Broccoli Casserole with Ritz crackers
Broccoli Casserole with Ritz crackers is a classic comfort food that brings together tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping that’s simply irresistible. The mix of creamy…
Tip: save now, cook later.Broccoli Casserole with Ritz crackers is a classic comfort food that brings together tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping that’s simply irresistible. The mix of creamy and crunchy textures makes this dish a family favorite at many dinners and potlucks. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I love how easy it is to make this casserole and how the buttery Ritz crackers add just the right amount of salty crunch on top. Whenever I make it, I find myself sneaking bites from the baking dish while it cools just because it’s that good. It’s simple but always gets compliments from everyone who tries it.
For me, this casserole is perfect served alongside your favorite main course, whether it’s roasted chicken, ham, or even meatloaf. It’s also great as a cozy side for holiday dinners or casual family meals. Whenever I bring it to a gathering, it disappears quickly, which always makes me smile because I know I picked a winner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a great crunch, but frozen works well too—just thaw and drain to avoid sogginess. I like to keep it slightly crisp for texture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. You can swap it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce if you prefer less salt or want to avoid canned foods.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a tangy, cheesy kick. You can try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder taste, but cheddar is my favorite for this casserole.
Ritz Crackers: Their buttery flavor and crisp texture make the perfect topping. If you can’t find Ritz, crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs will work fine.
How Do You Get the Topping Perfectly Crispy and Golden?
The cracker topping is key to a great casserole. To get it crispy and golden:
- Mix crushed crackers with melted butter; the butter helps them brown and stay crunchy during baking.
- Spread the topping evenly over the broccoli mixture so no spots are exposed.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Letting the casserole cool a few minutes after baking helps the topping stay crisp instead of getting soggy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Large mixing bowl – to mix all your creamy ingredients and broccoli together smoothly.
- Small bowl – handy for mixing the crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Steamer basket or pot with lid – for cooking broccoli just right without making it mushy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep the seasoning and ingredients balanced.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring and spreading the mixture evenly in the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky, salty crunch that pairs well with cheddar.
- Mix in chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch and mild flavor contrast.
- Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a lighter taste.
- Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a bit of spicy heat.
Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Topping:
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This broccoli casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 25-30 minutes to bake. Plan for a few minutes to let it cool before serving, so it sets nicely. In total, expect around 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Broccoli:
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Steam or boil the broccoli until it’s just tender but still crisp—about 4-5 minutes. Drain it well to remove any extra water and set aside.
2. Mixing the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped onion if you are using it. Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a creamy, smooth mixture.
3. Combining Broccoli and Filling:
Gently fold the cooked broccoli into your creamy mixture until all the florets are evenly coated. This helps distribute the flavor nicely throughout the dish.
4. Preparing the Topping:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Transfer the broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated.
5. Baking the Casserole:
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over the broccoli mixture evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns a golden brown.
6. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling step helps the casserole to set so it holds together when serving.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole with that perfect buttery Ritz cracker crunch!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli thoroughly before using to prevent extra moisture, which can make the casserole soggy.
Can I Make This Broccoli Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
What Can I Substitute for Ritz Crackers in the Topping?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed pretzels work well to give a crispy, flavorful topping.