This recipe is just like our family recipe as well. When my sister requested broccoli casserole for Thanksgiving and we didn't have the recipe with us, I tried this one being that it looked similar. It turned out great - I left out the celery because several people don't like it, but it was still very good. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because even though it's really good, it doesn't necessarily "wow" me. Still, I would recommend it to a friend and certainly wouldn't be ashamed to serve it for company or at pot luck dinners. It's also incredibly easy and quick to make. And it makes a decent size casserole. Definitely worth a try!

Reviewed On: Nov. 29, 2009

Restaurant quality - I would definitely serve this to guests in my home. And the best part is that it is very easy! I changed it just a bit - used fresh red bell peppers instead of pimentos since I don't like them and used crushed seasoned croutons instead of bread crumbs which made it much more flavorful. I almost skipped out on the fresh basil and used dried, but I'm glad I didn't as it made the flavor absolutely wonderful. One thing to note, the sauce turned out quite thick. I might add some milk or extra chicken broth next time. It tasted great, but was almost too thick to spread on the chicken. I will also make double in the future to add to noodles. This recipe is a keeper all the way around and I will definitely make it again!

Reviewed On: May 1, 2009

I was really looking forward to this recipe. And while it was definitely better than something out of the can, it did not meet my expectations. The hue and texture were both very nice, but I was hoping for something creamier. This just didn't hit the spot for me. It tasted more like a good marinara or pizza sauce than a tomato soup that warms you up on a cold night. I have to admit that I used canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones which probably made some difference. And I didn't have any cayenne on hand, so I used a pinch of Chili powder instead. Nevertheless, I don't think either of those things changed it so much that is caused my disappointment, and I followed the rest of recipe as written. Being that this soup takes so long to make, I doubt that I will make it again often if at all. Maybe some cream added to it would give it what I'm looking for. I may have to try it again some time with some modifications.

Reviewed On: Mar. 25, 2009