When the craving for something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying hits, there is really nothing quite like a homemade casserole. And let me tell you, this Classic Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers is a serious game changer. It is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, full of smiles and ready for seconds.
Forget complicated recipes or endless prep work. This is an easy broccoli casserole that comes together wonderfully, even for kitchen novices. We are talking tender, roasted broccoli bathed in a luscious, creamy cheddar broccoli casserole sauce, all crowned with that unmistakable, buttery crunch of Ritz crackers. It is comfort food at its finest, made simple.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love? This casserole is a triumph of textures and flavors. You get the slightly crisp, caramelized edges of roasted broccoli, softened just right, mingling with a smooth, rich, and tangy cheese sauce. Then, on top, there is that glorious, golden brown crust of buttery Ritz crackers. It is a symphony in every bite!
This Broccoli Casserole With Ritz Crackers is incredibly versatile too. It makes a fantastic side dish for any weeknight meal, like roasted chicken or ham, but it is hearty enough to stand alone as a light vegetarian main course. Plus, it is a total crowd pleaser, making it perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy family dinner. You really cannot go wrong.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. broccoli florets (about 6 cups, about 3 to 4 small heads)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 Tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups warm milk (2% or whole)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 36 Ritz crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Broccoli
First things first, preheat your oven to a nice and hot 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is warming up, take a moment to lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Then, spread your beautiful broccoli florets evenly over a half sheet pan. Drizzle that olive oil all over them, tossing them gently to make sure every floret gets coated. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and pepper. Give a little taste to a floret; you want it well seasoned, so add a bit more salt if it needs it. This initial roasting step is key for flavor.
Step 2: Roast the Broccoli
Slide that sheet pan of seasoned broccoli into your preheated oven. Let it roast for about 14 to 16 minutes. You are looking for those edges to get nicely browned and for the florets to soften up a bit. Once it is done, pull it out of the oven. Now, here is an important tip: lower your oven heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This change is crucial for the casserole bake later.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
While your broccoli is getting its roast on, it is time to work on the magic, the creamy, dreamy cheese sauce! In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it is all bubbly, stir in the 4 tablespoons of flour. Whisk it constantly until it is smooth and forms a bubbly roux, about one minute. Next, slowly, I mean slowly, drizzle in the 1 ½ cups of warm milk, whisking, whisking, whisking all the while. It might look a little lumpy at first, but keep at it. With a little patience and constant whisking, it will become wonderfully smooth and thick. Turn the heat down to low, then stir in the garlic powder and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, stir in the 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and glossy. Remove it from the heat once it is smooth and perfect.
Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Topping
Now for the star of the show, the crunchy Ritz topping! Grab your Ritz crackers and pop them into a Ziploc bag or place them on a tray. Use a rolling pin to break them up into smaller, lovely crumbs. You are not looking for powder, but nice, irregular pieces that will give you that amazing texture. Pour the 1/4 cup of melted butter over the cracker crumbs and stir them well to combine. Every crumb should be coated in that golden butter. Trust me, this makes all the difference for a truly Classic Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Time to bring it all together! Spread your perfectly roasted broccoli over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour that glorious cheese sauce right over the top, making sure to stir gently so all the florets are well coated and swimming in that creamy goodness. Finally, sprinkle those buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the top. It is already looking like a winner, is not it?
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Place your assembled casserole in the oven, which should now be at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake it for about 16 to 20 minutes, or until that cracker topping is beautifully browned and the cheese sauce underneath is bubbling around the edges. Oh, what a sight! Once it is done, let it cool for about 15 minutes before you dive in. This resting period helps the sauce set up a little, making for cleaner scoops. Then, serve it up and enjoy this delightful easy broccoli casserole!
How To Store Leftovers
Got some of this delicious Broccoli Casserole With Ritz Crackers left over? Lucky you! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It makes for a fantastic next day lunch or an effortless dinner.
To reheat individual portions and get that lovely crisp back, pop it into a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, an air fryer works wonders in 2 to 3 minutes for a quick crisp. You can also use the microwave, but fair warning, the crackers might not be as crisp this way. It will still taste good, though!
Tips
Make Ahead Magic
This casserole is a dream for make ahead meals. You can assemble the entire Classic Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers as usual, right up to adding the cracker topping. Then, cover it snugly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to bake, just uncover it and follow the usual baking instructions. It is truly that simple.
Freezing for Future Feasts
Want to stash some away for a rainy day? This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare it in a freezer safe pan, then double wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. Just allow an extra 5 to 10 minutes for bake time since it will be colder starting out.
Spice It Up
While the cayenne pepper gives a subtle warmth, feel free to play with the spice level. A pinch more cayenne, or even a dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce, can really kick things up a notch if you like a little heat!
Conclusion
There you have it: a foolproof recipe for a truly Classic Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers. It is more than just a side dish; it is a comforting hug in a baking dish, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. Whether you are whipping it up for a busy weeknight, a special gathering, or just because you fancy some serious comfort food, this easy broccoli casserole will not disappoint.
So, gather your ingredients, get ready for some simple cooking joy, and prepare to fall head over heels for this creamy, crunchy, cheesy delight. Happy cooking, friends!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, you absolutely can! If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before roasting. This helps prevent a watery casserole. You might need to adjust the roasting time slightly.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses?
Of course! While cheddar cheese is classic here, feel free to experiment. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious. Just make sure they melt well.
How Can I Make This Gluten Friendly?
To make this casserole gluten friendly, simply swap the all purpose flour for a gluten free all purpose flour blend that is suitable for sauces. For the topping, use a gluten free cracker alternative instead of Ritz crackers.
What Can I Serve This With?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, baked ham, grilled steak, or even a simple green salad for a lighter meal. It is also a fantastic addition to any holiday spread.
Classic Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
A comforting, easy broccoli casserole featuring tender roasted florets in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, finished with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. On a sheet pan, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the broccoli for 14-16 minutes, until the edges are browned and the florets are tender. Remove from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 375°F.
- While the broccoli roasts, make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in the garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove the sauce from the heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with 1/4 cup of melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are coated.
- Spread the roasted broccoli evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and stir gently to coat. Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375°F for 16-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. Let the casserole cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be assembled (without the topping) up to 3 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the topping just before baking.
For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a bit more cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Ensure broccoli is patted dry, especially if using frozen (and thawed), to prevent a watery sauce.
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