Description
This Crispy Cheesy Roasted Broccoli recipe features tender broccoli florets blanched to perfection, topped with a flavorful, crunchy blend of sharp Cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and buttery panko crumbs, then broiled to a golden crisp. It’s a delicious and easy vegetable side dish bursting with cheesy goodness and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, perfect for adding a gourmet touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Preparation
- 1 head broccoli (cut into florets with 1-inch stems attached)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Topping Mixture
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 450°F and place a large, rimmed sheet pan on the middle rack to heat while preparing the broccoli.
- Prepare Broccoli: Rinse and cut broccoli into uniform florets about 1-inch in size. Bring a large pot of water with 1 teaspoon salt to a boil.
- Create Ice Bath: Fill a large mixing bowl with ice water and set nearby for blanching.
- Blanch Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to boiling water, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 2 minutes to soften slightly while retaining crispness and bright color.
- Shock Broccoli: Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli immediately to the ice water bath to stop cooking, chilling for 2 minutes.
- Dry Broccoli: Remove broccoli from ice water, place on paper towel-lined plate, and pat dry thoroughly with additional paper towels to ensure crisp roasting.
- Toss with Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine broccoli with olive oil, remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast Broccoli: Remove the hot sheet pan from oven and spread broccoli mixture evenly. Switch oven setting to broil and return pan to middle rack; broil for 4 minutes until starting to char.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: While broccoli broils, mix melted butter, panko crumbs, shredded Cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium bowl.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove broccoli from oven and evenly sprinkle breadcrumb-cheese mixture over the top.
- Broil with Topping: Return baking sheet to oven and broil for an additional 3–5 minutes, watching carefully for cheese to melt and edges to crisp without burning. If browning too quickly, remove pan and turn off broiler for 1 minute before finishing with residual heat.
- Serve: Remove from oven when broccoli is fork-tender and topping is golden crispy. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect cheesy roasted broccoli side dish.
Notes
- Be sure to pat the broccoli dry thoroughly after blanching to help achieve maximum crispiness when broiled.
- Watch the broccoli closely during the final broil to prevent cheese from burning.
- You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spice.
- Use sharp Cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- This recipe works well using a baking sheet with rims to contain any melting cheese and oil.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko bread crumbs.
