Broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers is a beloved comfort food that brings together the wholesome goodness of broccoli, the creamy richness of cheese and soup, and the irresistible crunch of buttery crackers. It’s a dish that appears frequently on holiday tables, potlucks, and weeknight family dinners. Simple to prepare and consistently satisfying, this broccoli casserole recipe has become a go-to favorite for anyone looking for a warm and crowd-pleasing side dish. Its creamy texture and savory flavor, combined with a crispy topping, make every bite both nostalgic and deeply enjoyable.
What Makes Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers So Popular
This classic broccoli casserole has gained popularity across generations because it’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and has a familiar flavor that appeals to both adults and kids. The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the soft, creamy interior. It’s the kind of dish that works equally well at a Thanksgiving feast or as a weekday side for baked chicken or grilled pork chops.
Comfort Food Appeal
- Easy to assemble with pantry staples
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Combines vegetables with indulgent ingredients like cheese and crackers
- Customizable with optional additions
The combination of convenience, flavor, and texture is a major reason this broccoli casserole remains a favorite recipe in many homes.
Essential Ingredients
Creating a broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers doesn’t require any complicated or expensive ingredients. Most of the components are likely already in your kitchen, which makes this an ideal last-minute side dish.
Basic Ingredients List
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen florets, lightly steamed or blanched
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor
- Sour Cream or Mayonnaise: Enhances the creamy texture
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded for melt-in-your-mouth richness
- Egg: Helps bind the casserole together
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed and used as a buttery topping
- Butter: Melted and mixed with the crackers for a golden finish
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder as desired
Some variations also include chopped onions, cooked rice, or even bits of bacon or ham for added texture and flavor. But even in its simplest form, the broccoli and Ritz crackers shine beautifully together.
How to Prepare Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
The cooking process is straightforward, making it a great recipe for beginner cooks or anyone in need of a reliable dish on a busy day. It’s all about mixing the right ingredients, layering them properly, and baking until bubbly and golden.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender. Drain well to avoid watery casserole.
- Make the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, and a beaten egg. Add seasoning as desired.
- Combine with Broccoli: Fold in the cooked broccoli florets until fully coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Add the Topping: Crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 2530 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly. This resting period also makes it easier to cut and serve neatly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish works wonderfully as a side, but it can also be served as a vegetarian main course when paired with a salad or soup. It complements a variety of meats and is a staple for holiday spreads like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
What to Serve With It
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Grilled pork chops or ham
- Meatloaf or Salisbury steak
- Mashed potatoes or rice pilaf
- Fresh green salad or coleslaw
Its creamy texture and savory flavor also make it a fantastic pairing with other classic casseroles like green bean casserole or baked mac and cheese during festive occasions.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers is a fantastic make-ahead option. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weekday or planning a large holiday meal, this casserole can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the full dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the topping, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add crackers and bake as directed.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Be sure to add the cracker topping right before baking if freezing or refrigerating in advance. This prevents the crackers from becoming soggy.
Variations to Try
While the traditional version is already delicious, there are many ways to personalize your broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers. These small adjustments can cater to different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for a kick.
- Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella, pepper jack, or Parmesan for added cheesy layers.
- Protein Boost: Stir in chopped chicken, ham, or cooked ground turkey to turn it into a full meal.
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour crackers or low-carb alternatives to Ritz for a keto-friendly option.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free crackers and condensed soup to meet dietary needs.
These customizations help make the dish more flexible and adaptable for any occasion or dietary preference.
Why This Dish Remains a Favorite
Broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers continues to be a favorite because it delivers comfort, nostalgia, and flavor all in one dish. It takes an everyday vegetable like broccoli and transforms it into something indulgent yet easy to prepare. The blend of creamy soup, savory cheese, and crispy cracker topping creates an irresistible contrast that keeps people coming back for seconds.
It also offers incredible versatility. Whether you want a reliable side dish or a comforting main course, this casserole can adapt to the occasion. Plus, it travels well, stores easily, and reheats beautifully making it ideal for meal prepping, potlucks, or leftovers.
Broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers is the kind of dish that feels like home. With its simple ingredients, rich flavor, and irresistible crunch, it’s no wonder it has become a classic on American dinner tables. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying, it’s a comfort food that deserves a place in every home cook’s rotation. Whether for a special gathering or an everyday dinner, this casserole is sure to please.