Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
I realize that I start out so many of my posts talking about the weather. Well, unfortunately this post is no different. It's cold here. Like below zero cold. And when it's cold, I make casseroles. Because I love casseroles and they warm my heart. . .and body. I have a feeling that you're going to love this Cheesy Broccoli and Corn Casserole as much as we do!
If you've been following the blog for awhile, you know that I prefer veggies over fruit. . .always. My friends call me crazy. I think it's pretty normal. Put a plate of asparagus in front of me alongside of a plate of strawberries and I'll choose the asparagus every time. Can fruit be delicious? Yes, of course. I just PREFER veggies over fruit.
I mean, wouldn't you, too? Especially if it was covered with a delicious cream and cheesy sauce? Fahhhhget about it. I'm all in. This casserole is delicious alongside any main dish - chicken, beef, fish. . .heck, why not whip up some mashed potatoes and just put a big ole' spoonful of the casserole right on top?!
Now, we're talking. Midwestern food at its finest. It doesn't end there, though. This beautiful casserole is topped with a crunchy crust made of buttery Ritz crackers. Ritz crackers are the best to cook with. Have you tried my Ritz Cracker Chicken yet? You need to. Holy moly.
Cheesy, flavorful, delicious veggies with a beautiful golden color. Dishes like this are just what we need to get through the rest of the cold winter months, don't you think?
Just in case you're wondering, this can be prepared ahead of time and then heated in the oven the day you want to serve it. Just hold off on the Ritz cracker topping until the day you actually serve the casserole or it will get soggy. Oh, and if it's warmer where you live, please send some of that sunshine our way. We NEED it!!
Cheesy Broccoli & Corn Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ cup onions (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 11 ounce can of corn (drained)
- 20 Ritz crackers (crushed, divided)
- 20 ounces fresh broccoli spears
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook onions in one tablespoon butter in saucepan until translucent.
- Stir in cornstarch and milk.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
- Add cheese and stir until completely melted.
- Stir in corn and ¼ cup of the Ritz cracker crumbs.
- Place broccoli in 13x9 inch baking dish and top with sauce.
- Melt the remaining butter and mix with the remaining cracker crumbs.
- Sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Bake 35-40 minutes or until heated through.
Notes
- Proper Sauce Consistency: When thickening the sauce with cornstarch and milk, cook it for the recommended 2-3 minutes or until it's thickened. This ensures a creamy and velvety texture for the sauce that will nicely coat the broccoli and corn in the casserole.
- Even Distribution of Ingredients: After adding the cheese, corn, and Ritz cracker crumbs to the sauce, ensure they are evenly distributed before pouring it over the broccoli in the baking dish. This ensures every bite of the casserole has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- Crunchy Topping: To achieve a crispy and golden topping for the casserole, evenly sprinkle the melted butter and remaining Ritz cracker crumbs over the sauce before baking. This adds a delightful crunch and texture contrast to the creamy casserole underneath.
Katy Gallagher
How does this reheat? I want to bring to a thanksgiving but I need to cook in the morning before heading to work. Thanks
Sara
Hi Katy! I've reheated leftovers and it's always been great. I'd try warming it low and slow covered in foil the day you will serve it. Depending on how far you need to drive, you could always see if you could heat it at the home of whomever is hosting Thanksgiving (make sure they would be able to accommodate your pan in addition to the turkey or whatever they may already be using the oven for).
Diana McMahan
how much broccoli would I need? What would 20oz be? Can I use frozen broccoli instead? Thanks
Diana McMahan
Can u use frozen broccoli and if so how much? would it be the same on the cooking time. Thanks
Sara
If you use frozen broccoli I would decrease the baking time to 30 minutes.
Raisa
I loved it! Can I use cauliflower instead of broccoli too? Thanks!
Sara
I don't see why not! Glad you enjoyed it!
Anna
I was a bit disappointed, it needs some seasoning! Otherwise it tastes plain, I will try to make something similar but with cauliflower and potatoes instead of broccoli
Sara
I know everyone has different preferences in regards to seasoning. I'm glad you were able to tailor it to suit your tastes!! I love the cauliflower and potatoes idea!