Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Technically, this is actually a chowder because it contains potatoes, but what it really is, regardless of definition, is awesome. :] Incredibly easy, wonderfully simply, and super delish.

If I'm out for soup and sandwiches, my first and favorite has always been broccoli cheddar . . . except at this one restaurant whose soup strongly resembled orange cheese jello. Seriously, I poked it, and it jingled as a cohesive whole. It reminded me of this one time I had the flu and . . . well, I won't go into that.
Anywho, on with my mother's brilliant recipe!

Photo Compliments of Google Images

Ingredients

•  2 10oz packs of frozen chopped broccoli
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint half-and-half
• 2 cans cream of potato soup 
• 16 oz cheddar cheese . . . or whatever cheese you'd like.
• Milk for thinning, if you like. 

1. Take 3/4 cup of water and add it to the frozen broccoli in a pot (or dutch oven  . . . I don't have a dutch oven so I use a large pot . . . or a crock pot if you're not in a hurry).
2. Turn heat to high and allow the water to begin to boil. Break apart the broccoli as the water and veggies heat. As the water heats, add onions and garlic. Stir occasionally and allow the water to evaporate most of the way.
3. When the water is nearly completely  evaporated, lower the heat to medium-high
4. Add potato soup. If using the condensed soup, be sure to add two cans worth of milk or else your soup/chowder will be too thick, like that lousy restaurant's broccoli cheese jello. Stir to get everything mixed up.
5. Add Half and Half. Stir
6. Add cheese. Stir until cheese is dissolved. If you're using a yellow cheese, like cheddar, the soup will turn yellow. If you find it's too thick, add a little bit of milk until you're satisfied with its consistency. Because it's a "chowder" it will be a little thicker by nature.
7. If you are using a crock pot, you can leave it on low for quite a while, but I find it's just as good straight out of the pot after the cheese has melted.


Growing up, this was a huge family favorite, and it continues to be! Happy cooking!