Description
Perfect Alton Brown Roasted Broccoli delivers crispy, caramelized edges with bold garlic and lemon notes. Precise roasting technique ensures maximum flavor and texture, making this simple side dish irresistible for hungry vegetable enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) broccoli, rinsed and trimmed
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- ⅓ cup (45 grams) panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup (25 grams) finely grated Parmesan or sharp Cheddar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even roasting.
- Carefully separate the broccoli into small florets, then slice the stalk into delicate 1/8-inch (0.3 cm) rounds.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the broccoli pieces with extra virgin olive oil, minced fresh garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Select a 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) metal baking pan and spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly across its surface.
- Place the panko in the preheated oven for approximately 2 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a light golden color without burning.
- Remove the toasted panko from the oven and immediately fold it into the seasoned broccoli mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the crispy breadcrumbs.
- Return the broccoli and panko combination to the baking pan, spreading it in an even layer to promote uniform cooking.
- Roast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the broccoli becomes tender and develops slight caramelization at the edges.
- Withdraw the pan from the oven and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the hot broccoli, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese slightly.
- Serve immediately while the dish remains warm and the panko retains its crisp texture.
Notes
- Drizzle olive oil generously to help Panko crumbs adhere perfectly to the chicken surface.
- Golden-brown Panko requires constant attention during baking to achieve that crispy, crunchy texture without burning.
- Customize the flavor profile by experimenting with various herbs and spices in your seasoning blend.
- Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or even pepper jack can replace traditional Parmesan for a unique twist on this classic dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg