Today's Thanksgiving side-dish topic is broccoli! More specifically, the so-good-but-so-bad-for-you deliciousness that is Broccoli-Cheese Casserole. Oh, that is probably my favorite part of Thanksgiving! But, the fact that it's a perfectly good and healthy vegetable covered in liquid Cheez-Whiz is not quite excusable. Oops. Enter: this side dish. This is my absolute favorite way to prepare broccoli, because it's so simple, takes 4 ingredients {counting salt, pepper, and oil}, and it tastes amazing. I made this for dinner with a few of my friends and they said, and I quote, "This is the most delicious broccoli I have ever eaten in my entire life." End quote. And they really aren't vegetable lovers like I am! If this ridiculously easy, ridiculously delicious side dish can win them over, it can totally do the same for you. Impress your family with this super healthy, deceivingly delicious veggie!
As I mentioned, this is a healthy alternative to Broccoli-Cheese Casserole, so of course cheese is an option! I normally just roast my broccoli and eat it as-is, but this is seriously divine with some freshly grated Parmesan on top. You can pile on as much as you could possibly want and it would still be better for you than Cheez-Whiz, so don't worry too much about that aspect. If someone tells you you've put too much Parmesan on your food, don't listen to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life. This is a great side dish for Thanksgiving, when large families get together, because it fits in nearly every diet! Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, low-fat... yes. It fits. Just offer the Parmesan on the side and everyone will be happy!
Looking for more Thanksgiving dishes? Here is my Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Fried Shallots, and my Acorn Squash with Rice & Sausage Stuffing. The week isn't over yet! Check back soon for more yummy recipes for the holidays!
- 2 heads of broccoli {around 4 cups of florets}
- nonstick spray
- salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
- Parmesan cheese {optional}
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil, and set aside.
- Wash and dry your broccoli well, and cut into small florets. Place on your prepared baking sheet and spray GENEROUSLY with nonstick spray. You can regular oil, but that usually turns out greasy and kinda soggy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and toss everything together.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, flipping the florets every 5 minutes, until lightly golden and caramelized.
- Transfer to a serving dish, and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Julia says
Great recipe Valentina! Love the Parmesan cheese! What restaurant have you had the best roasted broccoli?