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    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Sides

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers

    April 6, 2022 by Sharon Rigsby 74 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin showing a broccoli cheese casserole in a white baking dish.

    This easy, make-ahead recipe for Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the best ever, with crisp fresh broccoli smothered in a smooth and creamy sauce made with tangy sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese. 

    A crunchy topping made with buttery, crushed Ritz crackers and even more cheese kicks it up a notch and completes this popular, classic side dish.

    A round white baking dish full of broccoli cheese casserole.

    Loaded with cheesy goodness, Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a holiday crowd favorite and comfort food at its finest. It’s also the perfect side dish for your picky eaters who won’t even realize they are eating vegetables. 

    In the South, we love a good casserole, and most southern cooks have an arsenal of casserole recipes tucked away. Besides this iconic southern casserole, Southern Chicken Divan, Southern Sweet Onion Casserole, Southern Pineapple Casserole, and Terry’s Sweet Potato Casserole, are also ideal to take to potlucks, church suppers, welcome a new neighbor, or take a sick friend.

    Here’s why you will love this recipe:

    1. Not only does this quick and easy recipe only take about five minutes to prepare, but you can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time. Then, all you have to do is pop it in the oven on the big day.
    2. Although a classic holiday dish, Broccoli Cheese Casserole is also a tasty side dish for special occasions, potlucks, or any meal where you want to impress your family or guests!
    3. And, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, this iconic broccoli and cheese casserole pairs beautifully with just about any entrée and can be served as a side dish for brunch or dinner or as a vegetarian main dish. 

    Ingredients – here’s what’s in it: 

    Ingredients for broccoli cheese casserole including broccoli, and sour cream.
    Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Casserole
    • Fresh or frozen broccoli – brings a unique flavor profile to this traditional side dish, and either one works in this recipe. Broccoli, along with cauliflower and cabbage, is considered a cruciferous vegetable and is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 
    • Sour cream – provides a creamy base and tangy deliciousness. 
    • Mayonnaise – is another thick and creamy component of the base and adds just a bit of sweetness and its tangy flavor. 
    • Cream of mushroom soup – has been used as the base of hundreds of casseroles over the years and is an essential component of this recipe. 
    • Sharp cheddar cheese – it couldn’t be a broccoli cheese casserole without cheese, and the melted sharp cheddar cheese adds cheesy goodness and provides another dimension to the sauce. 
    • Garlic powder, Kosher salt, ground black pepper: these seasonings all come together to enhance the other ingredients’ flavors.
    • Ritz crackers – the crispy, buttery topping made from these crackers is one of the best parts of this casserole. 
    • Unsalted butter – is combined with the cracker crumbs to make the topping rich and buttery! 

    Directions – here’s how you make it:

    1. When you are ready to get started, gather your ingredients, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and one cup of grated cheese in a large bowl.
    A glass bowl with mayonnaise, sour cream and cheese.
    1. Mix well, and add the broccoli!
    A white baking dish full of broccoli casserole.
    1. Place the crackers in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process. Add the melted butter and pulse a few times to combine. Or, you can manually crush the Ritz crackers with your hands and mix them with the melted butter.
    2. Liberally spray a 2-quart baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. Add the broccoli mixture and spread out evenly. Top with the Ritz cracker crumbs and the rest of the shredded cheese. 
    A broccoli casserole topped with crushed Ritz crackers.
    1. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until it is bubbly and the cracker crust is lightly browned. Let it sit for about five minutes and serve hot.
    Broccoli cheese casserole in a white baking dish on top of a blue kitchen towel

    Frequently asked questions:

    Can I substitute frozen for fresh?

    Yes, you can either use three stalks of fresh broccoli or one 15-ounce bag of frozen. 

    Do you have to cook fresh broccoli before putting it in the casserole?

    I don’t usually blanch fresh broccoli first because I like it crisp. However, if you prefer your broccoli a little softer, you will want to blanch it first.

    How to blanch it?

    To blanch fresh broccoli, place it in a bowl, add a tablespoon of water, cover with a plate and steam it in the microwave for about two minutes.

    Do you have to cook frozen broccoli before putting it in the casserole?

    No, frozen broccoli has already been blanched and does not need to be cooked first.

    Do you put eggs in broccoli casserole?

    Most recipes for broccoli cheese casserole do not call for eggs as an ingredient, and this one is no exception. Recipes that call for adding eggs tend to be more breakfast-oriented such as my Mushroom and Broccoli Frittata or Broccoli Cheese Bake.

    Can this dish be frozen?

    Yes, make the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Allow the casserole to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking it.

    What to serve it with?

    This family-friendly casserole is a holiday staple in our house, and it is always front and center on Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas. 

    I usually serve it with either Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries or Smoked Turkey for the holidays. Other side dishes that pair well with it include Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon, Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing,  Spicy Southern Corn Casserole, Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, and Sweet and Sour Green Beans.

    You can find more holiday recipes by checking out these links: Thanksgiving recipes, Christmas recipes, and Easter recipes. 

    Variations:

    Want to change things up a bit? Feel free to add a cup of cooked chopped chicken or two cups of cooked rice or orzo to this casserole. You can also replace half of the broccoli with cauliflower.

