Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
This Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers is creamy, cheesy and topped with buttery Ritz crackers that bake up golden brown. Tender broccoli florets are folded into a rich, creamy sauce with sharp cheddar cheese, creating a classic cheesy broccoli casserole that feels both cozy and familiar.
This is the perfect side dish for holidays, Sunday dinners or even a last-minute addition to a weeknight meal. It's the kind of holiday side dish that sits proudly next to Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham or roast chicken and somehow disappears first.
If you love comforting vegetable bakes like our Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole or Green Bean Casserole, this broccoli cheddar casserole brings that same creamy, crowd-pleasing energy.
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Ingredients
This broccoli casserole recipe uses simple ingredients you can grab at the grocery store, but together they create something special.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Fresh Broccoli: The heart of the dish, lightly steamed until tender broccoli but not mushy.
- Cottage Cheese or Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness to the creamy sauce.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Forms the base of the creamy cheese sauce and keeps everything cohesive.
- Mayonnaise: Adds body and depth without making the casserole heavy.
- Ground Black Pepper: Balances the richness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the broccoli.
- Marble or Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the mixture for that signature broccoli cheddar casserole flavor.
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed into buttery crackers that form the irresistible cracker topping.
- Unsalted Butter: Tossed with the cracker mixture to create that golden, crisp finish.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a little color and light herb flavor to the top.
To make this recipe easier, you will need a 1.5-quart casserole dish, aluminum foil, mixing bowls and small saucepan.
Variations
- Add Protein: Stir in rotisserie chicken to turn this into more of a main dish.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in Velveeta cheese for a smoother, creamier cheese sauce.
- Different Soup Base: Swap the cream of chicken for a can of cream of mushroom soup.
- Onion Boost: Add a little onion powder or chopped green onion for extra flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
This broccoli cheese casserole recipe comes together quickly with a simple steam, mix and bake method before finishing with a buttery cracker topping.
Preheat oven to 350F and prepare a 1 ½ quart casserole dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
Place broccoli in a large pan, covered, with 1 cup of water, and steam on medium heat for about 5 minutes (you do not want it to cook too much).
While that is cooking, in a large mixing bowl add sour cream, chicken soup, mayonnaise, and seasoning and mix well. Add broccoli when done, then cheese and mix again.
Transfer to prepared baking dish and make your topping by mixing Ritz, melted butter and parsley.
Sprinkle overtop and cover with foil.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling on the sides. If desired, uncover and broil to brown the top lightly.
Hint: Be sure not to over-steam - cook just until bright green. Overcooking can lead to excess water and an unpleasant texture.
Recipe Tips
- Drain Well: Make sure there is no excess water before mixing into the creamy sauce.
- Even Cracker Layer: Spread the Ritz cracker crumbs evenly so the whole dish gets that golden brown crunch.
- Broil Carefully: If browning the top, watch closely to prevent burning the buttery crackers.
If you enjoy this cozy, baked style, our Brussel Sprout Casserole carries a similar creamy, oven-baked comfort.
More Sides
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Serving Suggestions
BROCCOLI CASSEROLE WITH RITZ CRACKERS recipe FAQs
Yes, just thaw and drain well so excess water doesn't thin the creamy sauce.
Add the cracker mixture right before baking and avoid covering during the final few minutes if you want extra crunch.
Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust cooking times slightly, making sure the center is heated through.
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Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Equipment
- 1.5 Quart Casserole Dish
- Aluminum Foil
- Mixing Bowls
- Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 heads broccoli cut into florets (8-10 cups)
- 1 ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 10 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups marble or cheddar cheese shredded
Topping
- 4 ounces Ritz crackers crushed
- ½ stick butter unsalted and melted
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare a 1 ½ quart casserole dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Place broccoli in a large pan, covered, with 1 cup of water, and steam on medium heat for about 5 minutes (you do not want it to cook too much).
- While that is cooking, in a large mixing bowl add sour cream, chicken soup, mayonnaise, and seasoning and mix well. Add broccoli when done, then cheese and mix again.
- Transfer to prepared baking dish and make your topping by mixing Ritz, melted butter and parsley.
- Sprinkle overtop and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling on the sides. If desired, uncover and broil to brown the top lightly.
Notes
- Don't Over-Steam: Cook broccoli just until bright green. Overcooking can lead to excess water and an unpleasant texture.
- Drain Well: Make sure there is no excess water before mixing into the creamy sauce.
- Even Cracker Layer: Spread the Ritz cracker crumbs evenly so the whole dish gets that golden brown crunch.
- Broil Carefully: If browning the top, watch closely to prevent burning the buttery crackers.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition
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