Description
This Delicious Garlic Parmesan Copycat Longhorn Broccoli recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring tender broccoli florets sautéed with fragrant garlic, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can also choose to roast the broccoli for a crisp-tender texture with a rich garlic and cheese finish. Perfect as a savory accompaniment to any meal, this recipe is quick to prepare and customizable with optional add-ins like crushed red pepper flakes or lemon zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli (or 2 small), cut into florets
- 1½ tablespoons butter (or olive oil for lighter option)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
Optional Add-ins
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Lemon zest for brightness
- Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch
- Vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for dairy-free version
Instructions
- Steam or blanch broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender. Drain the broccoli well and set aside to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic to preserve its rich flavor.
- Combine broccoli and season: Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the garlic butter. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and onion powder. Toss everything well so that the broccoli is evenly coated with the garlic butter and seasonings.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli. Gently toss the mixture until the cheese melts and combines fully, creating a savory coating on the florets.
- Finish and serve: Optionally drizzle with a little lemon juice for brightness. Serve the garlic Parmesan broccoli immediately as a warm, flavorful side dish.
- For roasted version (optional): Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until crisp-tender. Before serving, add sautéed garlic and sprinkle Parmesan cheese for a delicious roasted variation.
Notes
- Fresh garlic provides the richest and most aromatic flavor; avoid substituting with garlic powder.
- Do not overcook the broccoli; it should be tender yet crisp, not mushy.
- The quality of Parmesan cheese is important – freshly grated Parmesan melts and tastes best.
- For a vegan alternative, use olive oil instead of butter and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan broccoli, copycat Longhorn broccoli, sautéed broccoli side dish, easy broccoli recipe, vegetable side dish, Parmesan cheese, garlic butter broccoli
