The Easiest Cheesy California Blend Casserole Recipe - Operation $40K (2024)

The Easiest Cheesy California Blend Casserole Recipe

I may have been compensated for this post. Please keep in mind that it affects you in no way financially. If an item is being reviewed, I am not obligated to give a positive review and always use my own words. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsem*nts and Testimonials in Advertising. If you would like a review done contact Dannelle at op40k@aol.com

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish? Look no further than our California Blend Casserole! This dish is perfect to add to a weeknight meal, and it’s sure to please when you take it to a potluck. The best part? This 5 ingredient gem only takes about 20 minutes to make! It will be one of your go-to side dish recipes and more popular than green bean casserole.

What is California Blend?

California Blend is a vegetable medley that includes broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. You can find this blend in the frozen aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t, it is possible to buy a bag of each item individually and make the vegetable mixture combination yourself too if it isn’t at your grocery store.

Is California Blend Healthy?

Yes! Frozen California Blend is a great way to get your vegetables in. Each serving of this casserole has approximately:

-Broccoli: 27 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 0 milligrams of sodium
-Cauliflower: 25 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 55 milligrams of sodium
-Carrots: 52 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 0 milligrams of sodium

This casserole is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Fiber helps to keep you regular and can help to lower cholesterol. Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps to boost your immune system.

California Blend Casserole With Cream of Mushroom Soup

If you aren’t a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can make it without – it is less “casserole-y” and more like a hot vegetable dish. It will work, with the Velveeta cheese and Ritz crackers – and that stick of butter. I have done it this way several times, when in a pinch and out of the soup.

California Blend Casserole With Ritz Crackers

Yes, this recipe uses that crispy buttery goodness that comes from crushing up Ritz crackers. You could use another type of cracker, but I think the Ritz really makes this dish. The butter and cheese help to bind the crackers together so they stick to the vegetables.

California Blend Casserole With Velveeta Cheese

OK, we talked about how healthy all those vegetables are, now we counter it with space food, LOL. Velveeta is not real cheese, but it does melt beautifully and makes this casserole extra creamy. You could use another type of cheese, but I think the Velveeta really brings out the flavors in this dish. Whatever you do, do not try cheese soup instead, shredded cheddar would be better. We tried Swiss cheese once and it was less than desirable.

California Blend Casserole Crock Pot Recipe?

Yes, you could make this casserole in a slow cooker – but the vegetables might get a tad mushy when done on a low temp for a longer time. If you did it at a higher temp for a shorter time, the Velveeta cheese might not melt enough to make it the desired consistency. It would work in a pinch – but not the best option when compared to an oven.

This won’t work in an air fryer either.

California Blend Casserole Ingredients

Let’s look at what you need to make this delicious side dish:

Frozen California Blend vegetables – keep in mind that a lot of bags are now only 12 ounces, you will want to look for a bag that is 16 ounces or you will have to get a couple bags
Cream of mushroom soup – any brand will work
Velveeta cheese – I would stick with the original flavor and not opt for low fat or sodium
Butter – not margarine, stick with the real butter. Obviously, this isn’t super healthy overall, but a little bit of butter won’t kill you
Ritz crackers – you could use another type of cracker, but I think the Ritz really makes this dish. Townhouse crackers make for a good backup option

How to Make this Easy California Blend Vegetable Casserole:

Thaw the California medley frozen veggies in the microwave. In a large bowl mix together the thawed frozen vegetables and the cream of mushroom soup. Place them in a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Slice the cheese, and put it on top of the veggies in the baking dish. Melt the butter in a small microwavable dish and set it aside. Crumble the Ritz crackers and then place the cracker crumbs on top of the cheese layer of your easy vegetable casserole. Pour the melted butter over all. Bake for 30 minutes at 350º.

Want to make this a main dish?

Switch the soup out to the cream of chicken flavor and fold in a few cups of diced chicken. I would recommend using a rotisserie chicken to make things easier. You could also add in some cooked rice before baking.

California Blend Casserole FAQs

What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?

If you aren’t a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can make it without – it is less “casserole-y” and more like a hot vegetable dish. It will work, with the Velveeta cheese and Ritz crackers – and that stick of butter. I have done it this way several times, when in a pinch and out of the soup.

What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?

If you want to mix things up a bit, you could try adding in some broccoli, cauliflower, or even diced potatoes. Just remember to thaw and drain them before adding them into the mix.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time – just don’t bake it until you are ready to serve. Assemble everything and then cover and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature. Then bake as directed.

This casserole is so easy to make and can be a great side dish or even a main course. The Velveeta cheese really makes it creamy and delicious. The Ritz crackers give it a nice crunch. Just remember to thaw the veggies before you start – and you are good to go!

Have you ever made a California Blend Casserole? What is your favorite casserole dish? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget

See Also

60 Amazing Toddler Recipes To Make Together - Mess for Less

Are you a meal planner? What is on the menu for your family this week?

Other recipes of ours you might enjoy if you like our Easy California Blend Casserole:

Print off our California Blend Casserole Recipe here: