There’s just something about the holidays that calls for a bubbling, cheesy casserole straight from the oven—and this Cheesy Broccoli Bake with Buttered Ritz Topping delivers all the comfort and joy you could want in a dish. It’s creamy, crunchy, nostalgic, and packed with flavor, making it a must-have for your Christmas dinner table. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner for your immediate family or feeding a full house, this casserole earns its place among your favorite holiday dinner recipes. The buttery cracker topping gives it that savory-salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy filling. It’s one of those easy Christmas dinner ideas you’ll come back to year after year.
Cheesy Broccoli Bake with Buttered Ritz Topping
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
9x13-inch baking dish This size is ideal for an even bake and serving a crowd. A slightly smaller casserole dish can work too, but you may need to adjust bake time.
Mixing bowls One large for mixing the casserole base and a small one for the topping.
Steamer or microwave-safe bowl To lightly steam the broccoli.
Spatula or wooden spoon For mixing and spreading.
Oven Preheated and reliable to get that golden bubbly top.
Knife and chopping board For prepping onion and broccoli, if using fresh.
For the Casserole Filling
- 5 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen, steamed until just tender
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste about ½ teaspoon, adjust as needed
- ½ small onion finely chopped (optional for added depth)
For the Buttered Ritz Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers about 30 crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional for extra savoriness
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Steam the Broccoli
If using fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets and steam them for 4-5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Cheesy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion (if using), and steamed broccoli until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until the cracker crumbs are well coated.
Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Let It Rest
Remove from oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the casserole time to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Pairings
This Cheesy Broccoli Bake is the ultimate sidekick to almost any holiday meal for a crowd. Here are some pairing ideas:
Main Dishes
Pair it with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a beef tenderloin roast. It’s equally at home alongside baked chicken or even as a vegetarian main for guests who don’t eat meat.
Other Sides
It works wonderfully next to creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or a bright citrus salad for balance. A hearty stuffing or cornbread would round out a full Christmas meal spread.
Beverages
Try a buttery Chardonnay or a sparkling apple cider for a festive touch. For something cozy, a warm mug of spiced mulled wine or apple cinnamon tea would be perfect.
Desserts
Follow up with a pecan pie, gingerbread cake, or peppermint bark to keep the Christmas spirit going strong.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works great for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the casserole. You may also want to pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for this bake, offering that perfect balance of tang and meltability. You can mix in a bit of mozzarella or gouda for extra richness if desired.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance (leave off the cracker topping until just before baking), cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping right before popping it in the oven.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free buttery crackers. Just make sure your cheese and mayo are also gluten-free if necessary.
5. What type of meat could I add if I want to make it a full meal?
Diced cooked chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and turns this into a complete easy Christmas dish. You could also use ham or even crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
