Crispy Cheese Baked Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Cheese Baked Broccoli is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this green vegetable. Coated with a crunchy cheese and bread crumb crust, it makes a perfect snack or side dish that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

• 2 large heads of broccoli, chopped into bite size pieces
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (refrigerated)
• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix the Italian bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
4. Step 4: Dip each broccoli piece into the egg mixture until well coated, then press it firmly into the bread crumb and cheese mixture to coat thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18 to 25 minutes, checking around 20 minutes to ensure they are golden and crisp. Baking time may vary based on floret size.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately. These are great on their own or with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh grated parmesan cheese refrigerated in the dairy section for better adhesion and flavor, rather than the non-refrigerated shredded kind from the pasta aisle.
• Include mostly broccoli florets with some stem for easy handling and even cooking.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture before coating.

Storage

Store leftover baked broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Fresh broccoli works best because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and pat it dry thoroughly before coating to avoid sogginess.

What can I serve with crispy cheese baked broccoli?

This dish pairs well with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. It also makes a great side to grilled meats, pasta, or a light soup.

Crispy Cheese Baked Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

Crispy Cheese Baked Broccoli is a flavorful and crunchy baked side dish featuring tender broccoli florets coated in a cheesy bread crumb mixture. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, this easy recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy vegetables with a satisfying texture and rich cheese flavor.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Broccoli

• 2 large heads of broccoli, chopped into bite-size pieces

Coating Mixture

• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (refrigerated)
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Egg Wash

• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Prepare Egg Wash: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This mixture will help the bread crumbs and cheese adhere to the broccoli.
3. Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs, grated sharp cheddar cheese, fresh grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings and cheeses.
4. Coat Broccoli: Dip each piece of broccoli into the egg mixture until well coated. Then, thoroughly dip each piece into the bread crumb and cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well for maximum crispiness.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated broccoli florets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have room to crisp up properly during baking.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-25 minutes, or about 20 minutes depending on broccoli size. Keep an eye on them to achieve a perfect golden brown, crispy texture without burning.
7. Serve: Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy. These are delicious on their own, or served with ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

• Use fresh grated parmesan cheese (refrigerated) rather than shredded parmesan from the pasta aisle for better adhesion and flavor.
• Cut the broccoli primarily into florets with just enough stem to make them easy to handle and dip.
• To add a kick, sprinkle cayenne pepper into the bread crumb mixture before coating for a spicy twist.

Keywords: baked broccoli, crispy broccoli, cheese baked broccoli, cheesy broccoli, vegetable side dish, healthy snack, easy broccoli recipe