Broccoli Casserole With Ritz Crackers

Short, Catchy Intro

Okay, let’s be real. You’re craving something comforting, something that screams “hug in a dish,” but you’re also eyeing that pile of laundry and thinking, “Nope, not spending forever in the kitchen today.” Same. Enter the humble, yet utterly glorious, Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers! It’s the kind of dish that whispers sweet nothings about gooey cheese, tender broccoli, and that ridiculously buttery, crunchy topping. Get ready, friend, because your taste buds are about to embark on a cheesy, crispy adventure with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This isn’t just a casserole; it’s a culinary masterpiece disguised as an “oops, I just threw this together” dish. Seriously, why is this recipe awesome? For starters, **it’s practically foolproof**. If I can make it without setting off the smoke detector, you totally got this. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a total crowd-pleaser (even for those broccoli-averse members of your household, trust me). Plus, you’re technically eating your greens, right? We’re calling that a win. And let’s not forget the star of the show: that golden, buttery, salty Ritz cracker topping. It’s the crunchy crown jewel that elevates this casserole from “meh” to “OMG, seconds please!”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my friend, for the glorious components of cheesy, broccolied bliss!

• **2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli:** Or 4-5 cups fresh, blanched. We’re getting our greens in, even if they’re swimming in cheese.
• **1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup:** The classic, creamy backbone of many a beloved casserole.
• **1 cup mayonnaise:** Yes, mayo. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. It adds a wonderful tang and richness.
• **1 medium onion, finely chopped:** Adds a little savory kick. Feel free to pre-sauté it if you’re feeling fancy (or just toss it in raw, no judgment here!).
• **2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese:** Because is it even a casserole without copious amounts of cheese? The sharper, the better, IMO.
• **Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste:** Don’t be shy, season your soul!
• **1 sleeve (about 30-35) Ritz Crackers:** The real MVP. Accept no substitutes for that signature buttery crunch.
• **1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted:** For cracker glory. Drench those Ritz in it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on (or not, let’s keep it real), let’s get cooking!

1. **Prep Your Green Goodness:** If using frozen broccoli, cook it according to package directions until tender-crisp. Don’t overdo it; nobody likes soggy broccoli. Drain it really well – **squeezing out excess water is key!** If using fresh, blanch it for about 3-4 minutes, then plunge into ice water and drain thoroughly.
2. **Mix the Magic:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, chopped onion, and 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all up until everything is wonderfully combined and coated. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Into the Dish It Goes:** Pour the broccoli mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar size). Spread it evenly so every bite is equally delicious.
4. **Cracker Time!:** Crush those Ritz crackers like you’re releasing all your pent-up stress. You want mostly crumbs, but a few larger pieces are totally fine for texture.
5. **Butter Up:** Melt your butter and pour it over the crushed Ritz crackers. Stir until every single crumb is gloriously coated in buttery goodness. This is where the magic happens, people.
6. **The Grand Finale:** Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli mixture in the dish. Then, evenly spread your buttery Ritz cracker topping all over the cheese layer.
7. **Bake It Till Golden:** Pop that dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy. **Keep an eye on that topping so it doesn’t burn!**
8. **Rest and Devour:** Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit and prevents you from burning your tongue in your eagerness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most chill cook can stumble, so here’s a heads-up on what NOT to do:

• **Soggy Broccoli Syndrome:** Not draining your broccoli enough is a one-way ticket to a watery casserole. **Squeeze that water out!** Seriously, press it like it owes you money.
• **Forgetting to Preheat:** Rookie mistake! An un-preheated oven means uneven cooking and a sad, lukewarm middle.
• **Skimping on the Ritz & Butter:** This isn’t the place to be health-conscious, folks. The buttery cracker topping is the soul of this dish. Don’t you dare reduce it!
• **Overcooking the Broccoli:** If you cook it too long before it even goes into the casserole, it’ll turn to mush. We want tender, not disintegrating.
• **Not Seasoning:** A bland casserole is a sad casserole. Taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling a little wild? Want to tweak things? Here are some friendly suggestions:

• **Cheese Swap:** While cheddar is classic, feel free to use a Colby Jack blend, Gruyere, or even a little Parmesan for a different cheesy vibe.
• **Soup du Jour:** Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can totally pinch-hit for cream of mushroom. They’ll give it a slightly different flavor profile, but still delish.
• **Add Some Protein:** Want to make it a meal? Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham for a heartier dish. Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, FYI.
• **Veggies Unite:** Sneak in some finely diced carrots or bell peppers if you’re feeling adventurous, or just want more veggies.
• **Cracker Calamity?** No Ritz? Gasp! Okay, fine. You could use Club crackers or even Panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter, but just know, it won’t be quite the same. Ritz reign supreme.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Let’s tackle those burning questions, shall we?

• **Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?** Absolutely! Just chop it up, blanch it for a few minutes until tender-crisp, then drain it super well before mixing. Don’t skip the draining!
• **Is it okay to make this ahead of time?** You bet! Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add the Ritz topping right before baking so it stays crispy. You might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
• **Can I use margarine instead of butter for the topping?** Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul (and your taste buds) like that? Butter is king here. Live a little!
• **My casserole looks a little watery, what went wrong?** Chances are, your broccoli wasn’t drained thoroughly enough. Next time, give those florets a good squeeze!
• **How do I prevent the cracker topping from burning?** Keep an eye on it! If it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• **Can I add bacon?** Is that even a question? Of course, you can! Crumbled cooked bacon bits stirred into the mixture or sprinkled on top would be glorious. Bacon makes everything better, after all.
• **Is this a healthy meal?** Let’s just say it’s “comforting” and “deliciously indulgent.” It has broccoli, so… veggies? We’re taking that as a win and moving on.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, your new favorite go-to, “I need something amazing but easy” recipe! This Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers isn’t just food; it’s a warm, cheesy hug on a plate. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck star, or just because you deserve something ridiculously good. So go forth, my friend, unleash your inner (lazy) chef, and whip up this bad boy. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Enjoy every buttery, cheesy, crunchy bite!