Easy Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in unexpected ways with this broccoli cheese & cracker casserole that blends creamy textures and crunchy satisfaction.

Crisp crackers create a golden foundation for melted cheese and tender green florets.

Weeknight meals demand simple solutions that pack maximum flavor into minimal effort.

Casseroles bring people together around warm, inviting dishes that feel like a culinary hug.

Pantry staples transform into something magical when combined with creativity and care.

Layers of rich cheese and vibrant broccoli promise a crowd-pleasing experience that sparks joy at the dinner table.

We can’t wait for you to experience this delightful comfort food that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole Is a Comfort Dish

• Whip Up Comfort: This broccoli cheese casserole delivers pure satisfaction with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight dinners where everyone craves a hearty, cheesy treat.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Combines simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Texture Symphony: Combines creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and crunchy cracker topping for an irresistible culinary experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

What You Need for Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable with a mild, slightly bitter flavor.
• Velveeta Cheese: Creamy processed cheese that melts smoothly.
• Crackers: Crispy base that adds crunch and texture to the casserole.

• Milk, Cream: Rich dairy products that create a smooth cheese sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Classic spices that enhance overall flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds depth to the cheese sauce.

Steps to Cook Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious cheesy adventure.

Step 2: Crush Those Crackers

Grab a sturdy zip-top bag and gently crush the crackers.

Leave some chunky bits for extra crunch – think rustic texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

Boil water in a pot and quickly dunk the broccoli for just a minute.

Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking and keep that vibrant green color.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese Magic

In a large pot, transform Velveeta cheese with milk and cream over medium heat.

Stir continuously until you create a silky smooth cheese sauce that’ll make everyone swoon.

Step 5: Spice Up the Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Dijon mustard

Stir until everything is perfectly blended.

Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Cheese

Fold the blanched broccoli and half the crushed crackers into the cheese sauce.

Mix until each piece is gloriously coated.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour the creamy mixture into a greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cracker crumbs on top for a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

Enjoy your comfort food masterpiece!

Smart Tips for Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Choose crisp, bright green broccoli without yellow spots for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Limit boiling broccoli to exactly one minute to maintain its vibrant color, crispness, and prevent overcooking that can make it mushy.
• Melt cheese at medium heat while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without burning or separating.
• Use buttery crackers like Ritz for extra richness or whole wheat crackers for a healthier twist on the traditional recipe.
• Modify cayenne pepper amount to match your heat preference, starting with a small pinch and tasting before adding more to the cheese sauce.

Store and Reheat the Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore cracker crispiness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Side Ideas for Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the cheese and provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Complement with Protein Side: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or herb-roasted turkey slices to balance the cheesy, carbohydrate-heavy main dish and add lean protein.
• Match with Tangy Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, fresh counterpoint to the heavy, warm casserole, which helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Craft Beer: Choose a light amber ale or wheat beer that has enough carbonation to cut through the cheese and mild hoppy notes to complement the Dijon mustard's subtle kick.

Twist Options for Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Gluten-Free Cracker Alternative: Replace regular crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cheese Transformation: Substitute Velveeta with plant-based cheese like nutritional yeast sauce or vegan cheese shreds, using non-dairy milk to create a creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Vegetable Swap: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour breadcrumbs, and use cauliflower instead of broccoli for a lower-carbohydrate version.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add cooked chicken or diced ham to the casserole for extra protein, creating a more substantial main dish that works well for hearty appetites.

FAQs

• Why blanch the broccoli?

Blanching helps maintain the broccoli’s bright green color, stops enzyme activity that can cause soggy texture, and partially cooks the vegetable while keeping it crisp and vibrant.

• Can I use different types of crackers?

Absolutely! Ritz, saltine, or buttery cracker varieties work great. Choose crackers that provide a nice crunch and complement the cheesy sauce.

• Is Velveeta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Velveeta provides a super smooth, creamy texture that melts perfectly. If unavailable, you can substitute with a combination of cheddar and cream cheese for similar results.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Increase the cayenne pepper quantity, add hot sauce to the cheese mixture, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking to boost the heat level according to your preference.

Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade broccoli cheese & cracker casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia on a single plate. Crispy crackers, melted cheese, and tender broccoli combine into a delightful dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 12 ounces (340 grams) Velveeta cheese, cut into chunks
• 2 cups crushed crackers (e.g., Ritz or gluten-free variety)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)

Preparation Ingredient:

• Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

1. Pulverize crackers into a mix of small fragments and larger pieces, reserving them for later layering in the casserole.
2. Rapidly submerge broccoli florets in boiling water for 60 seconds, then shock in an ice water bath to halt cooking and preserve vibrant color and crisp texture.
3. Create a velvety cheese sauce by gently melting Velveeta with milk and cream, stirring continuously to achieve a silky consistency.
4. Enhance the cheese sauce with a balanced blend of seasonings, incorporating salt, black pepper, cayenne for subtle heat, and Dijon mustard for tangy complexity.
5. Fold blanched broccoli and half the crushed crackers into the molten cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Transfer the creamy broccoli and cheese mixture into a prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform base.
7. Artfully scatter remaining cracker crumbs across the surface, creating a textural golden topping and sprinkling additional black pepper for enhanced flavor.
8. Roast in a preheated 350°F oven until the casserole develops a golden-brown crust and bubbles enthusiastically around the edges.
9. Allow the casserole to rest briefly, enabling the sauce to stabilize and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Optimize Cracker Texture by crushing them unevenly, allowing some larger chunks to provide delightful crunch and varied mouthfeel throughout the casserole.
• Prevent Broccoli Overcooking by blanching quickly in boiling water and immediately shocking in ice bath, maintaining vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Enhance Cheese Sauce Smoothness by stirring constantly while melting Velveeta, ensuring no lumps and creating a silky, uniform consistency that coats broccoli evenly.
• Customize Spice Level by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity, making the dish adaptable for mild to spicy preference without compromising overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg