These crackers are the unsung hero of Southern casseroles.

Southerners know that you could’t go wrong by finishing acozy casserolewith a Ritz cracker topping.

They just might convince you to keep a box on hand in your pantry at all times.

Southern Living Million Dollar Potato Casserole in the dish ready to serve

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A whole sleeve makes up the topping and adds a little bit of crunch to each bite.

A Ritz cracker serves as the base for slices of hard-cooked egg and a mayonnaise mixture.

Of course, they’re finished with a sprinkling of paprika.

Southern Living Mock Apple pie sliced and ready to serve with ice cream

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You’ll know it’s ready to take out of the oven when the topping is browned.

Just ensure they’re finely crushed for the best results.

A layer of gooeyCheddar cheeseadds unexpected, but delicious, flavor.

Southern Living Pineapple Casserole serving on a plate

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Enter this broccoli casserole recipe that comes together entirely on the stovetop.

A little bit of thyme also adds a touch of freshness.

Instead of canned pineapple chunks, it uses fresh slices.

Chicken Cheese-Broccoli Casserole

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But one thing remains the same: It still calls for Ritz crackers for the topping.

From a potluck to family dinner to a holiday meal, it’ll disappear quickly.

Serve it over rice for a comforting meal that will become afamily favorite.

No-Stuff Deviled Eggs

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Flavor the coating with someranch dressing mix, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

They also help bind the meatloaf and absorb excess moisture without drying it out.

After baking, little cornichon garnishes complete the festive look.

Southern Living Tuna Noodle Casserole in a casserole dish ready to serve

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Coarsely crushed Ritz crackers are just the complementary topping this creamy dish needs.

This Zucchini Casserole is it.

The zucchini keeps its crisp texture, and the cracker topping adds more crunch.

Southern Living Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy on a plate to serve with broccoli

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Make this hash brown-style casserole for any and every occasion.

Southern Living Old School Squash Casserole with a serving scooped out onto a plate with a fork

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Old-Fashioned Apple And Cheese Casserole

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Southern Living Stovetop Broccoli Casserole in a dish to serve

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Scalloped Corn Casserole - Southern Living

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New-School Pineapple Casserole in casserole dish

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broccoli cheese casserole - Southern Living

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Southern Living Poppy Seed Chicken in a bowl to serve

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Southern Living Ritz Cracker Chicken on a plate to serve with salad

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Million Dollar Meatloaf - Southern Living

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Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches - Southern Living

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Southern Living Million Dollar Chicken Casserole plated and ready to serve

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Southern Living Zucchini Casserole in the dish to serve

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