Roasted Broccoli Recipe by Alton Brown with a Crispy Edge

Roasted broccoli emerges as a culinary rockstar, transforming mundane green florets into a flavor-packed delicacy.

Crisp, caramelized edges whisper tales of gastronomic brilliance waiting to be savored.

High-heat cooking unleashes a symphony of taste that dances across your palate with wild abandon.

Strategically scattered seasonings elevate this humble vegetable from ordinary to extraordinary.

Panko breadcrumbs deliver a surprising crunch that electrifies each bite with textural excitement.

Melted cheese weaves a rich, umami melody through the verdant landscape of perfectly roasted broccoli.

Tender yet crackling, this side dish promises a sensory experience that will make you fall in love with vegetables all over again.

Revolutionize your dinner plate with this irresistible recipe.

Instructions to Make Alton Brown Roasted Broccoli

Crispy Golden Broccoli Bake

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a blazing 425°F, creating the perfect roasting environment for transforming broccoli into a crunchy delight.

• Prep and Season

Break broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice the stalk into delicate rounds. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle fresh garlic, and dust with salt and pepper, massaging the flavors into every crevice.

• Toast Breadcrumb Magic

Spread panko breadcrumbs in a metal pan and quickly toast in the hot oven until they turn a tempting golden color, releasing a nutty aroma that promises crunch.

• Combine and Roast

Mix the toasted breadcrumbs with the seasoned broccoli, ensuring each piece gets a crispy coating. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and roast until the edges caramelize and the broccoli becomes tender, about 8-10 minutes.

• Finishing Touch

Pull the pan from the oven and sprinkle with a shower of cheese. Serve immediately, letting the steam and aroma invite everyone to dig in and enjoy this irresistible veggie transformation.

Helpful Tips for Alton Brown Roasted Broccoli

• Crisp Up Breadcrumbs: Toast panko before mixing with broccoli to maximize crunchiness and add a delightful golden-brown texture without burning.
• Customize Seasoning Blend: Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to transform the flavor profile and match your meal's theme.
• Cheese Variations: Swap parmesan for pecorino romano, aged cheddar, or nutritional yeast to create unique taste experiences and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Make It Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, cayenne, or drizzle hot sauce over roasted broccoli to kick up the heat and add exciting complexity to the dish.

Ways to Serve Alton Brown Roasted Broccoli

• Elevate with Protein Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or baked salmon for a complete, nutritious meal that balances the crispy roasted broccoli.
• Create a Mediterranean Plate: Accompany the roasted broccoli with hummus, tzatziki, warm pita bread, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a vibrant, flavorful spread.
• Transform into a Hearty Side Dish: Toss the roasted broccoli over quinoa or brown rice, adding a drizzle of lemon juice and extra Parmesan for a satisfying vegetarian option.
• Add Gourmet Brunch Touch: Use as a delicious topping for open-faced eggs benedict or mix into a morning frittata for an unexpected vegetable twist.

Storage Info for Alton Brown Roasted Broccoli

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover roasted broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its crispy texture and delicious flavor.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the broccoli mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for quick weeknight cooking, saving valuable time during busy evenings.
• Freezing Tips: Freeze cooled roasted broccoli in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, perfect for future quick side dishes or meal additions.
• Reheating Tricks: Revive leftover broccoli in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore its crispy panko coating and bring back the original roasted taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Alton Brown Roasted Broccoli

• Broccoli: Select fresh, vibrant green florets with tight, compact clusters and no yellow or brown spots.
• Garlic: Choose firm, plump cloves without sprouting or soft spots for the most robust flavor.

• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin for a rich, fruity undertone that enhances roasted vegetables.
• Kosher Salt: Use coarse-grained salt for better texture and more controlled seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides a more intense and aromatic flavor profile.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for Japanese-style breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness and light texture.

• Cheese: Select a hard, aged variety like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a sharp, nutty complement to the roasted broccoli.

Tools to Prepare Alton Brown Roasted Broccoli

• Oven: Preheats to high temperature for roasting broccoli.
• 13×9 inch metal cake pan: Perfect for even roasting and browning.
• Mixing bowl: Helps toss broccoli with seasonings smoothly.
• Cutting board: Essential for slicing broccoli stalk.
• Sharp knife: Needed to separate florets and slice stalk precisely.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Crispy Alton Brown Roasted Broccoli Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s roasted broccoli recipe elevates simple green florets into a crispy, flavorful side dish. Garlic, olive oil, and salt create a delicious caramelized finish that makes you crave more green vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) broccoli, rinsed and trimmed
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• ⅓ cup (45 g) panko bread crumbs
• ¼ cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan or sharp Cheddar
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F with center rack positioned for optimal roasting, ensuring even heat distribution.
2. Floret Processing: Deconstruct broccoli into bite-sized florets and delicately slice stalks into thin rounds, maximizing vegetable utilization.
3. Seasoning Blend: Amalgamate broccoli with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a comprehensive mixing bowl, thoroughly coating each piece to guarantee flavor penetration.
4. Breadcrumb Toasting: Distribute panko across a metal baking pan, briefly roasting for 2 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue without scorching.
5. Mixing Integration: Incorporate toasted panko into seasoned broccoli, ensuring complete and uniform distribution of crispy elements.
6. Roasting Stage: Arrange broccoli mixture in an even layer across baking pan, roasting 8-10 minutes until edges caramelize and vegetable becomes tender with crisp exterior.
7. Finishing Touch: Immediately sprinkle parmesan cheese over hot broccoli, allowing residual heat to gently melt the cheese and enhance overall flavor profile.
8. Serving: Present warm, showcasing the perfectly roasted broccoli with its crisp panko coating and melted parmesan garnish.

Notes

Maximize Flavor Infusion: Toss broccoli thoroughly with oil and seasonings to ensure every piece gets an even, delicious coating.

Breadcrumb Technique: Toast panko carefully for 2 minutes to achieve golden color without burning, which adds crucial crunch and nutty flavor.

Perfect Roasting Timing: Watch broccoli closely during 8-10 minute roasting window to capture tender texture with caramelized edges without overcooking.

Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle parmesan immediately after roasting, letting residual heat gently melt the cheese for a luxurious finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 254 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg