Velveeta Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish for your next gathering? Look no further than this Velveeta Broccoli and Cheese Casserole! Packed with cheesy goodness and topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker crust, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of Velveeta cheese and broccoli creates a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
- With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- It can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins like cooked chicken or crispy bacon for a more hearty meal.
Ingredient Notes:
- Frozen broccoli florets: These provide a convenient and nutritious base for the casserole. Fresh broccoli can also be used.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish. Margarine or oil can be used as a substitute.
- Velveeta: Known for its smooth melt and creamy texture, Velveeta cheese is the star ingredient of this casserole.
- Ritz Crackers, crushed: These buttery crackers create a crispy topping that adds a delicious contrast to the creamy casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish.
- Cook the broccoli according to package instructions and drain well.
- In a bowl, mix together melted butter and Velveeta until smooth.
- Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- For added flavor, try mixing in cooked bacon or diced ham.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- To prevent the casserole from becoming too watery, make sure to drain the broccoli well after cooking.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Velveeta Broccoli and Cheese Casserole with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, fresh broccoli can be used, just be sure to cook it until tender before adding it to the casserole.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? While Velveeta provides the best melt and creaminess, other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack can be substituted.
- Can I freeze this casserole? It is not recommended to freeze this casserole as the texture may change when thawed.
Conclusion:
Next time you are looking for a comforting and delicious dish to serve your family and friends, give this Velveeta Broccoli and Cheese Casserole a try. With its creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
PrintVelveeta Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Velveeta Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is a creamy and cheesy dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 36 oz frozen Broccoli florets
– 3/4 cup melted Butter, divided
– 24 oz Velveeta
– 45 Ritz Crackers, crushed
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the broccoli according to package instructions, then drain well.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and Velveeta, until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the broccoli mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
– For added flavor, you can sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.
– You can also add cooked chicken or ham to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg