Broccoli Casserole with Ritz crackers is a classic comfort food that brings together tender broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers on top. The mix of soft veggies and crunchy topping makes every bite satisfying and full of flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I love making this casserole when I want something that’s easy to prepare but still feels special. The Ritz crackers add just the right amount of crispiness and buttery taste, making the dish extra tasty without much effort. I usually crush the crackers by hand so they stay chunky and give a nice texture on top, which is my favorite part!
This casserole is perfect as a side for a cozy family dinner or a potluck. I like serving it alongside roasted chicken or baked ham, and it always gets compliments. Sometimes, I even sneak in extra cheese because, well, you can never have too much cheese, right? It’s a simple recipe that never fails to bring smiles around the table.
Broccoli Casserole Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen works well too. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly so your casserole isn’t watery.
Condensed Soup: Cream of mushroom adds a mild earthiness, but cream of chicken is a nice alternative if you want a different flavor or avoid mushrooms.
Mayonnaise or Sour Cream: Both add creaminess and tang. I usually pick mayo for richness, but sour cream is a lighter option that still tastes great.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar boosts flavor, but mild cheddar works if you prefer less punch. You can also mix in a little mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Ritz Crackers: The buttery cracker topping is a highlight. If you can’t find Ritz, use buttery crackers or even crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
How Do You Get the Broccoli Just Right for the Casserole?
The broccoli texture is key: tender but not mushy. Here’s my method:
- If fresh, steam or blanch the florets for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Immediately drain and pat dry to remove extra water.
- If using frozen, fully thaw and squeeze out any extra moisture with a clean towel.
- This prevents your casserole from becoming watery and helps it bake evenly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Large mixing bowl – roomy enough to mix all ingredients without spills.
- Steamer basket or colander – helps you steam or blanch broccoli to the right tenderness.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Small bowl – to mix crushed crackers and melted butter for topping.
- Fork or potato masher – handy for crushing Ritz crackers evenly.
- Spatula or spoon – to gently fold broccoli into the creamy mixture without mashing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty boost that pairs well with creamy broccoli.
- Stir in diced cooked chicken to turn this casserole into a heartier main dish.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a mild or spicy twist.
- Mix in chopped mushrooms or sautéed bell peppers for added veggies and flavor depth.
How to Make Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 to 35 minutes to bake. Be sure to allow a few minutes for the broccoli to steam or thaw, and a short cooling time after baking. Overall, plan for about 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to keep the casserole from sticking and to help with easy serving.
2. Prepare the Broccoli
If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until they’re just tender but still a little crisp—about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain them well to avoid sogginess. If you have frozen broccoli, make sure it is fully thawed and drained of any excess water.
3. Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the condensed soup, mayonnaise (or sour cream), shredded cheddar cheese, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Broccoli with Creamy Mixture
Add your prepared broccoli to the bowl and gently fold it into the creamy mixture. Be careful not to mash the broccoli; just coat it evenly.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the broccoli mixture to your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix them so the crumbs have a nice buttery coating.
7. Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the broccoli mixture. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve
Let your broccoli casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit and makes serving easier.
Enjoy this creamy and crunchy broccoli casserole with its delicious buttery Ritz cracker topping!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen broccoli and drain any excess water before mixing it in. This helps keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
Can I Substitute the Ritz Crackers for Another Topping?
Absolutely! You can use buttery crackers, crushed pretzels, or even breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
How Should I Store Leftover Broccoli Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, prepare the casserole up to step 7, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting chilled.