Parmesan Garlic Roasted Broccoli With Almonds
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Parmesan Garlic Roasted Broccoli With Almonds is the ultimate way to transform broccoli into a drool-worthy side dish! Tossed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, then roasted to perfection with Parmesan cheese and crunchy almonds, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a quick weeknight dinner, this broccoli recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
This Parmesan garlic roasted broccoli with almonds is the best broccoli recipe ever! Broccoli is tossed with garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sprinkled with Parmesan and sliced almonds and oven roasted to perfection – amazing!
Why You’ll Love Parmesan Garlic Roasted Broccoli With Almonds
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar creates a bold, savory, and slightly tangy taste that makes broccoli irresistible.
- Perfectly Roasted Texture: The roasting process caramelizes the broccoli, giving it crispy edges while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
- Crunchy Almonds: The sliced almonds add a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft, roasted broccoli.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this dish is a delicious way to add more vegetables to your meals while staying guilt-free.
This epic broccoli recipe takes a simple roasted broccoli a step further by adding Parmesan cheese, balsamic drizzle and roasted almonds! Even broccoli haters love this caramelized roasted broccoli, it tastes amazing!
Ingredients For Parmesan Garlic Roasted Broccoli With Almonds
- Broccoli – The star of the dish! Slice the florets thinly for even cooking and caramelized edges.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps the broccoli roast to perfection.
- Balsamic vinegar – Provides a subtle tangy sweetness that enhances the roasted flavors.
- Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic infuses bold and aromatic flavor into the dish.
- Sliced almonds – Adds a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to complement the tender broccoli.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese – A savory topping that melts slightly during roasting for a cheesy finish.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing all the flavors together.
For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
The broccoli florets in this recipe are sliced lengthwise, so they are thin and lay flat on a baking sheet. When sliced this way, not only does the broccoli look more impressive, but it also cooks quicker and the flat shape allows more Parmesan and almonds to stick to the broccoli!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Parmesan Garlic Roasted Broccoli With Almonds
- Baking sheet – For spreading the broccoli in a single layer for even roasting.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl – To toss the broccoli with the olive oil mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise measurements of the ingredients.
- Whisk or fork – To mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic together smoothly.
If you don’t feel like doing the extra work of slicing the broccoli, feel free to leave it in regular broccoli florets and add another 5 minutes to the baking time. No matter which way you slice this broccoli, it tastes amazing in a caramelized Parmesan garlic form!
This is a perfect clean eating recipe, broccoli is so good for you and this is the easiest way to incorporate more broccoli into your diet! When broccoli tastes so yummy, it’s so easy to eat the whole head of broccoli at once!
How To Make Parmesan Garlic Roasted Broccoli With Almonds
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice the broccoli florets lengthwise to create thin, flat pieces. This step helps them cook evenly and caramelize beautifully.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl to make a flavorful dressing.
- Toss the broccoli florets in the dressing, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the broccoli on the baking sheet in a single layer for even roasting.
- Roast the broccoli for 7 minutes, then remove it from the oven and sprinkle with sliced almonds and Parmesan cheese.
- Return the broccoli to the oven for another 7 minutes, or until it’s tender, golden, and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful and crunchy side dish!
Making Parmesan roasted broccoli is really easy. First make a balsamic dressing in a cup by mixing extra-virgin olive oil, minced fresh garlic and balsamic vinegar. Then toss the sliced broccoli florets with the dressing and put on a baking sheet. Roast in a 425F oven for 7 minutes, then take out of the oven and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese and almonds. Put the broccoli back in the oven and roast for another 7 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Delicious!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs or Crispy Air Fryer Barbecue Pork Chops for a complete and healthy meal.
- Pair with a creamy pasta dish, such as Creamy Alfredo Pasta or Simple One-Pot Pasta With Ground Beef, for a comforting dinner.
- Add it to a grain bowl with Fluffy Quinoa or Quick and Healthy Instant Pot Farro, topped with a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze.
- Serve it as part of a holiday spread alongside Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast Tenderloin or Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Steak.
- Enjoy it as a snack or appetizer with a squeeze of Refreshing Freshly Squeezed Lemonade for extra brightness.
When you make this yummy Parmesan broccoli, don’t throw out the stems! Broccoli stems can be made into another delicious recipe – check out my roasted broccoli stems, you’ll love them!
Tips For Success
- Slice the Broccoli Properly: Cutting the broccoli lengthwise into thin, flat florets ensures even roasting and gives more surface area for the Parmesan and almonds to stick. If you prefer, you can use regular florets but add an extra 5 minutes to the roasting time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil make a noticeable difference in flavor. Pre-minced garlic or low-quality oil might not yield the same rich, aromatic results.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it helps the broccoli caramelize instead of burning.
