Cheese Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Broccoli cheese casserole is creamy, comforting, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crunch. It bakes up warm and golden, making it a favorite side for family dinners or holidays.

Course Main Course, Main Dishes

Cuisine American, International

Keyword broccoli, broccoli casserole, broccoli cheese casserole, casserole, casserole recipe, cheese casseroles, chopped broccoli, cracker, fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli, ritz, ritz cracker

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Servings Servings

Calories 688kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

1 Saucepan
1 Wooden Spatula
1 Casserole dish

Ingredients

5 Cups Broccoli chopped
5 Cups Cauliflower florets
6 Slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
4 Tablespoons Butter divided
2 Cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
1 Cup Milk
2 Cup Ritz Crackers crushed
4 Ounce Cream Cheese in cubes
2 Cloves Garlic
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
Zest of a Lemon

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Chop broccoli and cauliflower, blanch (broccoli 2 minutes, cauliflower 3), drain and dry. Preheat oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius).
Slice and cook bacon until crisp, drain, chop, and reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
Add butter to the skillet, then stir in garlic, lemon zest, cayenne, and salt. Slowly whisk in milk until slightly thickened.
Crush buttery crackers and mix with melted butter and smoked paprika. Set aside.
Off heat, melt cream cheese and cheddar into the sauce. Fold in broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon until everything is coated.
Spread into a greased dish, add crumb topping, and bake 20 minutes covered, then 20–25 minutes uncovered until golden and bubbling.

Notes

Choose fresh or lightly steamed broccoli: Use firm, bright green broccoli for the best texture and flavor. Lightly steaming it before baking keeps it tender but not mushy.
Make a smooth cheese sauce: Melt your cheese slowly into a creamy base of milk or cream to avoid clumps. A well-made sauce ensures every bite is rich and flavorful.
Add seasoning to enhance flavor: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic or mustard powder into the sauce. This lifts the cheesy flavor and makes the casserole more delicious.
Top with buttery Ritz crackers: Crush the crackers evenly and mix with a little melted butter for a crunchy topping. It adds texture and a golden finish.

Nutrition