Velveeta Broccoli Casserole

This Velveeta broccoli casserole combines tender broccoli with a creamy Velveeta cheese sauce and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. I make the sauce with evaporated milk, then mix it with well-drained broccoli before adding the crackers and baking everything until golden. It’s a cheesy, comforting side dish that’s easy to make with frozen broccoli.

How to Make Velveeta Broccoli Casserole

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F and have an 8×8-inch baking dish ready.
2. Prepare the broccoli. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then turn off the heat. Add the frozen broccoli and let it sit in the hot water for approximately 7 minutes to soften. Drain thoroughly, gently pressing out any excess water so it doesn’t thin out the cheese sauce.
3. Make the Velveeta cheese sauce. Cut the Velveeta into cubes and add it to a small saucepan with the evaporated milk. Heat over low to medium-low heat, stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Avoid boiling the mixture. Stir in the salt and black pepper.
4. Combine the broccoli and cheese. Add the well-drained broccoli to the baking dish and pour the melted Velveeta sauce over it. Gently stir until the broccoli is evenly coated.
5. Prepare the Ritz cracker topping. Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers into small pieces using a zip-top bag. Add the melted butter and mix until the cracker pieces are coated. Spread the buttery crumbs evenly over the broccoli and cheese mixture.
6. Bake the casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the Ritz topping is golden.
7. Cool slightly and serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving. This gives the hot cheese sauce a chance to settle and makes the casserole easier to scoop.

Tips for the Best Velveeta Broccoli Casserole

• Don’t overcook the broccoli. The broccoli only needs to soften before going into the casserole because it will continue cooking in the oven. You want tender florets that still hold their shape, not broccoli that’s already falling apart.
• Drain the broccoli thoroughly. Frozen broccoli releases moisture as it thaws. After softening it in hot water, drain it well and gently press out the excess liquid. Too much water can thin the Velveeta cheese sauce and leave moisture pooling in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Melt the Velveeta over gentle heat. The evaporated milk helps create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. Keep the temperature low enough to melt the Velveeta without boiling it. The sauce should coat the broccoli rather than separate.
• Keep some texture in the Ritz topping. I prefer crushing the crackers into a mixture of smaller crumbs and larger pieces rather than turning everything into powder. The melted butter coats the crumbs, helping create a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy broccoli underneath.

How to Store and Reheat Velveeta Broccoli Casserole

Store leftover Velveeta broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and warm it in the oven until the cheese is heated through. I prefer using the oven rather than relying on the microwave for a casserole with a buttery cracker topping.

Keep in mind that the Ritz crackers will absorb some moisture as the casserole sits in the refrigerator, so the topping won’t be quite as crispy as when it was freshly baked.

I don’t recommend freezing this casserole. The broccoli and cheese sauce may change texture after thawing, and the cracker topping can become soggy.

What to Serve with Velveeta Broccoli Casserole

• Crockpot Turkey Wings – Tender, slow-cooked turkey wings with savory gravy that pair perfectly with a cheesy broccoli side dish.
• Crockpot Riblets – Tender pork riblets coated in barbecue sauce for an easy Southern-style dinner.
• French Onion Hamburger Steak – Juicy hamburger steaks with caramelized onions, rich gravy, and melted provolone cheese.
• Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs – Juicy chicken thighs with a flavorful garlic and rosemary marinade, perfect with a creamy casserole.
• Sheet Pan Sausage, Peppers and Onions – A simple sausage dinner with roasted peppers and onions that goes well with cheesy broccoli.

More Velveeta and Broccoli Recipes

• Velveeta Broccoli Cheese Soup – Creamy broccoli cheese soup made with Velveeta, sharp cheddar, and fresh broccoli.
• Velveeta Cheese Sauce – A smooth, creamy cheese sauce that’s perfect for pouring over vegetables and other dishes.
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup – A comforting soup packed with broccoli and creamy cheddar cheese.
• Broccoli Mac and Cheese – Tender pasta and broccoli combined with a creamy cheese sauce.
• Baked Velveeta Mac and Cheese – Creamy Velveeta macaroni and cheese finished in the oven.
• Homemade Velveeta Mac and Cheese – Easy stovetop macaroni and cheese made with Velveeta and sharp cheddar.