Crunchy Oven-Roasted Broccoli with Cheese Recipe

Broccoli lovers rejoice when they discover this magical crispy cheese baked broccoli recipe that turns ordinary vegetables into an irresistible side dish.

Tender florets nestled under a golden, crunchy cheese blanket promise to make even vegetable skeptics pause and take notice.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort to create something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of green nutrition and cheesy indulgence.

The cheese creates a delectable caramelized crust that makes broccoli absolutely addictive.

Crisp edges and melted cheese promise a delightful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this dish and watch as it disappears from the table in record time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Needed for Crispy Cheese Baked Broccoli

• Broccoli: Provides the nutritious foundation, choose fresh, vibrant green florets with tight, firm clusters that indicate peak freshness and crispness.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Delivers rich, tangy flavor and helps create golden crispy exterior, select high-quality aged cheeses for maximum taste impact.
• Eggs, Milk: Crucial for binding ingredients together, creating creamy texture and helping bread crumbs adhere perfectly to broccoli.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic depth that complements cheese's richness and enhances overall savory profile.
• Italian Bread Crumbs: Provides irresistible crispy coating, ensuring delightful crunch and golden brown exterior when baked.

Kitchen Tools to Prepare Crispy Cheese Broccoli

• Baking Sheet: Essential for spreading broccoli evenly and creating crispy texture.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up super easy.
• Medium Bowls (2): One for egg mixture, another for breadcrumb coating.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and milk smoothly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps get ingredients precise for best results.

How to Make Crispy Cheese Baked Broccoli Step-by-Step

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Gather all equipment and preheat oven to a high temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for perfect crispiness and easy cleanup.

• Egg Coating Magic

Create a smooth liquid mixture by whisking eggs and milk together until fully blended. This will help breadcrumbs stick beautifully to broccoli florets.

• Crumb Mixture Excitement

Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl – breadcrumbs, sharp cheddar, salty parmesan, and fragrant garlic powder. This blend will deliver incredible flavor and crunch.

• Broccoli Transformation

Dunk each broccoli piece into egg wash, then generously roll in seasoned crumb mixture. Press gently to ensure a thick, even coating that will become wonderfully crispy.

• Baking Adventure

Arrange coated broccoli pieces on prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching. Space allows each piece to become perfectly golden and crisp around the edges.

• Golden Perfection

Slide baking sheet into hot oven and bake until broccoli turns gorgeous golden brown. Watch carefully during the final minutes to prevent burning and ensure maximum deliciousness.

Cheese Topping Tips and Alternative Seasonings

• Making Broccoli Irresistible
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, monterey jack, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that elevate your broccoli game.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or Italian herb blend into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick of flavor that transforms this simple side dish.
• For maximum crispiness, pat broccoli completely dry before dipping in egg wash to ensure the coating sticks perfectly and achieves that golden crunch.
• Mix some ground flaxseed or almond meal into the breadcrumb coating to add healthy omega-3s and protein while maintaining the crispy exterior.

Delicious Ways to Serve Crispy Baked Broccoli

• Cheese Party Platter: Arrange the crispy broccoli bites on a large wooden board with small dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli for a fun appetizer spread that looks elegant and tastes amazing.
• Healthy Game Day Snack: Serve these cheesy broccoli bites as a nutritious alternative to traditional fried appetizers during sports viewing parties, giving guests a crunchy and satisfying option that's packed with vegetables.
• Family Dinner Side Dish: Pair the crispy broccoli with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or baked turkey to create a complete meal that adds exciting texture and flavor to your main course, making vegetables more appealing to kids and adults.
• Lunch Box Superstar: Pack these cooled crispy broccoli bites in lunch containers for school or work, providing a protein-rich and vegetable-loaded midday meal that stays crisp and delicious even when eaten at room temperature.

Storing and Reheating Broccoli With Cheese

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover baked broccoli in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its delightful crispiness.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Restore the crunchy texture by warming leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, avoiding the microwave that can make the coating soggy.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the breading mixture and cut broccoli in advance, storing separately in sealed containers to streamline your cooking process during busy weekdays.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Arrange uncooked, breaded broccoli pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient future meals – they'll bake directly from frozen with an extra 5-7 minutes of cooking time.

Delectable Broccoli

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy baked broccoli delights palates with its golden, crispy edges and rich parmesan coating. Nutritious florets emerge from ovens promising a quick, irresistible side dish that satisfies both health-conscious and comfort food lovers.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 heads broccoli (large, chopped into bite-size pieces)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) milk
• ¼ cup (30 g) parmesan cheese (fresh grated)
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal non-stick surface.
2. Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs and milk in a medium bowl until smooth and fully integrated, creating a uniform liquid base for coating.
3. Seasoning Blend: Combine panko breadcrumbs, sharp cheddar, parmesan, and garlic powder in a wide shallow dish, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Coating Process: Dip each broccoli floret into egg mixture, then transfer to seasoned breadcrumb blend, gently pressing to ensure complete and secure coverage.
5. Baking Setup: Arrange coated broccoli florets in a single, uncrowded layer on prepared baking sheet to guarantee maximum crispiness and even roasting.
6. Roasting: Bake in preheated oven for 20-23 minutes, rotating pan midway to promote uniform golden-brown coloration and achieve a satisfyingly crunchy exterior.
7. Serving: Remove from oven when broccoli reaches a rich golden color with a crisp coating, letting rest briefly before presenting to allow slight cooling and texture setting.

Notes

• Maximize Crispiness: Space broccoli florets without touching to allow hot air circulation and prevent soggy coating.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar and parmesan for maximum flavor intensity and better melting properties.
• Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture gently but firmly onto broccoli to create a thick, even crispy layer that adheres well.
• Temperature Control: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise 400°F for consistent golden-brown results and perfect texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg