Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Bake

The smell of buttery Ritz crackers toasting in the oven always transports me back to my grandmother's kitchen. She'd let me crush the crackers in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin, and I took that job very seriously. Something about the rhythm of crushing and that salty, buttery aroma made me feel like I was helping with something important. Now whenever I make this broccoli casserole, I always pause and take a deep breath when those crackers hit the hot butter.

I once brought this to a Friendsgiving where the host forgot to make any vegetables. Everyone treated it like the star of the show anyway. The best part was watching my friend's dad, who'd spent decades avoiding green things on his plate, tentatively try a spoonful and immediately go back for thirds. Sometimes the simplest comfort foods are the ones that win people over.

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets: Fresh works beautifully, but frozen in a pinch is fine
• Butter: The foundation of everything good
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the sauce
• Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic depth
• Flour: Creates that velvety cheese sauce texture
• Whole milk: Richer than low-fat options
• Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess
• Sharp cheddar: The sharper the better
• Ritz crackers: No substitutions

Instructions

Prep your oven and dish:

Get everything ready before you start cooking

Blanch the broccoli:

Cook just until bright green, not mushy

Build your sauce base:

Cook onion until soft, add garlic, then flour

Create the cheese sauce:

Whisk in milk, thicken, then stir in sour cream and cheddar

Combine and top:

Mix broccoli with sauce, add to dish, sprinkle with buttery crackers

Bake to golden perfection:

Wait for bubbling edges and that toasty cracker color

Save

This recipe became my go-to after I accidentally served it instead of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. No one complained.

Make Ahead Magic

Assemble everything up to the cracker topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cracker mixture just before baking.

Getting The Texture Right

The secret is stopping the blanch while broccoli still has some crunch. It finishes cooking in the oven, emerging tender-crisp instead of falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs with everything from holiday ham to weeknight roasted chicken. The rich, creamy sauce makes it substantial enough to stand alone as a vegetarian main with a simple side salad.

• Let it rest 5 minutes before serving
• The sauce thickens as it stands
• Leftovers reheat beautifully

Save

Theres something deeply satisfying about turning humble ingredients into a dish people genuinely get excited about eating.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly in this dish. Thaw and drain thoroughly before adding to the cheese sauce to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery.

→ What other cheeses work well in this casserole?

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but Gruyère adds nutty depth, Swiss offers mild creaminess, or try Monterey Jack for a milder taste. A blend of multiple cheeses creates the most complex flavor profile.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cracker topping just before baking to maintain maximum crispiness, or add it initially but expect slightly less crunch.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The cracker topping will soften slightly but still provide delicious texture.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce and use gluten-free crackers for the topping. The texture and flavor remain excellent while accommodating dietary needs.

→ What main dishes pair best with this casserole?

This versatile side complements roasted chicken, baked ham, meatloaf, or grilled steak beautifully. It's particularly popular alongside holiday staples like turkey or prime rib for special occasions.