Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan is a classic dish that transforms a humble vegetable into a mouthwatering side. With the addition of marinara sauce and mozzarella, this dish offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the broccoli, while the garlic enhances its savory notes. The marinara sauce and mozzarella provide a delightful touch of Italian flair. This recipe is easy to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to impress any dinner guest.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are quite common and you probably already have them in your pantry. However, one ingredient that might not be a regular in your pantry is the marinara sauce, which is an Italian tomato sauce that contains onions, garlic and herbs. It is widely available in most supermarkets and grocery stores. You can find it in the pasta and spaghetti sauce aisle. If you prefer, you could also make your own marinara sauce from scratch.
Ingredients for Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
Broccoli: This nutrient-rich vegetable is the star of the dish. Its unique flavor profile is enhanced by roasting.
Garlic cloves: Garlic cloves add a pungent, savory flavor that pairs well with the broccoli.
Extra virgin olive oil: This is used to roast the broccoli and garlic. It adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
Kosher salt: Kosher salt is used to season the dish. Its larger grains distribute more evenly than table salt.
Marinara sauce: This Italian tomato sauce brings a tangy sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the dish.
Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, mild flavor and a delightful gooey texture to the dish.
One reader, Carmen Stubblefield says:
This roasted broccoli with parmesan recipe is a game-changer! The broccoli turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful, and the parmesan adds a delightful touch. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Perfect Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
How to roast broccoli with parmesan: A step-by-step guide on roasting broccoli with parmesan, including trimming, slicing, and roasting techniques.
How to drizzle olive oil: Instructions on evenly drizzling olive oil over the broccoli and garlic cloves to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
How to season with salt: Techniques for seasoning both sides of the broccoli with salt to enhance the flavor and ensure even distribution.
How to top with marinara sauce and mozzarella: Instructions on evenly topping the roasted broccoli with marinara sauce and mozzarella to create a flavorful and cheesy finish.
How to bake until hot and cheese is melted: Tips for baking the dish until it reaches the desired temperature and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
How To Make Roasted Broccoli Parmesan
An easy and healthy vegetable dish, this roasted broccoli parmesan is made with garlic, kosher salt, marinara sauce, broccoli, and mozzarella cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1medium bunch broccoli with stems,(about 20 oz)
- 6garlic cloves,peeled and smashed
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ½tspkosher salt
- 1cupormarinara sauce,homemade or jarred
- ½cupmozzarella cheese,shredded
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
-
Trim about 1-inch off broccoli stems and discard. Slice the broccoli stalks in half lengthwise to have 4 pieces total.
-
Place the broccoli and the garlic cloves on a 9×13-inch baking pan and drizzle both sides of the broccoli florets and stems with olive oil.
-
Season both sides with salt and roast cut side up for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is browned on the bottom.
-
Turn the broccoli and garlic and roast for an additional 10 minutes until tender and browned and crisp.
-
Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake until hot and the cheese is melted for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 304.66kcal
- Fat: 17.86g
- Saturated Fat: 6.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.90g
- Carbohydrates: 25.18g
- Fiber: 7.11g
- Sugar: 12.31g
- Protein: 13.99g
- Cholesterol: 32.31mg
- Sodium: 994.00mg
- Calcium: 312.34mg
- Potassium: 1065.10mg
- Iron: 2.61mg
- Vitamin A: 167.21µg
- Vitamin C: 140.39mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Crispy Roasted Broccoli
When roasting broccoli, it's important to cut the stalks in half lengthwise. This allows the heat to penetrate more evenly, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Additionally, drizzling the olive oil over both sides of the broccoli ensures that it gets a nice, even roast. Remember to season both sides as well, as this will help to bring out the natural flavors of the broccoli. Lastly, adding the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese towards the end of the cooking process prevents them from burning and allows the cheese to melt perfectly over the broccoli.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and store the broccoli and garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator a day before. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut broccoli: If you're short on time, consider using pre-cut broccoli florets to skip the chopping step.
Multi-task: While the broccoli is roasting, prepare the marinara sauce and gather the mozzarella cheese to save time during the cooking process.
Convection setting: If your oven has a convection setting, use it to roast the broccoli faster and more evenly.
