Imagine transforming ordinary broccoli into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that's so delicious, it'll have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds. This Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Parmesan recipe is not just another boring vegetable side dish – it's a game-changing, flavor-packed experience that will revolutionize the way you think about healthy eating. With a perfect balance of crispy edges, tender centers, and a rich Parmesan cheese finish, this recipe proves that nutritious food can be absolutely spectacular.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure crispy roasting.
- Trim any tough stems from the broccoli florets and cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
- Spread the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and browning.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven when the broccoli edges are crispy and golden brown, and the florets are tender.
- Immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot roasted broccoli, allowing the cheese to slightly melt from the residual heat.
- Transfer the roasted broccoli to a serving dish and serve hot as a delicious side dish or nutritious vegetable accompaniment.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always thoroughly dry your broccoli florets before roasting to ensure they become golden and crisp instead of steaming.
- Use a large baking sheet and spread the broccoli in a single layer. Overcrowding will cause steaming instead of roasting, preventing those delicious caramelized edges.
- High heat is crucial – 425°F creates the perfect environment for crispy, caramelized broccoli. Don't be afraid of a little browning; that's where the deep flavor develops.
- Invest in fresh garlic and grate your Parmesan cheese just before using for maximum flavor impact.
- For extra flavor variations, try adding red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or experimenting with different hard cheese alternatives like Pecorino Romano.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
