Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole combines tender broccoli, a creamy homemade cheese sauce, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Made with sharp cheddar, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan, it’s a comforting side dish for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and potlucks.

Inspired by the familiar combination of broccoli and cheese sauce, this homemade version adds sautéed onion, garlic, sour cream, and a crisp cracker topping. The casserole bakes until hot and bubbly, with a creamy center and golden finish.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This cheesy broccoli casserole has all the rich flavor of a classic broccoli-and-cheese side dish, with extra texture from crushed buttery crackers.

The sauce starts with butter, onion, garlic, and flour. Whole milk creates a creamy base, while sharp cheddar, Swiss cheese, sour cream, and seasonings give it flavor and richness. Parmesan finishes the cracker topping.

• Three cheeses: Sharp cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan provide a blend of savory flavors.
• Convenient frozen broccoli: The recipe uses four cups of frozen florets.
• Homemade cheese sauce: Butter, flour, and milk create a creamy base.
• Crunchy topping: Crushed Ritz crackers add a buttery finish.
• Great for gatherings: A comforting addition to weeknight dinners and holiday menus.

For more holiday side-dish inspiration, explore our 100 Best Thanksgiving Casseroles.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Ingredients

The original recipe uses the following ingredients and exact quantities.

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used to prepare the onion, garlic, and creamy sauce.
• 1 small sweet onion, diced: Adds savory sweetness.
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Provide aromatic flavor.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
• 2 cups whole milk: Creates the creamy base.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds rich cheese flavor.
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Complements the cheddar.
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard: Adds depth to the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides gentle warmth.
• ¼ cup sour cream: Adds richness and tanginess.
• 4 cups frozen broccoli florets: The main vegetable.
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes the topping.
• 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers: Approximately 26 crackers.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided: Used when cooking the onions and seasoning the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Seasons the casserole.

Why Use Three Cheeses?

Sharp cheddar gives the sauce its pronounced cheese flavor, while Swiss cheese adds another layer of creamy, savory richness.

Parmesan is reserved for the topping, where it complements the buttery crushed crackers.

Why Use Frozen Broccoli?

Frozen broccoli makes the recipe convenient because the florets are already prepared. The original instructions add the broccoli directly to the finished cheese sauce before transferring everything to the baking dish.

For the closest result, follow the original recipe’s use of 4 cups frozen broccoli florets.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This easy broccoli casserole begins on the stovetop and finishes in the oven. You’ll build the cheese sauce, combine it with the broccoli, and bake before adding the cracker topping.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Onion

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease a shallow baking dish.

Melt the 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add the diced sweet onion and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.

Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium-low if the onion begins browning too quickly.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Flour

Add the 4 finely chopped garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Stir in the 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour and continue cooking for another 1 minute.

This mixture creates the thickening base for the cheese sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour the 2 cups whole milk into the saucepan, whisking constantly.

Once all the milk has been added, cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until the milk just begins to simmer.

Add half of the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses, along with the 1 teaspoon ground mustard and ¼ cup sour cream.

Reduce the heat to low and stir until the sauce begins to thicken.

Season with the remaining ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then remove from the heat.

Ingredient note: The original ingredient list includes ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, but the provided instructions do not specify when to add it. Keep the measured nutmeg in the original recipe card; it can be incorporated with the other dry seasonings when preparing the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Frozen Broccoli

Stir the 4 cups frozen broccoli florets into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.

Transfer the broccoli and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole at 400°F for 15 minutes.

The cheese should begin to melt and the casserole should be heating through.

Step 6: Add the Ritz Cracker Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers.

Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan over the crackers.

Return the dish to the oven for another 5–8 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving.

This brief rest allows the cheese sauce to settle slightly and makes the casserole easier to portion.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Shred Your Own Cheese

The original recipe recommends starting with block cheese and shredding it yourself.

Freshly shredded cheese often melts more smoothly into a homemade sauce.

Taste the Cheese Sauce

Taste the sauce before combining it with the broccoli. Adjust the salt and pepper only if necessary, keeping in mind that the cheeses and Ritz crackers also add saltiness.

