SOUTHERN BROCCOLI CASSEROLE
This Southern Broccoli Casserole, or as it is sometimes called Broccoli Velveeta Casserole, is a must-have at any holiday gathering!
If you are a fan of this old-fashioned casserole, you will also love this Pineapple Casserole. It’s a classic and one we serve every Christmas.
WHY WE LOVE THIS SOUTHERN CASSEROLE
This casserole has been a family favorite for many years and one of the reasons why we love it is because it is so easy to make. Not only is it simple, but it is only four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper. Anytime we post this recipe we get comments of people saying how this has bene around for many generations. There is a reason why the old timey recipes last..they are just that good!
We feel this recipe is best made the day of and yes many people will say I can’t believe it is made with Velveeta but it just works in this southern casserole. Some things don’t need to be changed and the Velveeta is one of them! If you have time, read the comments on this recipe, so many love it.
SWAPS
There isn’t much I would swap in this recipe because it just works so well the way it is, but you could use block cheddar cheese, but its the creaminess of the Velveeta that really makes this casserole.
TIP
If you steam your broccoli and it has a lot of water, be sure and drain that off. It will help to make sure your casserole isn’t soggy.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
You can add cauliflower to this dish for a different variation. Someone in the comments recommended adding cooked chicken for a change. That would be a wonderful way to enjoy this dish for a weeknight meal.
SERVE THIS WITH
This dish is always served at our Thanksgiving, we make it with our Barley Casserole which has been in our family for many years. Our grandmother made it for every holiday and it goes wonderful with this recipe.
STORING AND REHEATING
We store this in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually reheats pretty well!
SERVING SIZE
This makes 10-12 servings but we always end up doubling it when we take it to a gathering.
Southern Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 32 ounce package frozen broccoli cuts, cooked according to package directions
- 1/2 cup of butter or margarine or 8 tablespoons melted
- 1 1/2 sleeves of ritz crackers can use more, crumbled
- 1/2 to 3/4 of a 32 ounce package of velveeta cheese cut in chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook broccoli cuts according to package directions. (I cook mine in a bowl in the microwave covered with saran wrap. Add 1/2 the melted butter, salt and pepper, and the velveeta cheese chunks to the broccoli. Stir to melt.
- Add the other half of the melted butter to the ritz cracker crumbs
- Spray a 2 quart casserole dish and add a layer of the broccoli and cheese on the bottom. Next add a layer of the buttered crumbs. Continue to do this ending with the top covered with the buttered crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is browned.
Notes
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Can I make this a day or 2 ahead?
I’ve never made this ahead of time, you can try it!
If I want to use fresh broccoli, how much would you suggest ? Thank you .
It would be the same amount.
Ms Southern Lady, you are my “go to” Thanks
You are welcome!
Hands down the best broccoli casserole in the world. I’ve been making it for every thanksgiving since I found your site. It’s absolutely delicious and so very simple. Thank you!
My daughter just called me for my Broccoli Casserole recipe. I haven’t made it in years and I drew a blank. Looked and could not find it. Right away got on my laptop, right to this site. THANK YOU !! The same as I used to make. “I LOVE THIS SITE” and all the Awesome recipes.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving & Stay Safe, Della
Oh… and Yes I printed me a copy to put in my book of traditional things I cook for the Holidays. Again, Thank You !!!!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words!! We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
We love this recipe for Thanksgiving. We are doing the low carb thingy and will use pork rind crumbles for the Ritz crackers.
I have made this for many years. a family favorite for holidays, and also church dinners.
Love it.
I used to make broccoli casserole with other cheeses and cream of mushroom soup and it was good. But my friend-who is no cook at all-makes broccoli casserole that is so very good and it kind of irked me that she created something better than my version. Lo and behold, the recipe you’ve posted here is pretty much the way she makes it. This is how I do it now. Velveeta really is awesome in this casserole. Highly recommend.
Sounds delicious.
I fixed this every year when I had Thanksgiving at my house. I used fresh broccoli & cauliflower together. Steam until just barely tender in microwave. Put in casserole dish. Top with slices of Velveta then crushed Ritz Crackers. Only need to put in oven long enough to melt cheese & warm through well. Kids loved it!!
I cook this with cut up chicken to make our meal complete 🙂
I make mine like this except I use the chopped broccoli and its always requested for any kind of gathering that there is food.
I make mine like this and it is so good !!!
I’ve made this every year for forty years….my recipe has rice in it. Love the recipe!
I love your site because with you it’s easy for even me to cook awesome meals, thank you so very much!
I LOVE THIS SITE AND HOW WELL YOU EXPLAIN EVERYTHING.YOU MAKE IT EASY.THANK YOU!!!
My daughter hates broccoli, but loves this casserole! We have it about twice a month.
I found your site by accident and I am thrilled to pieces! So many great recipes to try, but finding this Broccoli Casserole was the best thing ever! I have been searching for this for over 5 years. A million times thank- you for making me do the happy dance…while eating Broccoli Casserole, of course!
So happy to have you Marcia and happy you are enjoying the site. I love this broccoli casserole as does everyone in my family. Enjoy!
I have been making this for 35 years and agree it needs the velveeta. So easy and yummy!
I’d add a Vidalia onion or a sweet onion!
This was a huge hit with my family! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
I made this for supper last night for the 3 of us & it was a hit. It made alot, so my son took the leftovers home. I love your site and have made several of your recipes & they are all delicious.
I have made this before and it is AMAZING! No need to worry about having leftovers!
This is great. I added abut 1 1/2 cups cooked rice to this. I did not change anything else. Served at a family dinner and it was great.
Ooooo, that looks amazing. Wonder, have you made it with brussel sprouts instead? I’m making your Ritzy Brussel Sprouts for Thanksgiving, I’m so excited about this dish I can barely contain myself.
No, I have not tried this with brussel sprouts.
I’m adding this to my Christmas dinner menu!
Try it with fresh broccoli. Even better!
Oh my! This dish is perfect in every way. I LOVE Velveeta – the best thing to eat with broccoli. Thanks –
Love your site! If you ever do any menu planning or books or anything please let me know 🙂
You know I never think to buy it but Velveta is a miracle ingredient. Makes things so creamy.