Broccoli Cheddar Ritz Casserole (Printable)

Tender broccoli florets baked in rich, creamy cheese sauce with buttery Ritz cracker topping

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 5 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 cup whole milk
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Topping

12 - 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
13 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps form.
05 - Cook, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
06 - Stir in sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
07 - Combine broccoli and cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing gently to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer.
08 - In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Mix until evenly coated.
09 - Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbling around edges.
10 - Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set slightly for easier scooping.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The homemade cheese sauce is infinitely better than anything from a can, and it comes together in minutes.
  • That Ritz cracker topping creates the most satisfying buttery crunch that everyone fights over.
02 -
  • Don't skip blanching the broccoli first. Raw broccoli will never cook through properly in the sauce, leading to unpleasant crunch in finished casserole.
  • Grate your own cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
03 -
  • Cut broccoli florets into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Don't overbake the casserole or the sauce may separate and become oily.
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