Print

Crispy Cheese Baked Broccoli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 5 reviews

Crispy Cheese Baked Broccoli is a deliciously cheesy and crunchy baked snack or side dish made by coating broccoli florets in an egg wash, then a mixture of Italian bread crumbs, sharp cheddar, and fresh parmesan cheese, before baking them to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a flavorful, healthy appetizer or snack that pairs wonderfully with ranch dressing.

Ingredients

Broccoli

  • 2 large heads of broccoli, chopped into bite size pieces

Coating Mixture

  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (refrigerated)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Egg Wash

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Egg Wash: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined and smooth, which will help the coating adhere to the broccoli.
  3. Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder thoroughly to create a flavorful coating mixture.
  4. Coat Broccoli: Dip each broccoli floret first into the egg wash, ensuring it is completely coated. Then dip it into the cheese and bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well and covers the broccoli evenly.
  5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated broccoli florets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even baking and crispiness.
  6. Bake: Bake the broccoli in the preheated oven for 18 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye on them. Total baking time depends on broccoli floret size but is usually around 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
  7. Serve: Remove from oven and enjoy immediately. They can be served as is or with ranch dressing for dipping to enhance the flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh grated parmesan cheese for best results, as it sticks better than pre-shredded or powdered parmesan.
  • Cut the broccoli mainly into florets with a bit of stem left to make them easy to pick up and dip.
  • For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture.