Broccoli and cheese — two ingredients that create a match made in culinary heaven. When you roast broccoli to golden perfection and top it with gooey cheddar cheese, you get a side dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.
Get ready to turn your ordinary broccoli into an extraordinary family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheddar takes roasted broccoli to a whole new level of indulgence.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Roast it in the oven or try the air fryer for an equally satisfying result.
Ingredients for Cheesy Roasted Broccoli
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need just five simple ingredients:
- Broccoli florets (1 lb): Use fresh or frozen broccoli, depending on what you have on hand.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): This helps the broccoli crisp up beautifully.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded, ½ cup): Choose sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Adds a subtle savory note that complements the cheese.
- Salt: Season to your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). High heat ensures that the broccoli roasts evenly and achieves crispy edges.
2. Prepare the Broccoli
Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dry broccoli roasts better and avoids steaming.
Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, let it thaw completely and blot away any moisture.
3. Season the Broccoli
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, olive oil, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the florets are evenly coated.
4. Roast the Broccoli
Spread the broccoli in a casserole. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Place the broccoli casserole in the oven and roast the broccoli for 15 minutes. During this time, the florets will turn vibrant green with crispy, caramelized edges.
5. Add the Cheese
Take the tray out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the broccoli. Return the tray to the oven and roast for an additional 5–7 minutes. The cheese will melt, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.
6. Serve Immediately
Remove the tray from the oven and transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Enjoy it hot as a side dish or even as a snack.
Air Fryer Method
The air fryer is an excellent alternative for preparing cheesy roasted broccoli. It cooks quickly, with less oil, and delivers perfectly crispy results.
Instructions for Air Frying:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the broccoli for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Open the air fryer, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top, and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot and savor the cheesy goodness.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Roasted Broccoli
- Use Fresh Cheese: Shred the cheddar from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Smaller broccoli florets cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Parmesan, mozzarella, or a combination for different flavor profiles.
- Add a Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Finish with a Squeeze of Lemon: Brighten the dish with a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy roasted broccoli works as a side dish for a variety of meals, but it also shines on its own. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a well-rounded meal.
- Pair it with pasta or rice for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover cheesy roasted broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from the broccoli. The olive oil provides healthy fats, and the cheddar cheese adds calcium and protein, making this side dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw it completely and pat it dry before roasting to ensure a crispy texture.
2. Can I make this vegan?
Certainly! Replace the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
3. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Add the cheese in the final few minutes of cooking to prevent it from overcooking or turning bitter.
Enjoy creating this irresistible Cheesy Roasted Broccoli recipe that’s both comforting and easy to prepare!
