Table of Contents

Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of classic comfort food quite like a broccoli cheese casserole with Ritz crackers. Imagine tender broccoli coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked until bubbly, and finished with a golden layer of buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd favorite.

This casserole has earned its place at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday tables because it’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and universally loved. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast turkey at Thanksgiving or bringing it to a casual weeknight meal, it’s a dish that guarantees empty plates and happy smiles.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers

The best casseroles start with thoughtful ingredient choices. Here’s what goes into the perfect broccoli cheese casserole with Ritz crackers:

Broccoli
- Fresh florets: firm, vibrant green, and slightly crisp after baking.
- Frozen broccoli: convenient, but should be thawed and well-drained to avoid excess water.
Cheese
- Sharp cheddar: the gold standard for flavor.
- Monterey Jack or Gruyère: for extra melt and creaminess.
- Velveeta: smooth, silky finish for those who want nostalgia and guaranteed creaminess.
Base
- Cream of mushroom or chicken soup: quick, familiar, and adds depth.
- Homemade cheese sauce: using a roux (butter + flour + milk) for a fresher, more customizable flavor.
Seasonings & Add-ins
- Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
- Optional: diced onions, roasted garlic, or a pinch of Dijon mustard.
Topping
- Ritz crackers: buttery, flaky, perfectly crisp.
- Butter: binds crumbs together and ensures even toasting.
- Optional: Parmesan for extra golden crunch.

Perfecting the Ritz Cracker Topping

The Ritz topping makes this casserole shine. Follow these tips:

Crush crackers coarsely—not to powder.
Use about 1 sleeve of crackers with 4–6 tablespoons melted butter.
Mix crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
Add topping just before baking for maximum crunch.

Equipment and Pan Size

To bake this casserole evenly, you’ll need:

A 2-quart casserole dish or 9×13-inch baking pan.
A saucepan for sauce (if making from scratch).
A steamer basket or roasting pan for broccoli.
A mixing bowl for combining.
A zip-top bag for crushing crackers.

Step-by-Step Method for Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Here’s how to make the perfect broccoli cheese casserole with Ritz crackers:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prep broccoli: blanch fresh for 2–3 minutes, or thaw and drain frozen.
Make the base:
- Soup method: stir soup, mayo/sour cream, and seasonings.
- No-soup method: make a roux, whisk in milk, then melt in cheese.
Combine broccoli and sauce in a large bowl.
Transfer mixture to casserole dish.
Crush Ritz crackers, mix with melted butter, and sprinkle on top.
Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

You can customize your casserole in many ways:

Cheese upgrades:
- Cheddar + Parmesan for sharpness.
- Cheddar + Gruyère for depth.
- Velveeta + cheddar for creaminess.
Protein additions:
- Diced ham or rotisserie chicken.
- Crisp bacon crumbles.
Vegetable boosters:
- Sautéed mushrooms.
- Caramelized onions.
- Red bell peppers.
Topping twists:
- Half Ritz, half panko.
- Ritz + Parmesan mix.
- Cornflakes for retro flair.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Make-ahead: Assemble casserole (without topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in fridge. Add topping before baking.
Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate. Best reheated in the oven, uncovered, to restore crunch.
Freezing: Assemble casserole without topping, wrap well, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, add topping, and bake.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with:

Roast turkey or chicken.
Glazed ham.
Meatloaf or pork chops.
A citrusy salad for brightness.
Fresh dinner rolls or biscuits.

Troubleshooting

Watery casserole? Broccoli not drained well—roast or blot before adding.
Greasy topping? Too much butter in crumbs—reduce by 1–2 tablespoons.
Grainy cheese sauce? Overheated cheddar—melt gently on low heat.
Soggy crumbs? Add topping just before baking, never too early.
Flat flavor? Add lemon zest, Dijon mustard, or cayenne for balance.

FAQs

Can I make broccoli casserole ahead of time?
Yes—assemble without topping, cover, refrigerate, and bake within 24 hours.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen broccoli?
Both work—fresh is firmer, frozen is faster. Just be sure to drain frozen thoroughly.

How do I keep the Ritz topping crispy?
Add crumbs right before baking and bake uncovered.

What cheese melts best?
Cheddar for flavor, Jack or Gruyère for smoothness, Velveeta for silkiness.

Can I make it without condensed soup?
Yes—make a roux-based cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.

What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?
Butter crackers, panko with butter, or crushed cornflakes.

Conclusion

A broccoli cheese casserole with Ritz crackers is more than just a side dish—it’s a warm, comforting classic that brings family and friends together around the table. With its creamy broccoli filling, rich cheesy base, and the irresistible crunch of buttery Ritz crackers on top, it’s the kind of recipe that disappears quickly at potlucks, holidays, and weeknight dinners alike.