Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite side dish: Parmesan Roasted Broccoli! Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that makes me feel like a kitchen rockstar, and it’s so simple, you won’t believe it. The way the broccoli gets perfectly crispy in the oven, combined with that rich, nutty flavor of melted Parmesan cheese, is just heavenly. Trust me, when I whip this up, my family practically fights over the last piece. It’s a side dish that feels fancy, yet it’s ready in no time! Whether you’re serving it with a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this dish always brings a smile to my face (and a satisfied belly!). You’ve got to try it!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is super important because it helps the broccoli roast evenly and get that delightful crispy texture we all adore. Trust me, if you skip this part, you might end up with soggy broccoli, and nobody wants that!
Toss the Broccoli
Now, grab a big bowl and toss in your 1 pound of broccoli florets. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and add salt and pepper to taste. Oh, and don’t be shy with the seasoning! Give it a good toss until all the florets are coated evenly. It’s like a little dance party for your broccoli, and you want every piece to be invited!
Roast the Broccoli
Next, spread the broccoli out in a single layer on a baking sheet. This helps them roast nicely without steaming each other. Pop that sheet into your preheated oven and roast for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them—this is when the magic happens! The broccoli will turn a lovely shade of bright green and start to get those gorgeous crispy edges.
Add Parmesan
After 15 minutes, it’s time for the grand finale! Pull the broccoli out of the oven and sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese all over the top. Then, it’s back in the oven for another 5 minutes. This is when the cheese melts and gets all gooey and delicious. Just wait until you see that golden, bubbly goodness—your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll be counting down the seconds until you can dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: You can whip this up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed: The combination of roasted broccoli with nutty Parmesan takes your taste buds on a delightful journey.
- Healthy side dish: Packed with nutrients, broccoli is a great addition to any meal, keeping things light and nutritious.
- Versatile: Pair it with any main dish, from grilled chicken to pasta, or even enjoy it on its own as a snack!
- Kid-approved: My kids can’t resist the cheesy goodness, and it’s a sneaky way to get them to eat their veggies!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make your Parmesan Roasted Broccoli even more amazing with some handy tips! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your dish to the next level.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When you spread your broccoli on the baking sheet, make sure there’s some space between the florets. This helps them roast rather than steam, giving you that glorious crispy texture.
- Experiment with seasonings: While garlic powder is a classic, feel free to get creative! Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh twist. The possibilities are endless!
- Check for doneness: Broccoli can vary in size, so keep an eye on it while roasting. If your florets are smaller, they might only need 12-13 minutes, while larger ones might need a couple of extra minutes. You want them tender yet still vibrant in color!
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh broccoli is always my go-to, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli florets can work too! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before tossing with the oil and seasonings.
- Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd (or just really love broccoli), consider doubling the ingredients! Just remember to roast them in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
With these tips, you’ll be a broccoli-roasting pro in no time. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s a handy estimate of the nutritional values for one serving of my delicious Parmesan Roasted Broccoli. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the exact ingredients you use, but they give you a great idea of what you’re munching on.
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it a fabulous addition to your meals. Enjoy knowing you’re treating your body well while savoring every cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer fresh broccoli for its crispiness, frozen broccoli can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before tossing with the olive oil and seasonings. You may need to adjust the roasting time slightly, so keep an eye on it!
What other cheeses can I use besides Parmesan?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can definitely swap out Parmesan for other cheeses! Grated Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar can bring a new flavor profile to your roasted broccoli. Just remember, the key is to use a cheese that melts well!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for about 3–4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave. They may lose a bit of crispiness, but the flavor will still be fantastic!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the broccoli and toss it with the olive oil and seasonings a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. However, I recommend roasting it fresh for the best texture and flavor!
What should I serve with Parmesan Roasted Broccoli?
This dish is super versatile! It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pasta, or even as part of a vegetarian spread. I love serving it alongside lemon herb chicken or pasta primavera for a delightful meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, if you’ve got any leftovers of this delicious Parmesan Roasted Broccoli (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), storing them properly is key to keeping that yummy flavor intact. Just pop the leftovers into an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, which is perfect for those lunchbox additions or quick snacks later on!
When it comes to reheating, I’ve found the oven is your best friend here. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), spread the broccoli on a baking sheet, and warm it up for about 10 minutes. This helps revive that lovely crispiness we all adore. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just nuke it for about 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with soggy broccoli. Nobody wants that!
And hey, if you want to jazz it up a little when reheating, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top before popping it back in the oven. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a great source on the health benefits of broccoli, visit Healthline.
To learn more about the nutritional value of Parmesan cheese, you can check this study.
Print
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is a simple and tasty side dish. It combines the flavors of broccoli and Parmesan cheese for a delicious experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven and roast for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted and broccoli is tender.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon juice before serving.
- You can substitute nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, Broccoli Recipe, Roasted Vegetables