- Toss Evenly: Make sure every floret is evenly coated with the olive oil mixture. This ensures uniform roasting and prevents dry spots.
- Watch the Almonds: Almonds can burn quickly during roasting. Keep an eye on the broccoli during the second roasting stage to prevent this from happening.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the broccoli after roasting and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Serve Immediately: Roasted broccoli is best served fresh out of the oven while it’s hot and crispy. If it sits too long, it may lose some of its crunch.
- Experiment With Toppings: For extra flavor, try a drizzle of honey, lemon zest, or an extra dash of balsamic glaze just before serving.
Variations And Substitutions
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the broccoli for a spicy kick. This works well for those who enjoy a little heat with their veggies.
- Swap the Almonds: If you don’t have sliced almonds, try using chopped walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts. Each provides a slightly different nutty flavor and texture.
- Make It Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese and replace it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free alternative. You can also use a vegan Parmesan substitute.
- Use Broccoli Stems: Don’t discard those stems! Slice them thinly and roast them along with the florets for zero waste and added crunch.
- Change the Cheese: Swap Parmesan with grated Pecorino Romano or crumbled feta for a unique flavor profile.
- Try a New Veggie: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or even green beans. The same preparation and roasting technique will work perfectly with these veggies.
- Experiment With Seasonings: Add your favorite herbs and spices to the olive oil mixture. Rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, or cumin are excellent options to customize the flavor.
- Add Citrus: Brighten up the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice before serving. You can also garnish with zest for an extra pop of freshness.
- Use Balsamic Glaze: For a richer balsamic flavor, drizzle store-bought or homemade balsamic glaze over the finished broccoli instead of using balsamic vinegar in the marinade.
- Include Protein: Turn this side dish into a light main meal by tossing the roasted broccoli with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Transfer leftover Parmesan garlic roasted broccoli to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid keeping it at room temperature for extended periods to maintain its freshness.
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This method helps retain the crispy texture.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second increments until warm. While convenient, this method may make the broccoli softer.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, reheat the broccoli in an air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. The air fryer revives the crunchy edges beautifully.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the roasted broccoli may become mushy upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture. If using frozen, let it thaw and pat it dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture before roasting. This prevents sogginess and ensures crispy results.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting soggy?
Make sure to dry the broccoli thoroughly after washing it and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Roasting in a single layer allows the hot air to circulate evenly, giving you crispy, caramelized edges.
What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare and roast it a few hours ahead. Reheat it in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispness before serving.
What other toppings can I use?
Feel free to experiment! Crumbled goat cheese, toasted breadcrumbs, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can all add delicious variations to this dish.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally keto-friendly! Just ensure the balsamic vinegar you use is low in sugar to keep it suitable for a keto diet.
How do I serve this at a party?
Serve the roasted broccoli on a large platter, garnished with a little extra Parmesan and almonds for presentation. It pairs beautifully with other roasted vegetables or a variety of meats and grains.
What should I do with leftover stems?
Don’t throw them out! Slice them thinly and roast them alongside the florets, or use them in stir-fries, soups, or even salads for added crunch.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use two baking sheets so the broccoli isn’t overcrowded. Roast them in separate batches or rotate the sheets halfway through for even cooking.
What’s the best way to clean broccoli before cooking?
Rinse the broccoli under cold water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Make sure it’s completely dry before tossing it in the olive oil mixture to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
If you like this amazing Parmesan roasted broccoli with almonds, you will also love these healthy easy recipes:
Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower – my favorite way of eating cauliflower!
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Wedges – garlic Parmesan zucchini oven fries, they are so addictive!
Parmesan Crusted Salmon – gorgeous baked salmon with a Parmesan garlic crust, yum!
Kale Salad With Almonds – got some sliced almonds left over from this recipe? Use them in this healthy delicious salad!
Crunchy Roasted Peas – crispy snack that’s actually good for you!
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli With Almonds
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of broccoli
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Whisk or fork
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut off broccoli stems and discard. Slice broccoli florets lengthwise (so they are thinner) and put in a bowl.
- In a cup, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and minced garlic and whisk with fork.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the broccoli florets and toss to coat.
- Put the broccoli florets on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Put in the oven and bake for 7 minutes.
- Remove broccoli from the oven and sprinkle with almonds and Parmesan cheese.
- Put the broccoli back in the oven and bake for another 7 minutes.
More Side Dish Recipes
- Crunchy Apple Carrot Slaw With Radishes
- Sweet and Spicy Mango Stir-Fry Recipe
- Creamy Ricotta Cheese Toast Ideas
This Parmesan garlic roasted broccoli with almonds is the best broccoli recipe ever!
deliciously crispy and flavorful side dish!