This broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers feels like a warm hug on a plate!
The family-favorite recipe transforms humble broccoli into something special. Its velvety cheese sauce and buttery Ritz topping are just irresistible.
This side dish is guaranteed to steal the show, whether it’s at a holiday dinner or part of a cozy weeknight meal.
It’s full of simple ingredients, delivers maximum comfort, and is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Comfort Food: With its rich, cheesy sauce and crunchy topping, this casserole offers the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s a favorite for family gatherings or potlucks.
Versatile Side Dish: Broccoli casserole pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roast chicken to holiday ham.
Quick and Simple: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute side dish without much hassle.
Deliciously Cheesy: The melted Velveeta cheese ensures every bite is rich, smooth, and indulgent. It enhances the overall taste of the broccoli without overpowering it.
Ingredients
This recipe only has five ingredients, but it’s big on flavor!
- Frozen Broccoli Florets: They provide a convenient, nutritious base for the casserole. They’re cooked and drained to ensure the dish isn’t watery while still retaining a tender texture.
- Velveeta Cheese: This processed cheese melts smoothly, creating a rich, creamy sauce. It coats the broccoli evenly, adding a mild, cheesy flavor.
- Margarine or Butter: Use it to melt with the Velveeta for the cheese sauce and to mix with the crushed crackers for a buttery, crispy topping.
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed and mixed with melted butter, these crackers form a golden, crunchy topping. It contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and tender broccoli.
- Freshly Chopped Parsley or Chives: It provides a pop of color and a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the casserole.
How to Make Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
This side dish is so easy, it’ll become a regular in your rotation!
1. PREHEAT the oven to 350°F and lightly butter an 8×8 or 9×9-inch casserole dish.
2. COOK the frozen broccoli according to package instructions, drain thoroughly, and set aside. Alternatively, steam for a crisper texture.
3. MELT 1/4 cup margarine or butter and Velveeta cheese in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth and creamy.
4. COMBINE the broccoli and cheese sauce in the casserole dish, stirring gently to coat the florets evenly.
5. CRUSH the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a zip-top bag and rolling pin. Mix the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter with the crumbs until well coated.
6. SPRINKLE the buttered cracker crumbs over the casserole in an even layer.
7. BAKE for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
8. REST for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor and a pop of green. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Follow these tips for a casserole everyone will devour!
- Ditch the excess liquid. Ensure the cooked broccoli is well-drained to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Grease it up. Lightly butter the casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve.
- Go low and slow. To prevent scorching, melt the cheese on low to medium heat, stirring frequently. To adjust the thickness, add a bit of milk if it’s too thick or cook longer if it’s too thin.
- Baking time. Bake until the casserole is hot and the topping is golden. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the remaining baking time.
- Give it a rest. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Make it pretty. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving for added flavor and visual appeal.
How to Store
If you have leftover casserole, follow these steps to store it.
To Store: Store leftover casserole in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Prepare the casserole without the Ritz topping, double wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Place the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to re-crisp. Or reheat individual portions in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F for best results.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the Ritz topping just before baking.
More Hearty Casseroles Your Family Will Love
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Squash Casserole
Asparagus Casserole
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
6
servings20
minutes30
373
kcalGet ready to fall in love with this broccoli casserole with Ritz Crackers! It’s creamy and cheesy with a golden brown, crispy topping you’ll adore.
Ingredients
2 (12 ounce) bags frozen broccoli florets
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup margarine or butter, divided
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
Freshly chopped parsley or chive, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly butter an 8×8 or 9×9 casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the frozen broccoli florets according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside to allow excess water to evaporate. For a slightly crispier texture, you can steam the broccoli instead.
- In a medium saucepan over low to medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of margarine or butter and the Velveeta cheese cubes, stirring frequently until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
- Place the drained broccoli in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the melted cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli, stirring gently to combine.
- Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or using a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of margarine or butter, then mix it into the cracker crumbs. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green and a burst of fresh flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
- Incorporate ingredients like cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheese varieties.
- Instead of Ritz crackers, try crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even a mix of both for a different texture.
- Melted butter is a must when mixing with the Ritz cracker crumbs, but consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance the flavor.