Introduction

This Velveeta Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish perfect for any meal. It combines tender broccoli with rich melted Velveeta and a crispy Ritz cracker topping for a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole.

The image shows a baked broccoli casserole in a white rectangular dish. The top layer is a golden brown, crunchy breadcrumb crust with some darker toasted spots. Underneath, bits of green broccoli peek through the crumb topping, mixed with a creamy sauce that fills the dish. Around the casserole are small white bowls filled with diced orange cheddar cheese, chopped green herbs, salt, and ground black pepper. Several round crackers are scattered near the dish on a white marbled surface, along with a gray and white striped cloth beneath the casserole dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lb (32 oz / 900 g) broccoli (about 4 fresh broccoli heads)
16 oz (1 lb / 450 g) Velveeta cheese
1/2 cup (115 g / 4 oz) butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (32 crackers)
2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C / gas mark 6). Grease a 9-in x 13-in (23 cm x 33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and the broccoli. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain the broccoli in a colander.
Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt the cubed Velveeta and 1/2 cup butter over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching until smooth.
Step 4: Transfer the drained broccoli to the prepared baking dish. Pour the Velveeta mixture over it, add black pepper, and stir gently until all the florets are coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Crush the Ritz crackers in a small bowl. Stir in the melted 2 tablespoons butter until combined. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the broccoli mixture.
Step 6: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy broccoli casserole!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the cheese mixture before baking.
Swap out Ritz crackers for crushed breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for a different crunch.
Try mixing in some cooked bacon bits or shredded cooked chicken for added protein.
Use fresh broccoli florets without thick stems for a more tender texture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes, to keep the topping crisp. Microwaving may soften the cracker topping.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white shallow bowl filled with steamed bright green broccoli florets topped with a creamy, smooth, pale orange cheese sauce that covers most of the broccoli. On top of the cheese sauce is a thick layer of golden brown, crumbly topping, adding texture and crunch. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with round crackers placed around the edge of the bowl. The overall look is warm and inviting with a mix of soft sauce and crunchy topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is Velveeta the best cheese for this dish?

Velveeta melts smoothly and gives the casserole its creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a great choice. You can mix in other cheeses like cheddar for added depth if you like.

Velveeta Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 59 reviews

This creamy and comforting Velveeta Broccoli Casserole combines tender blanched broccoli with a rich Velveeta cheese sauce, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is a perfect side for family dinners or potlucks.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 lb / 32 oz / 900 g broccoli (4 fresh broccoli heads)
16 oz / 1 lb / 450 g Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup / 115 g / 4 oz butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Topping

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (32 crackers), crushed
2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

Prep. Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C / gas mark 6. Grease a 9-in x 13-in / 23 cm x 33 cm baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Blanch broccoli. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and then the broccoli florets. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain the broccoli in a colander and set aside.
Melt Velveeta. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese with 1/2 cup (115 g) butter. Stir frequently to melt the cheese and butter evenly and prevent scorching.
Assemble casserole. Transfer the drained broccoli to the prepared baking dish. Pour the melted Velveeta and butter mixture over the broccoli. Add the ground black pepper and gently stir to coat all florets evenly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if desired.
Make cracker topping. In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the broccoli and cheese.
Bake. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
Serve. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and crunchy broccoli casserole as a delightful side dish.

Notes

To save time, frozen broccoli florets may be used but reduce blanching time accordingly.
For a sharper taste, substitute half of the Velveeta with shredded sharp cheddar.
The cracker topping can be customized with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as preferred.
Ensure you stir the cheese mixture frequently when melting to avoid burning or sticking.
This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.

Keywords: Velveeta broccoli casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, broccoli side dish, comfort food, easy casserole