Name: Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 tablespoon butter; 10.5 oz. condensed cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup milk; ½ cup sour cream; 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 2 heaping cups frozen broccoli; 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables; 2 large eggs, whisked; 2 cups cooked white long grain rice; ½ teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (about ¾ sleeve); 2 tablespoons melted butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 51 reviews

If you are craving a comforting and delicious dish that brings creamy indulgence and a satisfying crunch to every bite, you have to try this Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe. This recipe takes simple, everyday ingredients like tender broccoli, mixed veggies, and creamy mushroom soup, then combines them with savory rice and sharp cheddar cheese to create a wonderfully harmonious casserole. Topped with a golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s as cozy as it is flavorful. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl inside with a creamy white sauce as the bottom layer, topped by a large pile of shredded bright yellow cheddar cheese spread evenly across the surface. A red and white spatula is partially buried in the cheese, angled towards the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this casserole plays a pivotal role, from the creamy base to the crunchy topping. These essentials come together in such a way that you get wonderful texture, bursts of flavor, and comforting richness in every bite.

1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Adds a sweet and savory depth when sautéed.
1 tablespoon butter: Used for cooking onions and adding richness.
10.5 oz. condensed cream of mushroom soup: The creamy foundation that blends all flavors smoothly.
½ cup milk: Thins out the soup slightly for perfect creaminess.
½ cup sour cream: Adds tang and an extra layer of creamy texture.
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into the casserole for gooey goodness, with some reserved for topping.
2 heaping cups frozen broccoli: Brings vibrant color and a fresh vegetable boost.
3 cups frozen mixed vegetables: A medley for flavor variety and extra nutrition.
2 large eggs, whisked: Helps bind everything together for a cohesive casserole.
2 cups cooked white long grain rice: Adds heartiness and soaks up all the creamy flavors.
½ teaspoon garlic salt: For a subtle, garlicky seasoning lift.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a hint of tangy spice that elevates the dish.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that pairs perfectly with cheddar and veggies.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Balances and brightens the overall flavor.
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (about ¾ sleeve): Creates the irresistibly crunchy topping.
2 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the cracker crumbs for a golden finish.

How to Make Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you need it. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the finely diced yellow onions. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they become nice and soft, releasing their natural sweetness that will become the base for your casserole’s rich flavor.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

Next, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and all the seasonings—garlic salt, salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Mix well to combine everything into a luscious creamy sauce that will bring the veggies and rice together. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely, infusing the sauce with savory sharpness.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables and Rice

Now it’s time to add your frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables. Allow them to warm through in the pot, just enough to take the chill off without cooking them too much. Once heated, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step. Stir in the whisked eggs and cooked rice, mixing everything gently so the eggs bind the casserole ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Transfer your vegetable and rice mixture to a lightly greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Ritz Topping

While the casserole is baking, crush the Ritz crackers in a bowl and combine them with melted butter until well-coated. After the initial baking time, remove the foil from the casserole and sprinkle the cracker topping evenly. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes—the crackers will toast beautifully and create that signature buttery crunch that makes this Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe

The image shows a creamy casserole in a white oval dish placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has a thick golden-brown crunchy crust layer on top with a rough texture, with some green broccoli and bits of orange carrot peeking through. Below the crust is a creamy, cheesy rice layer full of mixed vegetables including bright yellow corn, green beans, peas, diced orange carrots, and broccoli florets. A spoon is scooping out a portion, revealing the soft, moist, and rich filling beneath the crunchy top. The colors are warm and inviting, with the golden crust contrasting nicely with the colorful vegetables in the creamy base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and flavor, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. These add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that beautifully contrasts with the creamy casserole and crispy cracker crust.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite the star on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or a light fruit salad creates an ideal balance to the richness. Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts are also fantastic options for a healthy and colorful plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve this cream-based casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Layer smaller portions with different veggies or swap the rice for quinoa to customize to your liking. You can also turn leftovers into hearty stuffed bell peppers for a fun twist the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole flavors deepen overnight and it’s easy to reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil to retain moisture, about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. If you like, sprinkle additional crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter on top and broil for a couple of minutes to refresh the crisp topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work just as well and can even add a bit more texture. Just steam or sauté them lightly beforehand since fresh veggies take longer to cook through than frozen.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade creamy mushroom sauce or substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

The original recipe uses Ritz crackers, which contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, try crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a topping instead.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian version, this recipe already works well as is. To go vegan, swap the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese for plant-based alternatives and use a vegan butter substitute for cooking and topping.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

Try using reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, and substitute a cauliflower rice blend instead of white rice for a lighter, veggie-forward casserole without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like an instant classic. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting with a crunchy topping that makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole offers warmth and satisfaction that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try soon—you’re going to love how easy it is to make and how delicious it turns out!