Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh vegetables, you'll need about 9 cups total. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until just tender, then drain and pat dry before assembling the casserole. This prevents excess water from making your casserole soupy.

My family doesn't like Velveeta. What's a good substitute?

You can make a simple homemade cheese sauce by melting 2 tablespoons butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons flour, then gradually adding 1½ cups milk. Once thickened, stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar, monterey jack, or your favorite melting cheese until smooth.

Can I add other seasonings to enhance the flavor?

Definitely! Try adding ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the vegetables before topping with cheese. A dash of hot sauce or paprika can also add a nice flavor dimension without making it spicy.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese, whole grain crackers instead of Ritz, and cut the butter in half. You can also increase the vegetable-to-cheese ratio for fewer calories per serving.

Easy Cheesy Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Name: Easy Cheesy Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) bag broccoli frozen (see note 1); 1 (16 ounce) bag carrots frozen; 1 (16 ounce) bag cauliflower frozen; 1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta sliced (see note 2); 1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed (see note 3); 1/4 cup butter, melted (1/2 stick)

This Easy Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that transforms ordinary frozen veggies into something extraordinary. With its gooey melted cheese and buttery cracker topping, this casserole turns vegetable skeptics into believers! It’s ridiculously simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying side dish but don’t have time for anything complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: With just 5 ingredients and minimal prep work, this casserole practically makes itself while you handle other dinner tasks.
Family-Friendly: The creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make vegetables irresistible, even to the pickiest eaters in your household.
Versatile: Works perfectly as a side dish for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or weeknight suppers. It’s also hearty enough to serve as a main dish with a side salad.
Budget-Friendly: Using frozen vegetables and simple ingredients keeps this dish affordable while still delivering big on flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen Vegetables: A colorful mix of broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower provides nutrition and visual appeal. These vegetables hold their shape well during cooking and offer complementary flavors and textures.
Velveeta Cheese: This processed cheese product creates an unbelievably smooth, creamy sauce that coats every vegetable. Its melt factor is unmatched and creates that comforting, nostalgic flavor.
Ritz Crackers: These buttery rounds create the perfect golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft vegetables below. Their slightly sweet flavor adds another dimension to the dish.
Butter: Transforms the cracker topping from merely crushed crackers to a rich, cohesive crumble that browns beautifully in the oven.

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

Different Vegetable Combinations

Try using different frozen vegetable medleys like mixed peppers, green beans, or peas. You can even add corn for a touch of sweetness or spinach for extra nutrition.

Cheese Options

If Velveeta isn’t your thing, try using a combination of shredded cheddar and monterey jack with a bit of cream cheese to maintain that creamy texture. A sprinkle of parmesan in the cracker topping adds wonderful nutty flavor.

Add Protein

Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding cooked diced chicken, ham, or even browned ground beef before topping with cheese.

Flavor Boosters

Enhance the flavor with additions like a teaspoon of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the vegetables before baking.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine the frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them uncovered on high for 12-15 minutes, until they’re warmed through but still maintain their shape.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

Transfer your warmed vegetables to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Arrange the Velveeta slices over the top of the vegetables, making sure to cover most of the surface for even melting.

Step 3: Create the Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, tossing until all crumbs are coated. The butter helps the crackers turn golden and crispy as they bake. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling around the edges, and the cracker topping has turned an appetizing golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep them slightly firm after microwaving as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. This prevents a mushy final texture.
Slice Cheese Thinly: For faster, more even melting, cut the Velveeta into thin slices rather than thick chunks.
Create Texture Contrast: Press some of the cracker topping firmly into the cheese while leaving some looser on top for varied texture in every bite.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese sauce set slightly so servings hold together better on the plate.

How to Serve

This vegetable casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes:

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham for a complete meal that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Holiday Favorite

This casserole earns a place of honor at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables, where its bright colors and comforting flavors complement traditional holiday fare.

Potluck Star

The casserole travels well and stays delicious even after sitting for a while, making it perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Ahead

Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Keep refrigerated and covered with foil, then remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often meld and improve overnight, making for fantastic next-day eating.

Freezing

While the fresh version is best, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh vegetables, you’ll need about 9 cups total. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until just tender, then drain and pat dry before assembling the casserole. This prevents excess water from making your casserole soupy.
My family doesn’t like Velveeta. What’s a good substitute?

You can make a simple homemade cheese sauce by melting 2 tablespoons butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons flour, then gradually adding 1½ cups milk. Once thickened, stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar, monterey jack, or your favorite melting cheese until smooth.
Can I add other seasonings to enhance the flavor?

Definitely! Try adding ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the vegetables before topping with cheese. A dash of hot sauce or paprika can also add a nice flavor dimension without making it spicy.
How can I make this casserole healthier?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese, whole grain crackers instead of Ritz, and cut the butter in half. You can also increase the vegetable-to-cheese ratio for fewer calories per serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Vegetable Casserole has been winning over vegetable avoiders for generations, and for good reason. There’s something magical about the combination of tender vegetables, creamy cheese, and that irresistible buttery crunch on top. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish or trying to get more vegetables into your family’s diet, this casserole delivers both comfort and nutrition in every bite. Give it a try. I’m betting it becomes a regular request at your dinner table!