The Best Creamy Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers: An Irresistible Family Favorite Side Dish
This Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers is always a family favorite side dish, perfect for holidays or any weeknight meal!
If you’re searching for a spectacular side dish that’s both easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, look no further than this incredible broccoli casserole. It’s a true culinary delight that seamlessly blends creamy textures with a satisfying, buttery crunch. This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal, from a simple family dinner to an elaborate holiday feast.
This irresistible casserole is a testament to the power of classic comfort food. Picture tender broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, generously infused with sharp cheddar cheese. But the real magic happens on top, where a golden, buttery layer of crushed Ritz crackers adds an unparalleled texture and flavor. It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness with that delightful, crispy finish.
While we adore making this broccoli casserole any time of year, it truly shines during the holidays. It holds a special place at our family table, much like the beloved sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. The combination of broccoli and cheese is always a winner, but this recipe takes it to an entirely new level. By incorporating fresh mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and savory onion, we create a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds and raving about your culinary skills.
Why This Broccoli Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this broccoli casserole. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an experience in comfort food. Here’s why it stands out:
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of tender broccoli, savory sautéed vegetables, creamy sauce, and sharp cheddar creates a rich, complex flavor profile that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: The creamy interior perfectly contrasts with the crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. Every bite offers a delightful blend of soft and crunchy.
- Effortlessly Easy: Despite its impressive taste, this casserole is remarkably simple to prepare. With minimal chopping and straightforward mixing, it’s ideal for both experienced cooks and beginners.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses, from roasted chicken and turkey to baked ham or a simple steak. It’s suitable for casual weeknight dinners and grand holiday feasts alike.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Even picky eaters are often won over by the cheesy, savory goodness and the appealing crunch of the Ritz topping. It’s a dish that consistently disappears quickly from the table.
- Hearty and Wholesome: Packed with nutritious broccoli and savory additions, it’s a comforting dish that also offers a good serving of vegetables.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Broccoli Casserole
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create a truly magical dish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips:
- Frozen broccoli florets: Using frozen broccoli is a fantastic time-saver, as it comes pre-chopped and often requires no thawing. Just ensure you grab “florets” rather than “cuts” to get those beautiful, substantial broccoli heads instead of mostly stems.
- Yellow onion: A small diced yellow onion adds a foundational aromatic sweetness that complements the other savory elements.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here! It brings an essential pungent, savory depth that canned or jarred garlic just can’t match.
- Mushrooms: Diced mushrooms contribute an earthy, umami flavor and a wonderful tender texture to the casserole filling. Any variety, like cremini or white button, works well.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil adds a mild, fruity note. You can easily substitute this with butter for an even richer flavor.
- Sour Cream: This is key to achieving that luxurious, tangy creaminess in the sauce. Full-fat sour cream provides the best texture and flavor, but a light version can be used.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: A classic casserole staple, this condensed soup forms the velvety base of our casserole, adding a savory mushroom essence and incredible richness.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For the ultimate flavor and melting quality, we highly recommend freshly grating your sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. Sharp cheddar offers a bold, delightful tang that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. A mild or medium cheddar would also be delicious if you prefer a less intense cheese flavor.
- Ritz Crackers: The star of the topping! These buttery, flaky crackers crush down to create an incredibly flavorful and crispy crust that truly makes this casserole special.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste to bring out all the vibrant flavors.
How to Make The Best Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Creating this delicious broccoli casserole is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow along to achieve perfect results every time!
Step 1: Prepare Your Aromatics. Begin by finely dicing your yellow onion and mincing the fresh garlic cloves. Next, dice your mushrooms into small, manageable pieces. Uniformity in size will ensure even cooking. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your casserole.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies for Maximum Flavor. In a large skillet, heat your olive oil (or butter, if preferred) over medium-high heat. Add the chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, and diced yellow onion to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté these vegetables until they are beautifully soft and the mushrooms have released all their liquid, which should then cook off entirely. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Cooking them thoroughly at this stage is crucial for developing deep, concentrated flavors that will shine through the entire casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Goodness. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mushroom, garlic, and onion mixture with the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and the frozen broccoli florets. Now, add one cup of your freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese to the mixture. Give everything a thorough stir until all ingredients are totally combined and the broccoli florets are generously coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Ensure everything is well distributed for consistent flavor in every spoonful.
Recipe Tip: Choose Your Broccoli Wisely
Make sure you buy a bag of broccoli florets and not broccoli cuts. Broccoli cuts often contain a lot of tough stems, which can alter the texture of your casserole, whereas florets provide tender, bite-sized pieces perfect for this dish.
Remember not to skip grating the cheddar cheese yourself! The difference in freshness and flavor is truly noticeable, and it melts much more smoothly. While sharp cheddar provides a wonderful zing, a mild or medium cheddar would also be equally delicious if you prefer a milder cheese taste.
Step 4: Prepare and Fill Your Casserole Dish. Lightly grease a small casserole dish (typically 8×8 or 9×9 inches is perfect for this recipe) to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving. Carefully pour the creamy broccoli casserole filling into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
Step 5: Add More Cheesy Goodness. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top of the broccoli mixture. This extra layer of cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden crust during baking, adding another dimension of flavor and texture.
