Creamy Broccoli and Ham Soup With Cheese

• 1
  
  (16 ounce) bag frozen broccoli, thawed
  
• ¹⁄₂
  
  cup chopped sweet onion
  
• ¹⁄₂
  
  cup uncooked instant rice
  
• 2 ¹⁄₂
  
  teaspoons Italian salad dressing
  
• ³⁄₄
  
  cup chopped cooked ham
  
• 1
  
  cup milk
  
• 2
  
  cups shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 2 ¹⁄₂
  
  cups chicken broth
  
• 1
  
  cup water
  
• 
  
  salt and pepper
  

directions

• Cook onion in dressing in a large saucepan until tender.
• Add broth, water, and broccoli.
• Bring to a boil 8 to 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
• Stir in milk and rice.
• Reduce heat to medium.
• Cook 5 minutes.
• Pour into a blender container in small batches.
• Blend until smooth.
• Return to saucepan.
• Add ham; stir until ham is heated through.
• Top each serving with 1/3 cup cheese.
• Serve with croutons if desired.