Cheesy Broccoli Cracker Bake
This Cheesy Broccoli Cracker Bake is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender broccoli and creamy Velveeta cheese, all topped with a deliciously buttery Ritz cracker crust. Originally given to me by a friend seeking something to complement ham, this dish has quickly become a family favorite. My husband, who usually shies away from vegetables, can't resist going back for seconds—sometimes even thirds! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck gathering, this easy-to-make casserole will have everyone asking for the recipe.
4
Servings
375
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Broccoli
16 ounces (thawed and drained)
Ritz Crackers
8 ounces (approximately half a box) (crumbled)
Velveeta Cheese
3/4 pound (cubed)
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a pot, cook the frozen broccoli according to package instructions, then drain the excess water and set aside.
3
In the same pot, add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the drained broccoli and place on low heat. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and creamy.
4
In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add the crumbled Ritz crackers, stirring until well combined.
5
Lightly spray a 1 3/4-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6
Spread half of the cracker mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
7
Pour the cheesy broccoli mixture over the cracker base, spreading it out evenly.
8
Top with the remaining cracker mixture, ensuring all the broccoli is covered.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
10
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy vegetable dish!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Broccoli Cracker Bake?
It is a comfort food casserole made with tender broccoli, creamy Velveeta cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker crust.
What kind of broccoli is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of frozen broccoli that has been thawed and drained.
What type of cheese provides the creamy texture in this dish?
This recipe specifically uses 3/4 pound of cubed Velveeta cheese for its signature creaminess.
What is used to make the topping?
The topping is made from 8 ounces of crumbled Ritz crackers mixed with 1/2 cup of melted butter.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long does the Cheesy Broccoli Cracker Bake need to cook?
It should be baked for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories, 25g of fat, 32.5g of carbohydrates, and 11.25g of protein.
Is this dish suitable for a potluck?
Yes, its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing cheesy flavor make it an excellent choice for potluck gatherings.
How do you prepare the cracker mixture?
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a skillet, remove from heat, and stir in the crumbled Ritz crackers until well combined.
How should the layers be assembled in the dish?
Spread half of the cracker mixture on the bottom, pour the cheesy broccoli over it, and top with the remaining cracker mixture.
What size casserole dish is required?
The recipe specifies using a 1 3/4-quart casserole dish.
How do I prevent the broccoli from sticking to the dish?
Lightly spray the casserole dish with cooking spray before adding any ingredients.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen (thawed), you can use fresh broccoli if it is steamed or boiled first until tender.
How do you melt the cheese into the broccoli?
After cooking and draining the broccoli, add the cubed Velveeta to the same pot over low heat and stir continuously until creamy.
What main course pairs well with this side dish?
This casserole was originally intended to complement ham, but it pairs well with any roasted meat.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is noted as a family favorite that even picky eaters who usually shy away from vegetables enjoy.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are only 4 main ingredients: frozen broccoli, Ritz crackers, Velveeta cheese, and butter.
Do I need to let the casserole cool before serving?
Allowing it to cool for a few minutes helps the cheese set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Can I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either works, though salted butter enhances the savory flavor of the crackers and cheese.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish and a Casserole.
What is the primary texture of this dish?
It features a contrast between a soft, creamy cheesy broccoli center and a buttery, crispy cracker topping.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger 9x13 baking dish, though cooking time may increase slightly.
How do I prep the Velveeta?
The Velveeta should be cubed into small pieces to help it melt more quickly and evenly.
What makes the cracker crust golden brown?
The combination of the fat from the melted butter and the sugars in the Ritz crackers browns beautifully in the oven.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe data does not indicate any added sugar, though minimal natural sugars may exist in the ingredients.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, vegetable dish, cheesy, easy recipe, comfort food, and family friendly.
Can I use different crackers?
Ritz are traditional for their buttery flavor, but you could use saltines or breadcrumbs in a pinch.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
What is the main appeal of this recipe?
It is a simple, 4-ingredient comfort food dish that makes eating vegetables more enjoyable through a creamy cheese sauce.