Broil for quick melting: After adding the marinara and mozzarella, broil the dish for a few minutes to quickly melt the cheese and heat the sauce.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Broccoli Parmesan Recipe
broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and flavor profile to broccoli when roasted, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor without the need for chopping or mincing.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in roasting.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness to the dish.
marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato sauce with Italian seasoning: Tomato sauce with Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute for marinara sauce, providing a similar flavor profile.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella, adding a rich and slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
Elevate the broccoli: Arrange the roasted broccoli and garlic cloves on a large, elegant serving platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and thyme over the roasted broccoli to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Drizzle with aged balsamic: Artfully drizzle a small amount of aged balsamic vinegar over the broccoli to enhance the flavors and add a touch of sophistication.
Serve on individual plates: Portion the roasted broccoli onto individual plates, ensuring each serving is meticulously arranged to showcase the beautiful caramelization and textures.
Add a sprinkle of truffle salt: Just before serving, delicately sprinkle a pinch of truffle salt over the roasted broccoli to impart a luxurious aroma and depth of flavor.
Accompany with a parmesan crisp: Serve the roasted broccoli alongside a delicate parmesan crisp, adding a crunchy element and a touch of indulgence to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Roasted Broccoli
- Oven: An essential appliance for roasting the broccoli to perfection.
- Baking pan: Used to hold the broccoli and garlic while roasting in the oven.
- Knife: To trim the broccoli stems and slice the broccoli stalks.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the broccoli.
- Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the olive oil and salt.
- Spatula: To turn the broccoli and garlic while roasting.
- Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling hot pans and dishes in the oven.
Storing and Freezing Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
- Let the roasted broccoli cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
- If you want to freeze the roasted broccoli, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the broccoli to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen roasted broccoli, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the frozen broccoli on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- If you've topped the roasted broccoli with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, it's best to store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Reheating in the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the broccoli.
- To reheat refrigerated roasted broccoli with parmesan, place it on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
To reheat leftover roasted broccoli with parmesan, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the broccoli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese on top for added flavor and moisture. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Another option is to reheat the roasted broccoli in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method will help restore some of the crispiness that may have been lost during storage.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place the leftover roasted broccoli with parmesan in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help prevent the broccoli from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the broccoli is heated through. Be sure to check and stir the broccoli every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
If you want to add a twist to your leftover roasted broccoli, consider chopping it up and using it as a topping for a salad or as a filling for a wrap or sandwich. The flavors of the roasted garlic and parmesan cheese will add depth and richness to your dish, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Interesting Fact About Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
Broccoli is a great source of vitamins K and C, as well as a good source of folate (folic acid) and also provides potassium and fiber.
Is Making Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan Cost-Effective?
This roasted broccoli with parmesan recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, broccoli, is budget-friendly and packed with nutrients. The addition of garlic and olive oil enhances the flavor without breaking the bank. The use of mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce adds a touch of indulgence without significantly increasing the cost. Overall, this recipe offers a healthy and affordable option for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its simplicity, flavor, and affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12.
Is Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan Healthy?
The roasted broccoli with parmesan recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:
- Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants
- Garlic provides additional antioxidants and has potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system
- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- The mozzarella cheese adds saturated fat and calories to the dish
- Marinara sauce may contain added sugars and sodium, depending on the brand or recipe used
To enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese or opt for a low-fat variety to decrease the saturated fat content
- Choose a low-sodium, low-sugar marinara sauce or prepare a homemade version to control the ingredients
- Increase the proportion of broccoli to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Add other colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, to provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning, to add flavor without relying on excess salt or cheese
By making these adjustments, you can transform this tasty roasted broccoli dish into an even healthier option that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Opinion on Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
The recipe for roasted broccoli with parmesan is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the broccoli while adding a delicious charred flavor. The addition of garlic, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese elevates the dish, creating a savory and satisfying experience. The use of high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall taste. This recipe is a wonderful way to showcase the versatility of broccoli and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Enhance Your Roasted Broccoli Parmesan Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
Why trust this Roasted Broccoli Parmesan Recipe:
This roasted broccoli with parmesan recipe is a trusty choice for a flavorful and nutritious side dish. The combination of roasted broccoli and garlic creates a rich, savory flavor, enhanced by the use of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The addition of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese elevates the dish, adding a delightful touch of indulgence. With the perfect balance of textures and flavors, this recipe promises to be a hit at any dining table. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!