Mouthwatering 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
Scale
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
