Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup Mac And Cheese Recipe

Cheddar cheese soup might not always be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, comforting meal, but this delightful ingredient is an absolute game changer when it comes to making mac and cheese. You might know it from its iconic spot on supermarket shelves, a staple for creating rich, creamy soups in an instant, but its versatility goes far beyond that. When used as a base for mac and cheese, Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup creates an effortlessly velvety sauce that coats the pasta like a dream. It’s the shortcut to the ultimate mac and cheese – rich, flavorful, and oh-so-creamy, without the endless stirring and ingredient hunting that some recipes require. In this guide, we’ll walk through the perfect recipe, ingredient details, tips from experts, variations to make it your own, and everything in between.

Ready to make a mouthwatering bowl of cheesy goodness? Let’s dive right in!

Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup Mac And Cheese Recipe

Here’s a simple yet delicious mac and cheese recipe using Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup that guarantees you’ll be savoring every bite.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 can of Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup (10.5 oz)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 cup milk (whole milk works best, but any milk will do)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but it adds great depth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (adds a little tangy kick, optional)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional but adds crunch)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions (typically around 8 minutes for al dente). Drain the pasta once it’s cooked, reserving a little bit of pasta water in case you need to thin out your cheese sauce later.
2. Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the can of Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup along with the milk. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and the soup completely dissolves into the milk.
3. Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, allowing each handful to melt smoothly before adding more. The sauce should become velvety and rich. At this point, season with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
4. Combine the pasta and sauce: Once your sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the saucepan. Stir everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the cheesy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, use a small splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
5. Optional (Breadcrumb topping): For an extra level of texture, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and enjoy! Dish out your creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, and savor the comfort and flavor of your hard work (which was really easy, wasn’t it?).

Ingredient Insights

• Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup: This soup is the heart of the recipe, providing an incredibly smooth and rich base for your cheese sauce. The cheddar flavor is pronounced but not overpowering, giving your mac and cheese a mild, creamy consistency. Plus, it’s super convenient, saving you time without sacrificing taste. It’s the shortcut you never knew you needed.
• Elbow Macaroni: These small, curved pasta tubes are traditional in mac and cheese, perfect for holding onto all that cheesy goodness. They also cook quickly and absorb the sauce without becoming too soggy.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A must for that classic bold cheddar flavor! Sharp cheddar has a slightly tangier taste compared to mild cheddar, which creates a richer, more complex cheese sauce. It also melts beautifully, contributing to the creamy texture of the dish.
• Butter and Milk: The combination of butter and milk makes for the perfect creamy foundation in your sauce. Whole milk adds more richness, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

Expert Tips

• Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated cheese tends to have anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce. Grating your own sharp cheddar ensures a smoother melt and a more luxurious cheese sauce.
• Pasta cooking time matters: Be careful not to overcook the macaroni. You want it to be just al dente before you drain it because it will continue to cook when you mix it with the sauce. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper: If you’re someone who likes a little heat, a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can give your mac and cheese a kick without overpowering the cheese flavor.
• Make it extra creamy: For an even creamier version, you can mix in a little bit of cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce. The result is a super indulgent mac and cheese that feels like a treat!

Recipe Variations

• Bacon Mac and Cheese: For an extra punch of flavor, cook up some bacon until crispy, crumble it, and mix it into your mac and cheese. You could even sprinkle it on top for added texture.
• Vegetable Mac and Cheese: Add in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted cauliflower for a delicious, slightly healthier twist. The vegetables will complement the cheesy sauce and make the dish feel more balanced.
• Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese: For those who love a little heat, toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or even a sprinkle of chili flakes. If you want to get really wild, a handful of chopped green chilies would add an extra layer of flavor.
• Truffle Mac and Cheese: If you’re in the mood to elevate the dish, drizzle a bit of truffle oil over the finished mac and cheese. It’ll add a luxurious, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar.
• One-Pot Mac and Cheese: For a one-pan version, you can cook the pasta directly in the sauce mixture (using slightly more milk or water). This allows the pasta to soak up all of that cheesy goodness while cooking.

Final Words

Mac and cheese is one of those iconic comfort foods that has a special place in just about everyone’s heart. It’s rich, cheesy, and all-around satisfying, and Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup offers the perfect shortcut to getting this classic dish on the table in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a family, or looking to bring a dish to a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with it. Mac and cheese is incredibly versatile – it’s one of those dishes that can evolve with your tastes. Whether you like it spicy, meaty, or packed with veggies, there’s a variation for everyone.