Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish turns a basic vegetable into something truly crave-worthy. The broccoli gets beautifully roasted until the edges are crispy, then it’s topped with cheese that melts and browns into a delicious crust. It’s a great way to sneak more greens into meals without feeling like I’m eating plain veggies. Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Broccoli florets
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Olive oil
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan)
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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I toss the broccoli florets in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated.
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I spread the broccoli out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd.
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I roast them for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender and the edges are starting to crisp.
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I sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the roasted broccoli and return the tray to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
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I remove the tray from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people as a side dish. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to cook, making it ready in just under 35 minutes total.
Variations
Sometimes I like to mix things up by using different cheeses—smoked gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack add a fun twist. I’ve also added a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat or tossed the broccoli with a touch of lemon zest before roasting for extra brightness. For a lower-dairy version, I reduce the cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, which helps bring back some of the crispiness. I avoid microwaving it if I want to keep that crispy texture.
FAQs
How do I make the broccoli extra crispy?
I make sure the florets are completely dry before tossing them in oil, and I spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, I can, but I make sure to thaw and pat it dry really well before roasting to avoid sogginess.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend of cheeses also melt beautifully and taste great.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the cheese is gluten-free, this dish contains no gluten ingredients.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Absolutely. I air fry the broccoli at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, then top it with cheese and air fry for another 2–3 minutes until melted.
Conclusion
Crispy cheese broccoli is the kind of side dish I keep coming back to. It’s easy, delicious, and even picky eaters tend to love it. Whether I’m looking for a quick weeknight side or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, this recipe delivers every time.
Print
Crispy Cheese Broccoli: Your New Favorite Side Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This crispy cheese broccoli is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish with golden edges, melty cheese, and tender bites in every forkful.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread the broccoli evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crispy and browned.
Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the broccoli and return to the oven for 3-5 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes after adding cheese.
You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Frozen broccoli can be used — just thaw and pat dry first to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
