Raise your hand if you love Macaroni and Cheese! <My hand is raised very high!>
Now, how many of you have had Macaroni and Cheese SOUP!? Not many of you? Me neither, until the other day. And, it was marvelous.
So marvelous that I can't wait to make it again. And again. And again... you get the picture.
This creation comes from Lori Lange, the RecipeGirl. She recently sent me a copy of her new cookbook, The RecipeGirl Cookbook, which is just as fantastic as her blog. It includes some recipes from her website, yet most of them are new for the book. These recipes range from very easy to a little more involved, but everything is completely do-able by your average home cook. The ending pages include entertaining tips and themed menus that I'm particularly very excited about.
I've already made a couple of recipes from Lori's book and blog that have pleased not only my palate, but also my husband's and toddler's. This Macaroni and Cheese Soup, though, has to be one of our favorites. I love that it's completely homemade, easy to make, and is kicked up a notch from your typical cheesy pasta dish by injecting Dijon mustard and hot sauce. The roasted tomatoes are a clever addition, as we all know how well cheese and tomatoes go together. It was hard for me not to pop each tomato in my mouth before the soup was done!
While I was cooking the macaroni, I saw an avocado on my counter that needed to be used up. So, I sliced it up, rolled the slices in some spiced Panko crumbs, and then lightly fried them to create "dippers" for the soup. They made a great accompaniment that I think you'd like, too, so I added it to the recipe.
I also think you'd like RecipeGirl's entire cookbook, so I'm giving you a chance to win one! It's easy peasy to enter. See below:
To enter for your chance to win one copy of The RecipeGirl Cookbook:
- Visit RecipeGirl.com and then come back and leave a comment here telling me which recipe on her site stands out to you most! That's it!
- Giveaway closes on Saturday, June 1st at 10:00PM EST.
- One winner will be chosen randomly and announced at the top of this post. Winner will also be notified by email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in the appropriate field.
- Only one entry per person please.
- Open to U.S. residents only.
Disclosure: This contest is sponsored by yours truly.
Now here's the recipe!
Recipe Card
Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
For the Tomatoes:
- 12 small cherry tomatoes , sliced in half
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
For the Soup:
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves , pressed
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup dry macaroni elbows
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon pepper (white or black)
- 8 ounce block extra-sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
Instructions
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Layer the tomatoes, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature while preparing the soup.
For the Soup:
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute (stir frequently to avoid burning). Using a whisk, mix in the flour until smooth, then slowly pour in the vegetable broth and whisk to combine. Drop in the bay leaf.
- Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir in the macaroni and cook at a boil until just tender, about 8-9 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the whipping cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and pepper. Mix in the cheese and continue to stir until melted into the soup. Bring to a boil again and let boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and serve immediately in individual bowls, topped with the roasted tomatoes. Serve with Avocado Dippers (recipe below).
- Source: The RecipeGirl Cookbook
Recipe Card
Avocado Dippers
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup frying oil
- ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 Avocado , ripe but still firm
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet.
- Combine the bread crumbs, mustard and salt in a pie plate or shallow dish. Slice and peel the avocado into sturdy strips.
- Dip each strip into the seasoned bread crumbs, then lightly fry in the skillet. Work in 2-3 batches, and make sure to flip every 30 seconds or so to fry each side of the avocado slice.
- Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain and cool.
Maura D. says
I think I'm missing something! Looking on mobile, I only see the avocado dipper recipe listed twice and wanted to try the mac n cheese soup. Help!
Nikki Gladd says
Oh. my! I'm not sure how that happened, but I fixed it!
decanter says
Hello,I am so excited about all of her kid-friendly recipes! How do I choose only one stand-out recipe? I’m very excited about the croissant chicken! I think my family will love it!
Nicole S. says
The apple cider doughnuts look incredible!
Dana N says
The bruschetta with peach salsa and melted Brie sounds delicious!
Christine Noella says
Twisting my arm to pick just ONE! (Big Smile) Looking forward to the Apricot Balsamic Chicken. (Making Grocery List Right NOW!) Will also stock up for the Macaron and Cheese Soup!
Laura says
Bacon Burgers. Yum!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Wow this soup looks crazy delicious 🙂 what a smart recipe!
Camiele says
Root Beer Pulled Pork sounds awesome to me!
Adrena says
The strawberry cheesecake cake looks amazing!
Louis says
The Creamy Gruyere & Shrimp Pasta sounds great.
Meryl says
I like the black and white pound cake. .
Val in MN says
Apricot- Balsamic Chicken! I love cooking and glazing with jams and preserves, and what's not to love about balsamic.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
I SO wanna try her choc chip cookie dough topped brownies!
Ashley says
Oh man, I need to try her recipe for Asaparagus Risotto!
https://www.recipegirl.com/2007/04/21/asparagus-risotto/
Terri says
Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Odette says
Blueberry lime pound cake-- yum!
Carolsue says
I'd like to try the Baked Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Primavera
Carly says
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas! https://www.recipegirl.com/2007/09/11/creamy-chicken-enchiladas/
Anne says
There are several banana cakes on The Recipe Girl's site, but the one I have marked to try the next time I need one is the Classic Banana Bundt Cake:
https://www.recipegirl.com/2008/08/13/classic-banana-bundt-cake/
Joanna F says
This time of year, I'm most tempted by ice cream, her blueberry cheesecake ice cream looks delicious!
Vera Zecevic – Cupcakes Garden says
I'm always glad to find new soup idea and this look like something I must try
Darcy Panak says
Lemon and garlic pan fried ribeye steak! Yum!
