Name: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) bag broccoli, frozen; 1 (16 ounce) bag carrots, frozen; 1 (16 ounce) bag cauliflower, frozen; 1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta, sliced; 1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed; 1/4 cup butter, melted (1/2 stick)

This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — brimming with tender veggies, a luscious layer of Velveeta cheese, and an irresistible Ritz cracker topping that turns golden brown and crisp in the oven. It’s the definition of cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole, making it the star of any holiday table or family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: Layers of Velveeta melt into the hot vegetables for the richest, creamiest bite in every forkful.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters love this veggie-packed casserole thanks to its velvety cheese sauce and buttery cracker crust.
Super Easy Prep: Frozen veggies let you skip the peeling and chopping, so this dish comes together fast, even on busy nights.
Perfect for Gatherings: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is a hit at potlucks, holidays, or weeknight suppers because it feeds a crowd and travels beautifully.

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love a dish where every ingredient feels like a little hero? This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole keeps things refreshingly simple: the frozen veggies bring both bold color and texture, the melty cheese turns everything decadent, and that buttery cracker topping is the crunch you crave.

Frozen Broccoli (16 oz): No need to blanch or chop — just open the bag! Broccoli adds vibrant green color and classic veggie flavor.
Frozen Carrots (16 oz): These give a hint of sweetness and gorgeous orange color, plus they heat through perfectly without getting mushy.
Frozen Cauliflower (16 oz): Mild and tender, cauliflower is the perfect backdrop for cheesy goodness.
Velveeta Cheese (16 oz, sliced): The secret to ultra-smooth, creamy cheese pulls throughout the casserole. Sliced makes for easier, even melting.
Ritz Crackers (1 roll, crushed): Crushed crackers form a crunchy, buttery topping everyone fights over!
Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Helps the crackers toast to golden perfection and gives that irresistible flavor to the crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This is one of those casseroles that you can customize a hundred different ways without losing its irresistible charm. Don’t be afraid to swap veggies, cheese, or even the topping to suit your family’s tastes or what’s kicking around in your fridge!

Swap the Cheese: Trade Velveeta for shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or diced ham before you bake for a heartier meal.
Low-Carb Twist: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds, or skip the topping for a gluten-free casserole.
Fresh Vegetable Medley: If you have fresh broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower, just steam them until crisp-tender before using.
Spice it Up: Toss the veggies with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Step 1: Warm the Vegetables

Place your frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower into a large microwave-safe bowl. Give everything a good stir to mix the veggies evenly, then microwave uncovered on high for 12–15 minutes, until they’re just warmed through and starting to soften. Stir once or twice during microwaving so nothing stays icy in the middle.

Step 2: Layer into the Baking Dish

Once the vegetables are warmed, spread them out in an even layer in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Gently lay the Velveeta slices over the top so every inch gets a cheesy blanket — trust me, this is the magic of the casserole!

Step 3: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a medium bowl, combine your crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Toss them together until every crumb is glossy and coated. This mix will give you that signature golden crunch on top of the Cheesy Vegetable Casserole.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the cheesy veggies. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 30–45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the topping is crisp and deeply golden. Let it cool just a few minutes so the cheese sets up slightly — then dig in!

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Even Slicing Matters: If you’re using a block of Velveeta, slice it evenly so you get perfectly gooey coverage all over the casserole for every scoop.
Steam Off Extra Moisture: After microwaving, if you notice extra liquid in your veggie bowl, just drain it off so your casserole doesn’t get soggy.
Cracker Crunch Control: For the crispiest topping, wait until just before baking to mix the crackers and butter — and don’t skimp on either!
Add-Ins for Depth: Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper or some garlic powder on the veggies before baking for a subtle flavor boost.

How to Serve Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Garnishes

A little finishing touch goes a long way! Try sprinkling the top with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a pinch of smoked paprika just before serving. These add a pop of color and lift the richness of all that glorious cheese.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is so hearty it could be a meal on its own, but it plays so well with others. Pair it with roast chicken, glazed ham, grilled sausage, or a simple green salad for a balanced and impressive feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or holidays, bake it in an extra-pretty ceramic dish and let people serve themselves. Or, for family dinners, try spooning it into individual ramekins before adding the cracker topping for little personal casseroles — kids especially adore this!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Vegetable Casserole will keep happily in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors might mingle and get even more delicious after a night in the fridge!

Freezing

You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months — just let it cool completely before wrapping tightly. For best texture, consider freezing without the cracker topping, and adding fresh crackers when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes for a family-sized portion). For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works too — add a few extra crushed crackers on top for crunch if you like!

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just steam or blanch your fresh broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower until they’re crisp-tender before layering in the casserole. You want them warmed through so they cook evenly with the cheese and topping.
Is there a substitute for Velveeta cheese?

Yes! While Velveeta gives an unbeatable creamy melt, you can substitute with thick slices of mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any good melting cheese. The casserole will taste a bit different, but still absolutely delicious.
Can you make Cheesy Vegetable Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready, top with crackers and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it’s starting cold.
What’s the best way to crush Ritz crackers?

The simplest method is to place the crackers in a zip-top bag and roll over them with a rolling pin until finely crushed. If you want super-fast results, a quick whiz in the food processor works well too!

Final Thoughts

Make a little room in your recipe box for this Cheesy Vegetable Casserole and give it a try at your next gathering. It’s cozy, low-stress, and so downright satisfying you’ll be searching for excuses to share it with everyone you know!