Broccoli is one of those vegetables that’s often overlooked but can become a star in your weeknight meals with the right recipe. In this 2-ingredient crispy broccoli recipe, you’ll discover a quick and simple way to elevate this vegetable into a crave-worthy side dish that your family will love. With minimal prep, you can have a delicious, crispy, cheesy broccoli dish ready in just 10 minutes.
The simplicity of this recipe lies in its two main ingredients: broccoli and shredded cheese. The key is a quick cook that crisps up the broccoli florets and melts the cheese, leaving behind some gooey bits and others that turn irresistibly crispy on the skillet.
Why This Crispy Broccoli Recipe Stands Out
Broccoli might not seem like the most exciting vegetable, but when prepared right, it transforms into a dish everyone in the family enjoys. This crispy broccoli recipe has a lot going for it:
- Fast & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, the recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only broccoli, cheese, and a pinch of seasoning, you’re using ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
- Kid-Approved: The combination of crispy, browned cheese and charred broccoli creates a texture that even picky eaters love.
How To Make Crispy Broccoli With Cheese
Let’s dive into the steps to make this savory side dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 ounces (about 1/2 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Don’t discard the stem — cut it into manageable pieces too. If any part of the stem seems tough, trim it off.
- Heat the Oil in a Skillet: Place a large skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Spread the broccoli florets evenly in the skillet, making sure they’re not overlapping too much. There’s no need to wait for the oil to heat up.
- Cook the Broccoli: Let the broccoli cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. The goal here is to allow the florets to brown on one side, giving them that crispy, caramelized exterior.
- Add Seasoning: Once the bottom is golden brown, flip a few florets to check. If they’re perfectly browned, sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir the broccoli to ensure even browning on the other side.
- Add the Cheese: Now, scatter the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the broccoli. Let some of the cheese fall directly onto the skillet — these bits will get crispy and become the star of the dish.
- Crisp It Up: Continue cooking for another 5 minutes without stirring. The cheese on top will melt, while the cheese in direct contact with the skillet will form crispy, browned bits that are incredibly delicious. Use a metal spatula to gently lift any cheese that sticks to the skillet.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and crispy, serve the dish immediately. The mix of textures — from the tender-crisp broccoli to the gooey and crispy cheese — makes this the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Cheese Makes It Irresistible: The addition of cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a combination of textures — creamy, melted cheese and crispy bits.
- Caramelized Broccoli: Cooking the broccoli undisturbed allows it to develop a deep, caramelized flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
- Quick and Convenient: With minimal effort, you get a restaurant-quality side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains, from roasted chicken to pizza.
Ways To Customize Your Crispy Broccoli
You can easily modify this recipe based on your preferences:
- Switch the Cheese: While cheddar is a crowd-pleaser, you can experiment with other cheeses like parmesan for more crispiness or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Add Garlic: For a flavor boost, toss a few minced garlic cloves into the skillet before adding the cheese.
- Spice It Up: Add some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want a bit of heat.
Conclusion:
This 2-ingredient crispy broccoli recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, transforming an ordinary vegetable into a family favorite. By combining tender, caramelized broccoli with melted and crispy cheddar cheese, it delivers a delightful texture that both adults and kids will enjoy.
Ready in just 10 minutes, this quick, versatile side dish pairs well with various meals, from grilled chicken to pizza. With minimal effort and ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Frozen Broccoli For This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well beforehand. The excess moisture in frozen broccoli may prevent it from crisping up properly.
2. What Other Cheeses Can I Use In Place Of Cheddar?
Parmesan, mozzarella, or even gruyere can be delicious alternatives. Parmesan will give you a crispier result, while mozzarella will add a gooey texture.
3. Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite plant-based cheese substitute. Just make sure it melts well and crisps up in a skillet.
4. How Do I Prevent The Cheese From Sticking To The Skillet?
Using a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe. If you’re using a regular skillet, ensure you use enough oil to prevent sticking and use a spatula to gently lift the cheese as it crisps.
5. What Can I Serve With This Crispy Broccoli Dish?
This broccoli recipe is incredibly versatile and can be paired with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a simple pasta dish. It’s also a fantastic side for pizza nights.