The Addictive “Crack” Broccoli

Ingredients

• 1 bag Frozen broccoli florets (Approximately one 12-ounce bag; do not thaw.)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil (Use olive oil spray for coating the baking dish and topping, or drizzle the measured oil evenly over the layers.)
• 1 tsp Salt (Use generously, or adjust to taste.)
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper (Adjust to taste.)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder (Adjust to taste.)
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (Use a heavy layer; the source describes using “a lot.”)
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (Use a thick layer; the source describes using “a lot.”)

Steps

1. 1

   Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Use a baking dish large enough to hold the broccoli in one even layer.

2. 2

   Lightly spray the bottom and sides of the baking dish with olive oil, or brush it with a thin coating of olive oil.

3. 3

   Add the frozen broccoli florets directly to the prepared dish. Do not thaw them first. Spread them into an even layer without mixing or compressing them.

4. 4

   Season the broccoli generously and evenly with the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

5. 5

   Add a heavy, even layer of grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned broccoli, covering as much of the surface as possible.

6. 6

   Scatter the Italian-style breadcrumbs over the Parmesan in a thick, even layer. Do not stir or mix the layers.

7. 7

   Spray the top with olive oil, or drizzle the oil evenly over the breadcrumbs and cheese so the crust can brown.

8. 8

   Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, keeping the layered broccoli undisturbed.

9. 9

   Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. The broccoli will steam and soften while the cheese begins to melt.

10. 10

    Carefully remove the foil. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the Parmesan-breadcrumb topping is browned and crisp.

11. 11

    If the topping needs more color, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2–4 minutes, watching continuously, until the top is deeply golden and crunchy. Do not walk away, because breadcrumbs and cheese can burn quickly.

12. 12

    Let the broccoli rest for a few minutes, then serve hot, scooping through the crisp crust and tender broccoli beneath.

Notes

The original recipe does not give exact amounts for the oil, seasonings, Parmesan, or breadcrumbs; the quantities above are practical estimates for one 12-ounce bag of broccoli. Keep the broccoli frozen and do not mix the layers. Broiling is optional.

Nutrition per serving

• side dish
• vegetarian
• baked
• easy
• make-ahead-friendly
• crispy
• cheesy
• family-friendly