Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta, Cheddar, and Ritz Crackers Recipe
This Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Tender broccoli florets are mixed with Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheese, then topped with a crunchy buttery Ritz cracker crust and baked until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Mixture
- 32 ounces frozen broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed (no larger than 1 inch)
Topping
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cook broccoli: Boil the frozen broccoli florets in salted water for 3 minutes until just tender. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix seasonings and cheese: Season the broccoli with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the Velveeta cubes to the warm broccoli and stir thoroughly until all the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the broccoli layer.
- Prepare topping and bake: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheddar cheese layer. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using frozen broccoli makes this recipe easy and convenient, but fresh broccoli can be used if preferred; steam it until just tender.
- Ensure the Velveeta cheese is fully melted to create a smooth, creamy texture.
- For a different flavor profile, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered to maintain moisture.
Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, Ritz crackers topping, Velveeta recipe, easy broccoli side dish, baked broccoli casserole
