Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Looking for the perfect side dish that’ll make everyone smile? You’ve got to try this broccoli cheese casserole with a crunchy Ritz Cracker topping.

It’s a big hit with the family, especially around the holidays, and goes great with all of the other holiday recipes piled on the plate! Trust me, even the fussiest eaters, whether they’re kids or grownups, can’t help but dig into this cheesy goodness.

Whip it up for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, and watch how this quick and easy dish disappears—there won’t be any leftovers, guaranteed!

Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Why You Should Make It!

No one will turn down the greens in this comfort food once they taste this cheesy, melty cheesy broccoli casserole topped with the perfect amount of Ritz cracker crunch.

Crowd Pleaser: This casserole’s unique blend of creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and crispy Ritz crackers is bound to please kids and adults. Even those skeptical of vegetables will be reaching for seconds.

Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the delicious results; this casserole recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. Plus, broccoli cheese casserole with a buttery topping pairs well with almost anything.

Customizable: Feel like experimenting? You can tweak the recipe to your favorite version with different cheeses, bites of chicken, or rice, or add extras like bacon or nuts for additional flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 3–4 Crowns of Fresh Broccoli: Using fresh broccoli florets ensures a crisp texture and vibrant color; lightly steaming before adding to the casserole helps maintain its nutrients.
• Mayonnaise, Eggs, and Butter: Room-temperature eggs and butter will ensure they blend more smoothly.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: For a vegetarian option, cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can be used instead.

• Diced White Onion: Adds a slight crunch and sweetness; chopping the onion finely helps it distribute evenly throughout the dish. Yellow onion is also acceptable to use.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Always season to taste; remember, it’s easier to add more later than correct over-seasoning. Keep in mind that soups typically have salt in them.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own can offer a fresher taste.
• Ritz Crackers: Crushed buttery crackers provide a delightful crunch on top; be gentle when crushing to avoid turning them into a powdery consistency, as you want some texture for that perfect golden-brown finish.

Preventing the Sticky Situation: Preparing Your Pan

Cheese casseroles, like our yummy broccoli cheese casserole, love to cling to your pan.

Spray Well: Give that pan a good spray with cooking spray. It’ll make cleanup a breeze, and you won’t be stuck scraping off stubborn bits and crunchy topping for ages.

Smart Prep: Get Your Ingredients Ready

Measure Ahead: Trust me, it’s easier to measure everything before diving into this broccoli bake. This is true for all recipes!

Kid-Friendly Cooking: Got little helpers? Pre-measuring lets them dump and stir without turning your kitchen into a mad scientist’s lab. My kids love experimenting, and this keeps things sane.

How to make Broccoli Casserole.

Preparation of the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Select a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, and apply a coat of non-stick cooking spray to remove the finished casserole easily.

Broccoli Preparation: Carefully divide the broccoli crowns into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Steam or boil the broccoli until it becomes soft to the touch.

Arranging the Broccoli Layer: Place the cooked broccoli in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. This will form the bottom layer of your casserole.

Mixing of Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, and diced white onion. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is combined.

Integration of Eggs and Cheese: Into the same bowl, add both eggs, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and season with salt and pepper as desired. Stir until well blended. Consistency is key.

Add Mixture to Broccoli Dish: Evenly distribute the creamy sauce mixture over the broccoli layer in the pan, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Final Layers: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by a layer of crushed Ritz crackers.

Baking Instructions: Place the prepared baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Recommendations: Allow the cheesy casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Broccoli Casserole Recipe Variations:

Soup Base: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different taste.

Different Veggie Cheese Casserole: Feel free to experiment with various vegetables in the original recipe.

Rice Addition: Add cooked white rice if desired, but you may need to double the soup ingredients. Proceed cautiously, as this variation hasn’t been thoroughly tested in our kitchen.

Frozen vs. Fresh Broccoli: Which to Use in Ritz Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

What about using fresh or frozen broccoli? Both work in this delicious side dish, so breathe a sigh of relief!

Both fresh and frozen broccoli have their advantages, and either can be used to make a full-sized broccoli cheddar casserole for the dinner table or holiday table.

Frozen Broccoli Florets:

• Easy and Convenient: If you’re not into the fuss of steaming fresh broccoli, frozen is your friend. Just pop 2-3 16 oz. Bags into the microwave, cook, and drain any excess water.
• Trimming Tips: Once cooked, you might want to trim off the “tree” ends of the stalks, but that’s up to you.

Fresh Broccoli Florets:

• Great Taste: If you prefer fresh veggies, no problem at all! Just grab 3-4 crowns of fresh broccoli.
• Pre-Cooking is Key: You’ll need to pre-cook the fresh broccoli, as it won’t steam enough in the casserole. Steaming beforehand helps it reach the perfect texture.

Must-Try Casserole Dishes for Any Occasion

Cabbage Casserole: A hearty and comforting dish, this casserole combines tender cabbage with rice and beef. 

Unstuffed Mushroom Casserole: This casserole brings the flavors of stuffed mushrooms into an easier-to-prepare baked dish, blending mushrooms with breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole: Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this casserole layers crispy tater tots with eggs and cheese for an incredible holiday morning. 

Best Corn Casserole Recipe: A classic side dish, corn casserole combines sweet corn with creamed corn, butter, and a cake mix for a rich and sweet accompaniment to any meal.

Green Bean Casserole from Scratch: Often a holiday favorite, green bean casserole blends green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions.

Zucchini Tomato Casserole: This casserole celebrates summer flavors, layering sliced zucchini and tomatoes with cheese and herbs and baking until bubbly and golden.