Mouthwatering Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe
Introduction
This mouthwatering Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers is a comforting, cheesy delight that’s perfect for family dinners. With a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy buttery cracker topping, it’s both easy to make and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
- 28 oz frozen chopped broccoli
- 8 oz Velveeta Original cheese, cubed
- 1/4 stick butter (for cheese sauce)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 stick butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the frozen chopped broccoli according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain any excess water thoroughly and set the broccoli aside to prevent a watery casserole.
- Step 2: While the broccoli cooks, melt 1/4 stick butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth. Add the drained broccoli to the cheese sauce and mix well. Transfer this mixture to a lightly oiled casserole dish.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 stick butter in the microwave. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the melted butter and pour over the crushed Ritz crackers. Mix with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened and gently press the crumbs for a crispier crust.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumb mixture evenly over the broccoli and cheese in the casserole dish. Bake for about 20 minutes at 350°F, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving for the best texture.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, stir in some cooked bacon bits or a pinch of garlic powder to the cheese sauce.
- Use fresh broccoli steamed until tender if you prefer, rather than frozen.
- Substitute Velveeta with sharp cheddar for a more robust cheese flavor, but meltability may vary.
- Press the cracker topping firmly with the back of a spoon before baking to help it form a nice crust.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crisp topping, or microwave for a quicker option but expect a softer crust.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli steamed until tender works great. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
How can I make the topping even crispier?
Press the buttered cracker crumbs firmly before baking and bake uncovered. You can also increase the baking time slightly, watching closely to prevent burning.
PrintMouthwatering Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe
This Mouthwatering Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers is a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy baked dish that’s perfect as a comforting side or a main for any meal. Featuring tender broccoli mixed with Velveeta cheese and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this casserole combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in an easy-to-make recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Mixture:
- 28 oz frozen chopped broccoli
- 8 oz Velveeta Original cheese, cubed
- 1/4 stick (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp water
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30 crackers)
- 1/4 stick (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Cook the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the frozen chopped broccoli according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well to remove excess water and set aside to prevent a watery casserole.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: While the broccoli cooks, melt 1/4 stick (2 tbsp) butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth. Mix in the drained broccoli thoroughly, then transfer this mixture to a lightly oiled casserole dish for even baking.
- Make Buttery Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 stick (2 tbsp) butter in the microwave. Add 2 tablespoons water to the melted butter and pour over the crushed Ritz crackers. Mix thoroughly with a fork, pressing lightly for a crispier topping when baked.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker crumb mixture over the broccoli and cheese in the casserole dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to achieve the best texture.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the broccoli well after cooking to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Using Velveeta cheese creates a smooth, creamy sauce, but you can substitute with processed cheese alternatives if preferred.
- Pressing the cracker crumbs gently with a fork before baking helps achieve a crispier topping.
- This casserole can be reheated the next day but may lose some crispiness of the topping.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the butter used is vegetarian friendly.
Keywords: broccoli cheese casserole, Ritz crackers, cheesy casserole, baked broccoli recipe, easy side dish