Alice says
More than one stood out for me but I have got to try the crockpot rootbeer pulled pork. That must taste heavenly.
Deirdre says
The Alfajores look delicious and my Latin husband would like me to learn how to make them. Thanks for the chance to win.
Maureen G says
The Apricot-Balsamic Chicken uses two of my favorite foods. This would be a wonderful main dish for our family
Jessica B. says
It is hard to pick just one! The balsamic mango marinated grilled chicken sounds great!
Tina | My Life as a Mrs says
This looks fabulous! looking forward to seeing you next week! Are you bringing the whole family?!
Nikki says
Hey Tina! YES! Family will be with me. Can't wait to see you!
Becky Greene says
I have been looking for a good Beef Stroganoff recipe and the one by the Recipe girl looks great!
Lisa Jennings says
Everything looks delicious but I went to the kid friendly category as our oldest is so darn picky and I'm trying to find new things that we all can enjoy and that she will actually eat. Think I found one..........Baked Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Primavera.
mom@LTHfarm says
I visit Lori's blog often, and recently made her Margarita cake for my niece's 21st birthday party! It was a BIG hit, and will be one that I make again!! I would LOVE to have her cookbook! Thanks Nikki!!
Christi D says
I am loving the idea of the Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas!
heta s says
I like https://www.recipegirl.com/2008/09/22/angel-hair-pasta-with-spring-vegetable-and-red-pepper-tomato-sauce/
Sabrina says
The stuffed zucchini boats look really good.
Alicia J. says
Ham and Swiss Griddle Cakes or the Garden Vegetable Quiche.
Lise says
Think I will make your soup tonight!
I will make her Slow Cooker Tex Mex Chicken & Beans tomorrow!
sharonjo says
I love her cheesecake cakes. I made the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake at Christmastime last year--big hit! Thanks so much.
libby says
Tex Mex Blackeyed Pea Casserole, I love peas!
Audrey says
I want to try the lobster roll!
Traci Carnoali says
It was hard to chose! So many to pick from! I subscribed to her blog though and plan on
making plenty in the future! I picked Roasted Butternut Squash Soup w/ Apples and Garam Masala though. Many don't know the wonders of Garam Masala and adding it to this recipe sounds Devine! Rainy, cool day here... Going to be a toss up between making this one and your Mac & Cheese Soup!! Think tomorrow is another cool, rainy one. I may just be in luck!
Katie says
Her Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts look awesome.
Ange W. says
I am so excited about all of her kid-friendly recipes! How do I choose only one stand-out recipe? I'm very excited about the croissant chicken! I think my family will love it!
Cathy Dzaugis says
Bake and slice chocolate swirls!
Karen D says
spinach and arugula salad with indian- spiced chickpeas
Shelly says
Her Oreo and caramel stuffed chocolate chip cookie bars!
barbara n says
I would love to make the lobster bisque
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
I always use Lori's brownie recipe, easy and moist it's killer!!
Ashley P says
The barbecued shrimp with remoulade sauce looks amazing!
Sandie says
Her amish pumpkin cinnamon rolls w/ caramel icing look amazing!!!
Chelsea says
The South Carolina BBQ Pork Sliders look great! Being from MS, I'm always looking for a quick, easy BBQ recipe!!
sara says
How to pick just one? The candy bar cookie bars look amazing.
SandyToes says
I went right to Lori's grilled recipes, because we grill a LOT in Tampa and I'm always looking for new ways with chicken, our go-to protein for the grill. I chose Cilantro Chicken, because it's simple and easy, and the combination of cilantro and sweet chile sauce was just too good to resist. Thanks for introducing me to RecipeGirl!
Rachel Tilly says
Her lemon-oregano salmon with roasted tomatoes looks absolutely delicious!
Kari says
Looks delish! I love her Asian chicken with brown sugar (can't remember the exact recipe title) - we love it on the grill.
Becky says
Hmmm...either her manicotti or easy gourmet salad. Yummy!
Holly says
Watermelon tequila cocktail!
Kim Lee says
I visited TheRecipeGirl's blog and I browsed her vegan recipes. The one that stood out to me, and I really want to try it, was the Roasted Chickpea Dip with Toasted Cumin and Pomegranate seeds. Yummy!
Kathy says
The bacon and corn griddle cakes look amazing!
Lily Sheng says
I'll have to give this 2 Ingredient Pancakes
https://www.recipegirl.com/2013/01/26/2-ingredient-pancakes/ a try, looks so easy, healthy, and yummy!
Thanks for the giveaway
Kelley G says
oooh I love the Roasted Vegetable and Black Bean Tacos!! I might make them tonight!
Jessica W says
I would love to try the Greek salad bites
Jan says
Pan Fried Lemon- Garlic Rib Eye Steaks - easy and really delicious looking to this carnivore 🙂
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
Funny thing about this recipe is that when I was younger my mom accidentally added to much milk to the mac and cheese once and ended up with soup. It wasn't all that good but this looks great! As for a recipe I want to make, I've been eyeing her meyer lemon cheesecake cake.
Sherri says
Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Melissa Pidal says
I love her blog and subscribe to it for amazing recipes. Her gourmet salad was a recent recipe i definitely want to make!!
Melissa says
shortbread!!
abby says
the lobster roll looks great!
Stephanie Munson says
I loved the Bacon, Avacado, corn salad. With summer around the corner and BBQ's to go to what and easy and delicious side dish to take along! Love that recipe girl!!