Add the Milk Gradually

Slowly incorporating the milk while whisking helps prevent lumps in the flour-thickened sauce.

Add the Crackers Near the End

The original baking method adds crushed Ritz crackers after the first 15 minutes of baking rather than at the beginning.

This helps keep the cracker topping crisp instead of allowing it to absorb too much moisture.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Variations and Substitutions

The original recipe suggests experimenting with different cheeses and crunchy toppings.

Try Different Cheeses

Gouda, pepper jack, or goat cheese are mentioned as alternatives in the original recipe tips.

Each cheese has a different flavor and melting behavior, so substitutions will change the finished casserole.

Try a Different Topping

If you don’t want to use Ritz crackers, the original source suggests several alternatives:

• Seasoned or unseasoned breadcrumbs
• Crushed potato chips
• Crushed pretzels
• Saltine crackers
• Crushed cheese crackers

These alternatives can change the saltiness and texture, so adjust seasoning to taste.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This rich broccoli casserole pairs well with simple proteins, holiday roasts, and fresh side dishes.

Weeknight Dinner Pairings

• Smothered pork chops: A comforting main course.
• Lemon pepper chicken: A brighter contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Air-fryer salmon: A seafood option with a simpler preparation.
• Baked chicken: A familiar family-dinner pairing.
• Meatloaf: A hearty combination for comfort-food meals.

For another easy family dinner, try our Crock Pot Roast with Vegetables.

Holiday Dinner Pairings

• Roast turkey
• Baked ham
• Roasted turkey legs
• Cornbread dressing
• Cranberry sauce
• Warm dinner rolls or biscuits

Our Best Thanksgiving Dinner Menu offers more ideas for building a complete holiday meal.

Lighter Side Dishes

A fresh salad can help balance the richness of the cheese sauce.

Try our Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad or Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad for contrasting textures and flavors.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Refrigerator Storage

After baking, transfer leftovers into shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate promptly.

The original recipe recommends storing the casserole in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Freezer Storage

Let the casserole cool completely, then place portions in freezer-safe containers.

The original source recommends freezing for up to 2 months.

Label the containers with the date to make stored portions easier to identify.

Reheating Broccoli Cheese Casserole

The original recipe suggests reheating in the oven at 350°F for approximately 15–20 minutes or microwaving individual portions in one-minute intervals.

Actual reheating time will depend on portion size and whether the casserole is chilled or thawed.

Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For more information, consult the USDA’s leftovers and food safety guidance.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole FAQs

Can You Use Frozen Broccoli in Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Yes. The original recipe specifically calls for 4 cups frozen broccoli florets, which are mixed directly into the prepared cheese sauce before baking.

What Cheeses Are Used in This Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

The recipe uses sharp cheddar, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan. Cheddar and Swiss go into the sauce and on top of the casserole, while Parmesan is added with the cracker topping.

Can You Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole Without Ritz Crackers?

Yes. The original recipe suggests breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, pretzels, saltines, or cheese crackers as alternative toppings.

What Temperature Do You Bake Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

The original recipe bakes at 400°F for 15 minutes, followed by another 5–8 minutes after adding the cracker and Parmesan topping.

Can You Freeze Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Yes. The original source recommends cooling it completely, transferring it to freezer-safe containers, and freezing for up to two months. The topping may lose some crispness after thawing and reheating.

More Casserole Recipes

If you enjoy baked comfort-food dishes, the original article also suggests exploring these casserole styles:

• Pineapple Casserole
• Dorito Casserole
• Hashbrown Casserole
• Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole
• Pork Chop Casserole
• Squash Casserole
• Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

For a cheesy baked pasta variation, our White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole combines frozen broccoli with a rich homemade sauce made from sharp cheddar, Swiss cheese, milk, and sour cream.

The buttery Ritz cracker and Parmesan topping adds crunch to the creamy casserole, making it a delicious side dish for everyday family meals or holiday gatherings.

For the exact measured recipe and complete original instructions, use the Tasty Recipes card below.