Step 6: The Signature Ritz Cracker Topping. Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers until they are finely crumbled. The easiest way to achieve this is to place the crackers into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, press out any excess air, and then crush them gently but firmly with your hands or a rolling pin. Evenly scatter these buttery crumbs over the layer of cheddar cheese. This iconic topping is what gives the casserole its signature golden, crispy finish and irresistible flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and bake for approximately 25-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the Ritz cracker topping has turned a beautiful golden brown, and the creamy filling underneath is hot and bubbly around the edges. This indicates that all the flavors have melded together beautifully, and the casserole is perfectly cooked through.
Just look at that delicious cheesy Ritz cracker crust! It’s the perfect complement to the rich, creamy broccoli filling, offering a textural masterpiece with every forkful. The buttery, salty crunch elevates the entire dish, making it truly irresistible.
We simply can’t get enough of this broccoli casserole! It is truly pure comfort food in every single bite. Besides Green Bean Casserole and Cheesy Cauliflower, this is one of my absolute favorite casseroles to prepare for the holidays, or any time I’m craving a warm, satisfying side.
This is one dish you will definitely be sure to want seconds of. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. If you make this for the holidays, or even just a regular family meal, be sure to let me know how much you and your loved ones enjoy it! We love hearing your feedback and seeing your culinary creations.
Serving Suggestions for Your Broccoli Casserole
This versatile broccoli casserole makes an outstanding accompaniment to a variety of main courses. Its rich, creamy texture and savory flavor profile complement many dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Holiday Roasts: A classic pairing for Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or a succulent prime rib.
- Roasted Chicken or Pork: The creamy casserole provides a lovely contrast to crispy skinned chicken or tender pork loin.
- Meatloaf or Pot Roast: A comforting side for comforting main dishes.
- Steak or Lamb: Adds a rich, vegetable-packed component to a heartier meal.
- Everyday Dinners: Simple grilled fish or a quick pan-seared chicken breast can be elevated with this impressive side.
Variations & Customizations to Try
While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Cheese Swaps: Instead of sharp cheddar, try a blend of Colby Jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial main dish, stir in cooked, shredded chicken, diced ham, or even crumbled bacon into the broccoli mixture before baking.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a subtle warmth or kick.
- Different Toppings: If Ritz crackers aren’t available, or you prefer something else, consider crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even crispy fried onions.
- Make it Healthier: Opt for low-fat sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, and use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding a handful of chopped bell peppers or carrots.
- Fresh Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, blanch it first for 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water, then immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking and retain its vibrant green color, before adding it to the mixture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This broccoli casserole is fantastic fresh out of the oven, but it also stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 300-325°F (150-160°C) until hot and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes. You might want to remove the foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble the casserole up to step 5 (before adding the Ritz cracker topping) a day in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the Ritz topping and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes surprisingly well! Assemble the casserole (again, without the Ritz topping), cover it tightly with aluminum foil (double layer is best to prevent freezer burn), and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add the Ritz topping just before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making this delightful broccoli casserole:
- Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, absolutely! If using fresh broccoli, you’ll want to blanch or steam it first until it’s crisp-tender. This ensures it cooks through evenly in the casserole. Aim for about 5-7 minutes of blanching or steaming for florets.
- What if I don’t like mushrooms? Can I omit them? While mushrooms add a wonderful depth of flavor, you can certainly omit them if you’re not a fan. You might want to add a bit more onion or a pinch of onion powder to compensate for the lost savory notes.
- Can I use a different kind of condensed soup? Yes, cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup are both excellent substitutes for cream of mushroom soup in this recipe, offering a slightly different but still delicious creamy base.
- What size casserole dish should I use? An 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch square baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, yielding a nice depth for the casserole. If you need to double the recipe, use a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- How do I prevent the Ritz cracker topping from getting soggy? The key is to add the crushed Ritz crackers just before baking. If you assemble the casserole ahead of time, keep the crackers separate and sprinkle them on right before it goes into the oven. This ensures they get perfectly golden and crispy.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes
Looking for more amazing side dishes to complete your meal? Explore these other popular and flavorful recipes:
- Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Vegetable and Rice Casserole
- Funeral Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
- Classic Creamed Corn
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin
- Simple Skillet Corn Recipe
- Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
Broccoli Casserole With Ritz Crackers
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Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen broccoli florets
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, diced into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil , or butter
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 sleeve of ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
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Add the mushrooms, garlic, onion, olive oil, and salt to a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat until vegetables are tender and mushroom liquid has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes.
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In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese, the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen broccoli, and the cooked mushroom-onion mixture. Stir until well combined and broccoli is evenly coated.
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Grease a small casserole dish (8×8 or 9×9 inch) and pour in the broccoli casserole mixture. Spread it out evenly.
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Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese.
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Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer.
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Bake the broccoli casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 25-35 minutes, or until the Ritz crackers are golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
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Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy side dish!
Nutrition
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