This Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a side dish for any occasion. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, making it an irresistible favorite.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 4 cups frozen broccoli, thawed and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (save 1/4 cup for the topping)
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1/2 stick melted butter
- 1/2 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
Preparing the Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Broccoli: If you haven’t done so already, thaw the frozen broccoli and roughly chop it. Place the chopped broccoli in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Ingredients: To the bowl with the broccoli, add 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 egg, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
- Mix Everything: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated with the mixture and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Preparing the Topping
- Melt the Butter: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 stick of butter.
- Crush the Crackers: Place 1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into coarse crumbs using a rolling pin or your hands.
- Combine Topping Ingredients: Add the crushed Ritz crackers to the melted butter and stir until the crackers are evenly coated with the butter.
Assembling and Baking
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the broccoli mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Serving
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish with your favorite main courses.
Tips and Variations
- Add Protein: Add cooked chicken or ham to the casserole for a complete meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian version.
- Extra Crunch: Add a handful of slivered almonds or chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broccoli mixture for a spicy version.
Nutritional Information
This Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is rich in protein from the cheese and egg, and provides fiber and vitamins from the broccoli. The cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise add a creamy texture, while the Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful crunch.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
This Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy broccoli and cheddar cheese with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping makes it an irresistible favorite. Share this recipe with your friends and family to spread the joy of this delicious dish. Enjoy your Broccoli Cheddar Casserole, and see you in the next recipe!
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and delicious casserole with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of this Broccoli Cheddar Casserole, a treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
