Broccoli & Cheddar Supreme Casserole

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Broccoli & Cheddar Supreme Casserole is the perfect comfort food to bring to any table. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and a crispy topping, it’s a delightful dish that's both satisfying and simple to make. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a potluck with friends.

Broccoli & Cheddar Supreme Casserole

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients for Broccoli & Cheddar Supreme Casserole

Ingredients for Broccoli & Cheddar Supreme Casserole

Broccoli is the star, providing a nutritious base that pairs perfectly with cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese adds depth and a tangy richness. A mix of sour cream, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt creates a creamy foundation that ties everything together. Garlic powder and onion powder add subtle flavor notes, while salt and black pepper bring out the best in each ingredient. Optional red pepper flakes can add a hint of heat. For the topping, Ritz crackers provide a buttery crunch, enhanced by melted butter.

Why This Broccoli & Cheddar Supreme Casserole Works

In the bowl, all the creamy stuff coats the broccoli and fills in the gaps between the florets. Sour cream, mayo, and Greek yogurt cling to the little buds and stems, so every piece is covered. Once the shredded cheddar is mixed in, it’s tucked all through that creamy coating, not just sitting on top. As the casserole bakes, the cheese melts into the creamy mixture and it all thickens up together, so the broccoli sits in a rich, cheesy blanket instead of drying out.

In the oven, the broccoli stays tender but not mushy because it was steamed first and then just finished in the sauce. The cracker crumbs on top soak up the melted butter and some of the steam coming off the casserole. That makes the topping crisp and golden instead of soggy. By the time it comes out, the inside is bubbly and set, the broccoli holds its shape, and the top has a crunchy, cheesy crust that contrasts with the soft, creamy middle.

Broccoli & Cheddar Supreme Casserole Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch; just thaw and drain it well.
  • Grate your own cheddar cheese for a creamier melt, as pre-shredded cheese can be coated in anti-caking agents.
  • For an extra kick, mix some mustard or hot sauce into the creamy base.
  • If you’re short on time, you can crush the Ritz crackers directly in their sleeve with a rolling pin.

Mistakes To Avoid

Overcooking the broccoli during steaming makes it soft and waterlogged before it even hits the oven. Once baked with the creamy mixture, the florets collapse and leak extra moisture, so the casserole turns out mushy instead of having distinct, tender pieces of broccoli.

Skipping the draining step or not shaking off excess water from the steamed broccoli leaves a lot of moisture trapped in the dish. In the oven, that water thins the sour cream and yogurt mixture, so the sauce stays loose and soupy instead of thick and clingy around the florets.

Packing the casserole too tightly into a smaller dish than 9x13 crowds everything into a deep layer. The center then heats slowly, so the middle can stay pale and wet while the top browns, giving a hot, bubbly edge but a heavy, under-set center.

Letting the Ritz cracker topping sit on the mixture for a long time before baking allows it to soak up moisture. In the oven, the crumbs then steam instead of crisp, so the top turns soft and greasy instead of light and crunchy.

Equipment Used:

9x13 inch baking dish, mixing bowls, steamer or pot

Ingredients

  1. 2 lbs broccoli florets
  2. 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  3. 1 cup sour cream
  4. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  5. 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  6. 1 tsp garlic powder
  7. 1 tsp onion powder
  8. 1/2 tsp salt
  9. 1/2 tsp black pepper
  10. 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  11. 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
  12. 1/4 cup melted butter

Step-by-step Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. 2. Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes; then drain and set aside.
  3. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  4. 4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, leaving 1/2 cup aside for topping.
  5. 5. Fold in the steamed broccoli, ensuring even coverage with the mixture.
  6. 6. Transfer the broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. 7. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the broccoli mixture.
  8. 8. Top with the reserved cheddar cheese.
  9. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  10. 10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to a day. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes make excellent substitutes if you're out of Ritz crackers.

Serving Ideas for Broccoli & Cheddar Supreme Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the dish. For heartier appetites, serve alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. It’s also a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or family gathering.

Ratings and Comments

Your feedback helps other cooks — thank you!

This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.