Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 - 12 Ounce Packages Frozen Broccoli Florets
- 1 Stick Butter - divided
- 1/2 Pound Velveeta
- Juice 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon Dry Mustard
- 1 Sleeve Ritz Crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Cook broccoli according to package directions and drain. Place back on the stove in a large pot on low heat. Add in 1/2 stick butter and Velveeta and let melt.
- Add in lemon juice and spices. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed and stir until the cheese is fully melted.
- Melt the other 1/2 stick of butter. Crush the crackers and pour over melted butter. Mix to combine.
- Pour the broccoli cheese mixture into the dish and top with the cracker evenly. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- When finished, remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
How to Make a Day Ahead
- Make broccoli cheese filling and place it in a greased casserole dish.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days ahead of time.
- While the oven is preheating, remove it from the fridge and place the cracker topping on. Bake as directed.
How to Freeze Ahead
- Make the recipe all the way up to baking - with cracker topping included.
- 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" and place it in the freezer for up to a month prior to need.
- 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.
- 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).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 3.9 g
- Sodium: 511.1 mg
- Fat: 19.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 11.4 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 7.3 g
- Cholesterol: 52.8 mg
