Broccoli Casserole with Ritz crackers
This Broccoli Casserole with Ritz crackers is a classic comfort food that's creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy golden crust. The tender broccoli blends perfectly with a rich, velvety…
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This Broccoli Casserole with Ritz crackers is a classic comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy golden crust. The tender broccoli blends perfectly with a rich, velvety sauce, while the buttery Ritz crackers add a satisfying crunch that everyone loves. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I always find this casserole feels just right for family dinners or holiday gatherings because it’s super simple to make but tastes special enough to impress. I like to use fresh broccoli when I can, but frozen works great too if I’m short on time. Adding those Ritz crackers on top is my favorite part—they give the casserole a little extra texture and buttery flavor that really makes it pop.
When I serve this dish, I often pair it with roasted chicken or baked ham, and it somehow brings everything together beautifully. It’s also great for leftovers the next day, which never seem to last long in my house. If you want a cozy, tasty side that’s easy to whip up, this broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers always hits the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best for a nice bite. Blanching helps keep its bright color and crunch. You can also use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain well before mixing.
Condensed Soup: Cream of mushroom adds earthiness, but cream of chicken is a good alternative. For a lighter option, use cream of celery or a homemade white sauce.
Mayonnaise or Sour Cream: Both add creaminess. I prefer mayo for tang and richness, but sour cream offers a mild tangy flavor. Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute if you want something lighter.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds flavor and melts well. You can try mild cheddar or even a mix with mozzarella for a stretchier texture.
Ritz Crackers: These bring the signature buttery crunch. If unavailable, crushed buttery crackers or panko mixed with melted butter work fine.
How Do You Get a Crispy, Golden Topping on Broccoli Casserole?
The crispy topping is key to this casserole’s appeal. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Crush the Ritz crackers evenly—not too fine, so they stay crunchy.
- Mix crackers with melted butter thoroughly; this helps them brown nicely in the oven.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the broccoli mix to cover completely.
- Bake uncovered to allow the topping to crisp and turn golden; covering traps steam and softens it.
Also, don’t skip letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps the topping firm up and avoid sogginess when served.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for blanching broccoli quickly and evenly.
- Colander – to drain the broccoli well after blanching and keep it crisp.
- Mixing bowl – roomy enough to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of cheese, soup, and spices.
- 1.5 to 2-quart baking dish – just the right size to bake the casserole without overflow.
- Small bowl – handy for mixing crushed crackers with melted butter evenly.
- Spoon or spatula – to mix ingredients gently without breaking broccoli florets.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a mild spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy base.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft broccoli.
- Mix in some chopped mushrooms or sliced water chestnuts to add an earthy or crunchy texture.
- Try using cream of celery soup instead of mushroom for a lighter, fresher casserole flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Topping:
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, including blanching the broccoli and mixing the ingredients. Baking time is 25 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. So, total time is around 40 to 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broccoli:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes until they become just tender but still have a firm crunch. Drain them well and set aside.
2. Mix the Casserole Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise or sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion (if using), black pepper, garlic powder (if you like), and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are blended smoothly. Gently fold in the blanched broccoli so all florets are coated evenly with the creamy mixture.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Grease a 1.5 to 2-quart baking dish lightly. Pour the broccoli mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, mixing thoroughly to coat the crumbs well. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping evenly over the broccoli mixture. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly. Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy and crunchy broccoli casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain any excess water before mixing it into the casserole to avoid sogginess. You can also lightly steam or blanch it to improve texture.
Can I Substitute the Ritz Crackers With Something Else?
Absolutely! Crushed buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even crushed cornflakes make great crunchy toppings if you don’t have Ritz on hand.
How Do I Store Leftover Broccoli Casserole?
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 to keep it creamy if needed.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole entirely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold from the fridge.
