Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. It combines tender broccoli with rich cheddar, all topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients for Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole

Broccoli florets are the star of the show, providing a nutritious and colorful base. Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor without overwhelming saltiness. Onion and garlic bring aromatic depth to the dish. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture and sharp flavor. The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a luscious, tangy sauce. Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch, while Parmesan cheese and paprika enhance the topping with umami and a touch of heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh broccoli if possible, but frozen works in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
  • For an extra crispy topping, you can toast the cracker mixture in a skillet before sprinkling it on.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mix if you like a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork chops. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It’s also great as a standalone vegetarian main dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes are good alternatives if you want to switch things up.

Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While that's warming up, steam the broccoli florets until they’re a vibrant green and just tender-crisp. This usually takes around five minutes. You don’t want them mushy, just softened enough to blend with the cheese mixture.

While your broccoli steams, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant, which should take about three minutes. This will form the flavor base for our casserole.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Stir this well until everything’s nicely mixed.

Next, gently fold in the steamed broccoli. Be careful not to break up the florets too much—aim for a nice, even coating of the cheese mixture.

Transfer everything into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. In a separate small bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of your casserole.

Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for about five minutes before serving. This allows everything to set a bit, making it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
  • A delicious way to enjoy your greens.
  • The cheesy, crunchy topping adds irresistible texture.
  • Perfect for potlucks or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

1 lb broccoli florets
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Steam the broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the steamed broccoli to the cheese mixture, stirring gently to combine.
6. Transfer the broccoli mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
8. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the broccoli mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!