Garlic Parmesan Copycat Longhorn Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
This Delicious Garlic Parmesan Copycat Longhorn Broccoli is a flavorful and easy side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. Tender broccoli florets are tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory finish.
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
- Step 1: Steam or blanch broccoli by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Step 3: Add the broccoli to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Toss well to coat the broccoli evenly in the garlic butter.
- Step 4: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the broccoli. Toss gently until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Step 5: Drizzle with lemon juice if desired and serve immediately.
For Roasted Version:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add sautéed garlic and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—avoid substituting garlic powder.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should remain tender but not mushy.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh to ensure it melts well and tastes great.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or lemon zest to brighten and enhance the dish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or olive oil to keep the broccoli moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
While fresh broccoli is best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli if needed. Thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace butter with olive oil and substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan Parmesan alternative to keep it dairy-free while maintaining flavor.
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Garlic Parmesan Copycat Longhorn Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This delicious Garlic Parmesan Copycat Longhorn Broccoli recipe offers tender, flavorful broccoli florets coated with garlicky butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whether steamed and sautéed or roasted to crispy perfection, it’s a quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals, delivering a delightful blend of savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy notes.
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 1 large head of broccoli (or 2 small), cut into florets
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 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 and add the broccoli florets. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and becomes just tender. Drain the broccoli well and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Combine broccoli with garlic butter: Add the drained broccoli to the skillet with the garlic butter. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and onion powder. Toss everything well to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli. Gently toss to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and coat the broccoli.
- Finish and serve: If desired, drizzle the broccoli with a little fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve the garlic Parmesan broccoli immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
- Optional roasted version: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp-tender. Before serving, toss with sautéed garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Fresh garlic provides the deepest and richest flavor—avoid substituting with garlic powder.
- Do not overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but still have a slight crunch to avoid a mushy texture.
- The quality of Parmesan cheese affects the flavor and melt—freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best results.
- For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Broccoli, copycat Longhorn recipe, steamed broccoli, sautéed broccoli, roasted broccoli side dish, simple vegetable side, easy broccoli recipe
