Frozen Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta Cheese

Packed with cheesy broccoli goodness and an irresistible crunchy cracker topping, this broccoli side dish is our family’s favorite Thanksgiving vegetable side, but it’s also easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight! The quick-baked casserole combines frozen chopped broccoli with butter and creamy velvet cheese. Top with a generous layer of crunchy Ritz crackers before baking.

Y'all. I don't even think you know the level of hype I have for this! Velveeta broccoli casserole is hands down my family's FAVORITE Thanksgiving side dish! My husband's is corn casserole, but the Price family dominates come broccoli casserole! We always double this recipe and it is the first side to be devoured completely with usually no leftovers. There is something about it that is so nostalgic and a must-have during the holiday season in our home.

This is technically my aunt's recipe, which I didn't know until recently. As I have been out of my parent's house for a while and now have my own home and family, I am asking more questions about where some of our family recipes that have been around for generations come from. Recipes like sweet potato casserole or oven-baked cornbread and biscuit dressing have deep roots within our family.

Broccoli casserole with frozen broccoli is so easy to make too. Just prep 2 bags of frozen broccoli according to the package directions. Cook it together with some butter, Velbvetta, salt, pepper, and lemon juice on the stove until all melty and cheesy. Spread in a 9x13 baking pan and generously top with crushed Ritz crackers and butter. Bake until golden and bubbly for around 30 minutes.

Usually, I am not one to use Velvetta in anything and it really goes against a lot of what I stand for with eating and cooking...BUT... there are just some southern recipes and southern-style casseroles that call for it and you must use it. Having this once a year won't hurt anyone. 😉

PS - if you just can't do Velvetta, I do have a way to make it alternatively with just cheddar cheese. Broccoli casserole without Velveeta cheese may not be the original way to make it but still delicious!

Key Ingredient Notes

• Frozen Broccoli Florets - you can use 2 - 12 ounce bags or one big one. Either steam according the to package directions to cook on the stovetop before adding the rest of the filling ingredients.
• Velvetta - this is the star of the show really. I never use it besides this recipe and it is 100% ok in my book! 🙂 Use the name brand Velveeta for best taste and results.
• Ritz Crackers - same with the cheese, my family has always used the name brand Ritz crackers when making this.

Step by Step on How to Make

Prep the dish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking dish.

 

Heather's Tip! I LOVE the cracker topping. I like to double the amount of cracker topping sometimes so there is more crunchy buttery goodness in each bite. Highly recommend giving that a try if you like a crunchy topping like me!

How to Make Ahead of Time

Prepping as much as you can ahead of time is the name of the game when it comes to Thanksgiving! I want to cook as little as possible on actual Thanksgiving day or around the holidays as I can. So many things holiday side dishes and desserts can be made ahead of time, saving you TIME, and broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers is no exception to this. My mom tested how to freeze dishes for years, this is what she taught me.

How to Make a Day Ahead

1. Make broccoli cheese filling and place in a greased casserole dish.
2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days ahead of when serving.
3. While the oven is preheating, remove from the fridge and place the cracker topping on. Bake as directed.

How to Freeze

1. Make the recipe up to baking - with cracker topping included.
2. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap 3 times and then with foil on the outside to ensure that it is wrapped airtight. Write on the foil "Broccoli casserole side dish" and place it in the freezer for up to a month before needing it.
3. Bake from frozen - remove foil and plastic wrap and place in a preheated 350-degree oven for 45 minutes (or until hot and bubbly through the center and the top is golden brown). Check at the 30-minute mark. If the topping is getting too brown, place a piece of foil over top to finish baking.
4. Bake from thawed - move the frozen broccoli casserole to the fridge 24 hours before wanting to bake to thaw. Bake as directed (350 for 30 minutes).

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