mac and Cheese: Stir in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas for a heartier meal that adds nutrients while keeping the dish creamy and comforting.
• Cheesy Garlic Mac: For an extra layer of flavor, stir in minced garlic and maybe even a dash of garlic powder into the cheese sauce. This takes the dish to a whole new level.

Final Words

Whether you’re in a rush or just craving some good old-fashioned comfort food, Campbell Soup’s Macaroni and Cheese is a foolproof recipe that will always hit the spot. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a few basic ingredients, a can of soup, and some cheese, and you’ve got yourself a creamy, mouth-watering meal that never disappoints. Plus, it’s super easy to customize with a variety of add-ins and toppings to suit any taste.