Description
This creamy and cheesy Velveeta Broccoli Casserole is a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Featuring tender broccoli florets blended with melted Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheese, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crumb crust, this casserole bakes to a golden bubbly delight in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 32 ounces frozen broccoli florets
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Cheeses
- 16 ounces Velveeta Cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure even cooking and perfectly melted cheese in your casserole.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, making it easy to remove and serve the casserole later.
- Boil the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the frozen broccoli florets, and boil for 3 minutes. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water, then transfer the broccoli to a large mixing bowl.
- Season the Broccoli: Sprinkle the broccoli with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add and Melt Velveeta Cheese: Add the cubes of Velveeta cheese to the warm seasoned broccoli and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the cheesy broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the broccoli mixture to add an extra cheesy layer.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the broccoli well after boiling to avoid a watery casserole.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
