Tag Archives: American cheese

Cheesy Potato Soup in a Bread Bowl

Today, I had a revelation:

Soup is so much better in a bread bowl.

Now, let’s not get it twisted. This Cheesy Potato Soup is my favorite soup ever, and it’s incredible with or without the bread bowl. It is smooth, creamy, and oh so cheesy. You see, it’s not your typical potato soup. Most utilize cheddar cheese, which is a fine option, don’t get me wrong. However, my soup uses a combination of American & Sharp Cheddar. This is the key, my little cookies. That American cheese gives this an incredible cheesy flavor and creamy, smooth texture like nothing you’ve had in soup before. Plus, that little bit of cheddar gives you just the right amount of tang. Toss in some tender, buttery chunks of Yukon gold potatoes and a handful of scallions for a burst of flavor, and you’ve got the PERFECT potato soup. It’s one of those meals where you’ll go to test a spoonful and you’ll just smile and say, “That’s GOOD.”

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Sweet & Simple: Cheesy Spaghetti-O’s

For every child in America, there are several edible staples you must experience: the classic white bread & american cheese grilled cheese, Kid Cuisine, PB & J sandwiches, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Dunkaroos, sugary cereals, Lunchables, Gushers…the list goes on and on. Sure, our mothers were the main chefs in our life, but let us not forget Betty Crocker, The Pillsbury Dough Boy, or Chef Boyardee.

Ah yes, the Chef, Mr. Boyardee himself. Confession time: how many red-labeled cans with this man’s plump, smiling face on it occupied your pantry as a child (and as a college student)? I recall eating the Mac and Cheese, Beefaroni, and all of the other classics. They were simple and tasty meals. And there was something so fun about eating them.

In retrospect, it might’ve been a bit odd to eat a pasta meal out of a can (and what kind of name is Boyardee anyway?), but as a kid, that didn’t matter. Even now, knowing what I know, I could care less. All that matters is that they were good. But there was one Boyardee product that was great, amazing even.

Spaghetti O’s.

Oh my god, Spaghetti O’s. Were those things INCREDIBLE, or what? Talk about comfort food. As a child, I couldn’t get enough of those things. And, I’m not going to lie to you guys, I STILL can’t get enough of ‘em. Every now and then, I pass by them in the grocery store and I just can’t resist. That fun little o-shaped pasta in smooth, creamy tomato sauce is too good to pass up. It is my ideal comfort food.

Did you know there’s a way to make them even better? For as long as I can remember, I’ve been melting a slice of American cheese into my Spaghetti O’s (actually, my mom was usually the one doing it. Spaghetti O’s just taste better when she makes them). This adds a smooth, cheesy creaminess to them. It’s not an overly cheesy taste, just a hint of it. If you have never tried this before, you need to. It’ll change your life…and everything you thought about your childhood.

All you need is:

  • 1 can of Spaghetti O’s
  • 1 slice American cheese
  • dash of kosher salt
  • dash of pepper

To serve it up:

  1. Cook the Spaghetti O’s in a medium pot until warm.
  2. Break up the cheese into four pieces (so it melts easier) and add it to the pot.
  3. Stir in the cheese until melted and Spaghetti O’s are hot.

Now you’re ready to board the train back to Blissful Childhood. You can’t go wrong with a bowl of Spaghetti O’s with American cheese melted into it. Such a basic meal, but so good! Now that’s sweet & simple!