Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole: A Classic Comfort Dish
A melty sauce and crisp topping meld for a crowd-pleasing side at any meal.
If you’re looking for an irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing casserole, this Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole stands out as a comforting favorite. With fresh broccoli florets smothered in a luscious Velveeta cheese sauce and topped with crunchy, buttery crackers, this dish is a beloved addition to holiday feasts or any weeknight dinner table. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole special, the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step directions, helpful tips, suggested variations, and answers to popular questions.
What Makes Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole So Good?
This casserole is simplicity at its best, relying on just a handful of grocery store staples to deliver maximum flavor and comforting nostalgia. The star ingredients—fresh broccoli, Velveeta cheese, butter crackers like Ritz, a splash of milk, and heavy cream—combine to create a dish with rich taste, creamy texture, and a golden, crispy top. A dash of cayenne and optional Dijon mustard add zippy undertones, while the buttery crackers guarantee crunch in every bite.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for gatherings: Scales easily for potlucks, holidays, and dinner parties.
- Mix & Match: Customize with add-ins like cooked chicken, turkey, or bacon.
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole
Stock up on these easy-to-find items for the ultimate cheesy broccoli bake:
- 3 sleeves round butter crackers (e.g., Ritz; these will form the crunchy top and add savory richness throughout)
- 3 lbs. fresh broccoli (cut into florets; fresh gives the best texture, but see tips for frozen broccoli)
- 2 lbs. Velveeta cheese (cubed for easy melting)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% preferred for silkiness)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for a subtle kick; can be adjusted or omitted)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for a tangy note)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Butter crackers | 3 sleeves | Topping & mixed in for crunch |
| Broccoli | 3 lbs. | Main vegetable |
| Velveeta cheese | 2 lbs. | Creamy sauce |
| Milk | 1/2 cup | Cheese sauce base |
| Heavy cream | 1/4 cup | Extra creamy texture |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp | Subtle heat |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp | (Optional) Tang and zip |
Ingredient Tips
- Fresh broccoli is preferred for its firm bite and bright flavor, but see below for using frozen.
- Velveeta cheese provides a smooth melt and nostalgic taste, but you can experiment with other processed cheeses.
- Butter crackers should be crushed by hand for a mix of fine crumbs and larger chunks—this gives that signature texture.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these clear steps for a perfect, golden casserole every time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the crackers: Place all the crackers into a large plastic zip-top bag. Using your hands or a rolling pin, gently crush to create a mix of large and small pieces. Set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for just 1 minute (don’t overcook—this step keeps them bright and crisp-tender). Drain immediately and set aside.
- Create the cheese sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the Velveeta cubes, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, cayenne, and Dijon mustard if using. Stir regularly until everything melts into a silky sauce.
- Add the vegetables: Gently fold the blanched broccoli into the cheese sauce, coating well. Then add in half of the crushed crackers and stir to combine.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the broccoli-cheese-cracker mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cracker crumbs across the top for signature browning and crunch. Finish with a dusting of black pepper.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes so the casserole sets slightly. Serve warm as a side or a vegetarian main.
Quick Tips for Casserole Success
- Don’t over-boil the broccoli—blanch just enough to keep them a little crisp before baking.
- Use freshly grated black pepper on top for a peppery finish and beautiful specks of color.
- If you’re making ahead, wait to add the final cracker layer until just before baking so it stays crisp.
What others are reading
Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Which Is Best?
Fresh broccoli is ideal because it keeps a tender but toothsome bite, and it releases less water during baking, ensuring your casserole isn’t watery or mushy. If you must use frozen broccoli:
- Fully thaw before assembling.
- Pat dry or squeeze out excess moisture (this keeps the cheese sauce thick).
- Skip the blanching step if using frozen—just drain and toss in the cheese sauce.
Can You Add Meat or Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! This casserole is endlessly versatile. Try these add-ins:
- Diced, cooked chicken — stir in 1 to 2 cups for a hearty main course.
- Leftover turkey or ham — perfect for post-holiday dinners.
- Cooked, crumbled bacon — adds smoky flavor and extra crunch.
- Sautéed onions or mushrooms — blend in with the broccoli for earthy undertones.
- A handful of shredded cheddar — for gooey, sharp flavor.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Guide
- You can assemble the casserole a day ahead (leave off the final cracker topping).
- Cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add the remaining crackers and let the dish stand at room temp for 30 minutes before baking. You may need 5-10 extra minutes of bake time.
- The casserole is best enjoyed fresh but leftovers (if you have any!) will keep up to 3 days.
- For storage, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—the crackers may soften a bit on top.
Serving Ideas: What Goes With Broccoli Cheese Casserole?
This classic casserole pairs beautifully with a range of main dishes and is an all-star at holiday tables. Here are favorite serving suggestions:
- Thanksgiving turkey
- Christmas ham
- Pork tenderloin
- Roast chicken
- Grilled or pan-fried steak
- Vegetarian feasts — serve alone or with a simple salad and crusty bread
FAQs: Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, but thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Frozen broccoli does not need to be blanched—just add straight to the cheese sauce after drying. This preserves the texture and prevents a watery casserole.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead?
A: The casserole can be assembled a day in advance (do not add the top layer of crackers yet), covered, and refrigerated. Before baking, let it return closer to room temperature, top with remaining crackers, and bake as directed. You may need to extend baking by 5–10 minutes.
Q: What substitutions can I make?
A: For the cheese, other processed cheeses or a blend of real cheese (like sharp cheddar) with cream cheese may be used for a similarly creamy sauce. Crushed pretzels or seasoned bread crumbs make an alternative crunchy topping if you don’t have butter crackers.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Broccoli cheese and cracker casserole keeps for up to three days, refrigerated in an airtight container. Note the cracker crust will soften over time, but the flavor remains delicious. Reheat, covered, in the oven for best results.
Q: Can I freeze Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze, as the cheese sauce may break, and the cracker topping will lose its crunch. For best results, make and enjoy fresh, or within a day or two of assembly.
Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole: Pro Tips for Success
- Blanch broccoli briefly for vibrant color and best texture.
- Cubed Velveeta melts smoothly; stir often to avoid clumping.
- For spice lovers, double the cayenne or add hot sauce to the cheese mixture for a subtle kick.
- Customize to your crowd—add favorite vegetables, cooked meats, or different crackers for flair.
Nutritional Snapshot (Estimation)
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/12th casserole | ~330 | 20 | 12 | 26 |
Exact nutrition will vary depending on ingredient brands and optional mix-ins.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole is more than just a side—it’s a beloved comfort dish that brings family and friends together. Its creamy cheese sauce, fresh-tasting broccoli, and golden cracker topping make it a staple for holidays, potlucks, and easy weeknight meals. Whether served alongside turkey and ham or enjoyed as an entrée, this bake delivers the warmth and deliciousness of classic Americana cuisine.
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