    Sharon’s Tips:

    • If you make this casserole ahead, assemble the dish, but do not add the cracker topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake it, add the topping and bake as directed. If it is cold right out of the fridge, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
    • If you don’t have any Ritz crackers, crush croutons and use them instead. You can also substitute crushed club crackers, panko bread crumbs, or canned fried onions. To make it low carb, substitute crushed pork skins for the crackers.
    • You can also substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup in a pinch. 
    • When testing your broccoli to see if it is done, try a piece of the stalk and not a floret, which will cook much faster. 
    • If you prefer soft broccoli, you might also want to leave the casserole in the oven for an additional five minutes or until it is a consistency you like. 
    • To change things up a bit, if you don’t have cheddar you can substitute gruyere, fontina, Havarti, a Mexican blend, an Italian blend of cheeses, Velveeta, or even Cheez Whiz.
    • If you are using frozen broccoli, you do not have to thaw it first.
    • This recipe as written makes about six servings. If you need to feed more people, you can double the recipe and use a 9×12 inch baking dish.

    More broccoli recipes:

    If you like broccoli as I do, you might also like these other popular recipes on my blog: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cranberries, Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread Muffins, Potato Broccoli Salad with Vinaigrette, Southern Broccoli Salad, and Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry.

    ★ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thanks so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

    Broccoli cheese casserole on a blue kitchen towel.

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    This flavorful casserole pairs well with just about any entrée, and this iconic Southern dish is the perfect side for a holiday dinner.
    4.54 from 79 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 364 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 cups broccoli florets about three stalks, or a 15-ounce bag of frozen broccoli
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • ½ cup mayonnaise I like Dukes
    • 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup 1 can
    • 1⅓ cups sharp cheddar cheese grated, divided
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers about 10-15 crackers
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and one cup of the grated cheese in a large bowl. Add the broccoli and mix well.
    • Place the Ritz crackers in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process. Add the melted butter and pulse a few times to combine. Or, manually crush the Ritz crackers with your hands and mix with the melted butter.
    • Liberally spray a 2-quart baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray, add the broccoli mixture, and spread out. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of the cheese and cracker crumbs evenly over the top.
    • Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until it is bubbly, the cracker crust is lightly browned, and the broccoli is fork-tender. Let sit for about 5 minutes and serve.

    Notes

    • If you make this casserole ahead, assemble the dish, but do not add the cracker topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake it, add the topping and bake as directed. If it is cold right out of the fridge, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
    • If you don’t have any Ritz crackers, crush croutons and use them instead. You can also substitute crushed club crackers, panko bread crumbs, or canned fried onions. To make it low carb, substitute crushed pork skins for the crackers.
    • You can also substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup in a pinch. 
    • When testing your broccoli to see if it is done, try a piece of the stalk and not a floret, which will cook much faster. 
    • If you prefer soft broccoli, you might also want to leave it in the oven for an additional five minutes or until it is a consistency you like. 
    • If you don’t have cheddar or want to change things up, you can substitute gruyere, fontina, Havarti, a Mexican blend, an Italian blend of cheeses, Velveeta, or even Cheez Whiz.
    • If you are using frozen broccoli, you do not have to thaw it first.
    • This recipe as written makes about six servings. If you need to feed more people, you can double the recipe and use a 9×12 inch baking dish.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 11gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 1059mgPotassium: 406mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1068IUVitamin C: 81mgCalcium: 246mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Colleen

      December 25, 2022 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe! I did use broccoli steamers to cook them before baking, as I like the veggies softer. Yum!!

      Reply
    2. Tess

      December 20, 2022 at 8:21 am

      Can I substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream?

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        December 20, 2022 at 11:13 am

        Hi Tess, Greek yogurt is often listed as a substitute for sour cream in recipes, so I think it would be fine. However, I have never tried it in this recipe, so I can’t say for sure. If you do decide to try it, please let me know how it turns out.
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    3. Ashley

      November 06, 2022 at 5:21 pm

      5 stars
      MY FAVORITE side dish at Thanksgiving… So DELICIOUS!! Made this one several times and it is always a WINNER!

      Reply
    4. Ashley Lentini

      April 07, 2022 at 11:14 am

      5 stars
      This is the BEST DISH EVER!!! My brother is the pickiest eater, however No Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering would be allowed in his world without it. He even made it last year for our Thanksgiving. It should not just be a holiday dish though. It is DEELICIOUS any day of the year! Highly recommended. I would even eat it for breakfast… LOL

      Reply
    5. Desi

      December 26, 2021 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for Christmas and everyone loved it, not a drop left.

      Reply
    6. Sarah

      November 27, 2021 at 7:37 am

      5 stars
      I’m wanting to try this for my family’s Christmas gathering. How well would it hold up on a 2-3 hr drive? I could warm it up once I get there but would it be mushy or anything by the time I get there?

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        November 27, 2021 at 9:53 am

        Hi Sarah, it would be best if you could make it before you leave home and then pop it in the oven to cook before you eat. However, that said, my son, made this for Thanksgiving and brought it to our house. He made it about two hours ahead and then we just reheated it before we ate. I would say the only thing I noticed was the topping wasn’t quite as crisp, but it wasn’t mushy and still was delicious. I hope this helps!
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    7. Mamie

      November 22, 2021 at 8:43 pm

      I forgot to ask..if you use frozen broccoli do you thaw it first?

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        November 25, 2021 at 9:47 am

        Hi Mamie, I don’t thaw it first.
        Sharon

        Reply
        • Ellen

          November 23, 2022 at 7:38 pm

          If using fresh broccoli, should I steam it first or cook it raw?

        • Sharon Rigsby

          November 23, 2022 at 9:10 pm

          It depends on how you like your broccoli. If you like it crisp, you don’t need to blanch it first. If you like it a little softer, blanch it’s for two to three minutes in the microwave.
          I hope you enjoy the casserole and Happy Thanksgiving!
          Sharon

    « Older Comments

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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