Broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers is a creamy, cheesy dinner side dish made with thawed, well-drained broccoli, condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, sharp cheddar, and a buttery cracker topping. Assemble it in about 15 to 20 minutes, then bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until hot, bubbling, and golden.
Every bite combines tender broccoli with a rich, custard-like sauce and the salty, crisp texture of crushed Ritz crackers. It serves 6 to 8 people and makes a dependable addition to Sunday dinner, a holiday table, or any weeknight meal that needs a comforting vegetable dish.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic broccoli casserole earns its place at the dinner table with very little fuss. The filling is creamy without requiring a separate stovetop sauce, while the eggs help it set into a soft, spoonable texture as it bakes.
Sharp cheddar gives the casserole a pleasant savory bite, and the buttery Ritz topping adds the contrast that makes this dish memorable. Instead of a plain vegetable side, you get something warm, rich, and satisfying enough to anchor a family-style meal.
It is also an excellent make-ahead choice for busy cooks. The ingredients are familiar, the method is straightforward, and the finished casserole travels well for potlucks or holiday gatherings.
If you enjoy broccoli paired with plenty of cheese, you may also like this simple cheesy broccoli side for a quicker meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The recipe begins with two 10-ounce packages of frozen chopped broccoli. Thawing is important, but draining is even more important; frozen vegetables hold a surprising amount of water, and that moisture can make the filling loose and weaken its creamy flavor.
- Broccoli: Use frozen chopped broccoli for convenience, or substitute about 2 pounds of fresh florets blanched until just tender.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This condensed soup forms the savory base of the sauce and helps bind the casserole.
- Mayonnaise and eggs: Together, they create the rich, custard-like texture common in Southern-style versions.
- Sharp cheddar: Dividing the cheese gives the filling flavor and the top a melted layer beneath the crackers.
- Onion, salt, and pepper: These simple seasonings add balance and savory depth. The onion is optional but commonly included.
- Ritz crackers and butter: Crushed crackers bake into a golden, crisp topping that complements the tender broccoli.
For another broccoli-centered idea with a cool, crunchy profile, serve this casserole with a spoonful of bacon broccoli salad on the side. The contrast between the hot casserole and chilled salad makes a generous dinner spread feel balanced.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. A greased dish makes serving easier and helps prevent the creamy edges from sticking.
Step 2: Thaw the frozen broccoli completely and transfer it to a colander or clean kitchen towel. Press or squeeze firmly to remove excess water, taking extra care with the stems and chopped pieces where moisture collects.
Step 3: If using fresh broccoli, cut about 2 pounds of florets into bite-size pieces and blanch them until just tender. Drain them thoroughly and allow excess steam to escape before adding them to the sauce.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lightly beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, kosher salt, black pepper, and 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly seasoned.
Step 5: Fold the drained broccoli into the soup mixture with a spatula. Use a gentle motion so the broccoli stays in recognizable pieces while becoming evenly coated from edge to edge.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar over the surface so it melts into a savory middle layer.
Step 7: Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers, about 30 to 35 crackers, into small crumbs and pieces. Mix them with 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the cheese.
Step 8: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. It is ready when the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is crisp and golden brown.
Step 9: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. The short pause allows the creamy filling to settle, making neat portions possible while keeping the casserole warm.
Chef Tips for a Crisp, Creamy Casserole
The most important technique is controlling moisture. Do not add frozen broccoli while it is still icy, and do not rely on a quick drain alone; press it well or squeeze it in a clean towel before mixing.
Shred the cheddar from a block when possible. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoothly into the casserole, while pre-shredded cheese can contain coatings that slightly affect how evenly it melts.
Crush the crackers into a mixture of fine crumbs and small pieces rather than a uniform powder. The fine crumbs fill gaps across the top, while the larger pieces provide the crisp texture that makes the topping so appealing.
For an especially crunchy finish, cover the casserole loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover it for the remaining 10 to 15 minutes. This protects the topping early in baking while still giving it time to brown.
Do not add the cracker topping after baking. It should go on before the casserole enters the oven so the butter can toast the crumbs and the topping can become golden without scorching.
For a different vegetable side with similar cheesy comfort, compare this recipe with our cheesy casserole variation.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to accompany roasted chicken, baked ham, turkey, meatloaf, or grilled steak. Its creamy texture also pairs well with simple foods such as steamed rice, baked potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
For a holiday meal, place it near the center of the table while it is still warm and bubbling. Let it rest before serving, then use a wide spoon to scoop through the crisp topping and creamy broccoli layer together.
A fresh garnish is optional, but a little chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onion can add color. Keep the garnish light so it does not cover the golden Ritz topping.
If you are planning a menu with multiple casseroles, a hearty option such as this buffalo chicken tater tot bake can provide a spicy main dish while the broccoli casserole supplies a creamy vegetable side.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool, then cover the baking dish or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate promptly and enjoy the leftovers reheated until hot.
For the best topping texture, reheat individual portions in the oven or toaster oven rather than relying only on the microwave. The microwave warms the filling quickly, but the oven helps the cracker layer regain some of its crispness.
If preparing ahead, assemble the broccoli mixture and cheese in the baking dish, then keep the cracker topping separate until just before baking. This prevents the crumbs from absorbing moisture while the uncooked casserole waits.
For dessert after a comforting dinner, consider a sweet baked dish such as this blueberry blintz casserole. Its fruit-filled flavor offers a pleasant finish after the rich, savory broccoli dish.
Broccoli Casserole With Ritz Crackers
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Thaw the broccoli completely, then press or squeeze away as much excess water as possible.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lightly beaten eggs, onion, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese. Fold in the drained broccoli until every piece is coated.
- Spread the broccoli mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top.
- Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then distribute the mixture evenly over the cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the creamy filling settle so each portion is easier to scoop.
Notes
Final Thoughts
Broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers is the kind of dependable recipe that turns a few pantry staples and a bag of frozen vegetables into a dish everyone wants seconds of. Creamy mushroom sauce, mayonnaise, eggs, and cheddar give the broccoli a rich center, while buttered crackers provide the golden crunch on top.
Remember the two keys to success: drain the broccoli exceptionally well and bake the topping from the beginning. After 30 to 35 minutes in a 350°F oven and a brief 5- to 10-minute rest, this crispy classic is ready to bring warmth and comfort to the dinner table.