Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something magical about the cozy warmth of a home-cooked meal that wraps around you like a favorite sweater. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole—an irresistible blend of creamy cheese sauce and tender roasted broccoli, all crowned with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This dish isn’t just quick and easy; it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in those greens while still keeping everyone at the table happy. Perfect as a side dish for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Are you ready to elevate your veggie game with this delectable comfort food? Let’s dive in! Why is this casserole a must-try? **Comforting ** and satisfying, this Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Creamy, cheesy goodness envelops tender broccoli, making vegetables irresistible for both kids and adults. Quick and easy, it comes together in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Versatile enough to pair with roasted meats or stand alone, it’s the ideal side dish for any occasion. Plus, with variations like using cauliflower, you can customize it to suit your taste! Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole Ingredients • Dive into the deliciousness with these essential components! For the Veggies Broccoli florets – Packed with flavor and nutrition; aim for about 6 cups (3-4 small heads). Olive oil – Perfect for roasting; enhances the veggie flavor; feel free to swap in any neutral oil. Kosher salt and pepper – Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors of the broccoli. For the Cheese Sauce Unsalted butter – Acts as the foundation of the roux for a rich cheese sauce. Flour – Thickens the cheese sauce; either all-purpose or gluten-free works well. Warm milk (2% or whole) – Helps create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce that brings it all together. Garlic powder – Adds a delightful depth of flavor; you can use fresh garlic as a substitute if desired. Cayenne pepper – Provides a subtle kick to the dish; feel free to adjust or omit based on your heat preference. Shredded cheddar cheese – The star of the show for flavor; choose sharp or mild cheddar based on your tastes. For the Topping Ritz crackers – Adds that signature crunchy and buttery topping; can be substituted with other buttery crackers if preferred. Melted butter – Coats the cracker crumbs to achieve that irresistible crispness. This Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole is sure to be a hit at your dinner table, uniting comfort food and nutrition in every delicious bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. This will ensure your Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole comes out easily after baking. While the oven warms up, gather and prepare your ingredients so everything is ready to go. Step 2: Roast the Broccoli Spread the broccoli florets evenly on a half sheet pan. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Toss to coat the broccoli well. Roast in the preheated oven for 14–16 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown while the florets are tender, making them a perfect base for your casserole. Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it starts to bubble. Add the flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s bubbly and slightly golden. This will give your Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole a rich base for the creamy sauce. Step 4: Whisk in Milk and Spices Slowly whisk in the warm milk, continuing to stir as the mixture thickens. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once you achieve a smooth consistency, add the garlic powder and cayenne pepper for flavor, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts beautifully into the sauce. Step 5: Prepare the Cracker Topping In a small bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. Pour in melted butter and mix until the crumbs are well-coated. This mixture not only adds a delicious crunch on top of your casserole but also brings that signature buttery flavor to each bite of your Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Step 6: Assemble the Casserole Layer the roasted broccoli in the greased baking dish, creating an even base. Pour the cheesy sauce over the broccoli, making sure to cover all the florets sufficiently. Finally, sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs on top, ensuring an even distribution for that crispy topping. Step 7: Bake to Perfection Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole for 16–20 minutes. Look for bubbling along the edges and a gorgeous golden top. This will ensure that your Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole is warm, cheesy, and perfectly crisped on top. Step 8: Cool and Serve Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly and makes serving easier. Enjoy this delightful dish warm, savoring each gooey, crunchy bite with family or friends. Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole Variations Feel free to make this comforting dish your own and explore some delightful twists! Cauliflower Swap: Substitute half the broccoli with cauliflower for a unique flavor and texture that balances perfectly with the cheese sauce. You’ll love the added creaminess! Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a nut milk alternative and dairy-free cheese to keep the dish rich and creamy without the dairy. Your guests won’t even notice the difference! Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat that will tantalize your taste buds. Spice lovers will rejoice with every bite! Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the cheese sauce for an aromatic flavor boost that elevates the dish. It adds a fresh touch to the richness! Whole Grain Crunch: Swap Ritz crackers with whole grain or whole wheat crackers for a heartier topping. This small change makes it a tad healthier without sacrificing taste. Cheddar Blend: Mix sharp and mild cheddar for a more complex flavor profile that melts beautifully. This variation adds depth and richness to every bite! Bacon Booster: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top before baking for a smoky, savory twist that brings added indulgence to your casserole. It’s guaranteed to be a hit! Vegetable Medley: Mix in or swap additional vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious boost. It not only looks great but adds a variety of flavors! Feel inspired? Dive into your kitchen and make this dish your family’s new favorite! For even more delicious ideas, check out our comforting Cheddar Potato Casserole or treat yourself to some delightful Homemade Animal Crackers for a sweet twist. Make Ahead Options These Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can roast the broccoli and prepare the cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance; simply let them cool before covering and refrigerating. On the day you plan to serve, layer the roasted broccoli in the baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over it, and top with the cracker crumbs before baking. This way, you’ll save precious time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. For the best quality, bake right after assembling, as the casserole will maintain its creamy texture and crunchy topping that everyone loves. Enjoy the convenience of a comforting dish with minimal effort! What to Serve with Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole Elevate your dinner experience by creating a delightful spread that compliments the creamy goodness of this comforting casserole. Roasted Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, roasted chicken pairs wonderfully, balancing the casserole’s richness with its savory notes. Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery texture of garlic bread contrasts beautifully with the smooth cheese sauce, making each bite a delicious journey. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette serves as a refreshing counterpart, adding a bright note that cuts through the cheese. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw brings a tangy crunch, offering a wonderful texture contrast that enhances the overall meal delightfully. Apple Sauce: Sweet apple sauce provides a charming juxtaposition, balancing the savoriness of the casserole with a hint of fruitiness. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds elegance and an earthy flavor, rounding out the dish’s comfort with a fresh vegetable option. Sparkling Lemonade: Pair with a refreshing drink like sparkling lemonade to cleanse the palate after the creamy bites of casserole. Chocolate Mousse: Finish on a sweet note with a rich chocolate mousse, which offers a luscious contrast to the savory main dish. Expert Tips for Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole Prep Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; this saves time on busy nights and flavors meld beautifully. Roasting Perfection: Make sure to season the broccoli well with salt and pepper before roasting for maximum flavor; don’t skip this crucial step! Cheese Choices: Use a blend of sharp and mild cheddar for a richer flavor profile; experiment with your favorite cheeses for a unique twist in your Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Cracker Crunch: For a perfectly crisp topping, use freshly crushed Ritz crackers and ensure they are coated evenly with melted butter; avoid pre-crushed for better texture. Avoid Sogginess: If preparing in advance, bake right before serving to maintain that delightful crunchy topping and mouthwatering creamy center. How to Store and Freeze Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole Refrigerator: Store the casserole covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Freezer: Double wrap the casserole in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for freezing. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer. This will restore the crispy topping; avoid using a microwave to prevent sogginess. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole ahead of time, just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe broccoli for the casserole? Absolutely! Look for vibrant green broccoli florets without dark spots or yellowing, which can indicate age. Fresh broccoli should feel firm to the touch, and the stems should appear crisp. Aim for about 6 cups, roughly 3 to 4 small heads for the best flavor and nutrition in your Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Very! Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is well-covered to keep it fresh. Reheating can be done in the oven or air fryer to maintain that crunchy topping that we all adore. Can I freeze the Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole? Absolutely! For freezing, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures a perfect temperature throughout! What if I want to make it healthier or cater to dietary restrictions? Absolutely! You can substitute half the broccoli with cauliflower for a different flavor or to mix things up. For a lighter version, try using low-fat cheese and whole grain crackers instead of Ritz. Also, if anyone at your gathering has allergies, double-check ingredient labels for any potential allergens, especially when it comes to cheeses and butter. How can I prevent the topping from becoming soggy? Very! To keep that Ritz cracker topping crispy, ensure they are freshly crushed and evenly coated with melted butter before baking. If preparing ahead of time, bake right before serving to maintain that delightful crunch. Reheating options like the oven or air fryer work best to revive the texture when serving leftovers. Cheesy Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole Delight Ritz Cracker Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting dish combining creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli topped with crunchy Ritz crackers. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Veggies6 cups Broccoli florets About 3-4 small heads2 tablespoons Olive oil Or any neutral oil1 teaspoon Kosher salt1 teaspoon Black pepperFor the Cheese Sauce1/4 cup Unsalted butter1/4 cup Flour All-purpose or gluten-free2 cups Warm milk 2% or whole1 teaspoon Garlic powder Or fresh garlic if desired1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Adjust based on heat preference2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese Sharp or mild based on tasteFor the Topping1 cup Ritz crackers Crushed1/4 cup Melted butter Equipment Oven9x13 baking dishHalf sheet panMedium saucepanSmall Bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.Spread the broccoli florets evenly on a half sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes until tender and golden brown.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Add flour, stirring constantly to create a roux for about 1-2 minutes.Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring as the mixture thickens (3-5 minutes). Add garlic powder and cayenne pepper, then stir in shredded cheddar until melted.In a small bowl, crush Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs, then stir in melted butter until well coated.Layer roasted broccoli in the greased baking dish, pour cheese sauce over it, and sprinkle cracker crumbs on top.Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 16-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.Let the casserole cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1mg NotesThis casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
