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Transform your broccoli side dish with a few simple ingredients into Deviled Broccoli with Parmesan Breadcrumbs. It’s a one-pan, two-step, easy side dish with a very short cooking time. This spicy broccoli is destined to become a new family favorite.

Bright green broccoli crowns in a serving dish

Deviled simply means with added spiciness, in this case, in the form of red pepper chili flakes. The spice level is up to you. I like to add it to the broccoli florets while they steam. To kick up the heat, try adding some chili flakes to the breadcrumbs along with the Parmesan cheese.

Let’s face it, fresh broccoli on its own is not exciting at all, and if you’re a broccoli lover, it’s fun to get creative. It’s also a great addition to a low-carb meal. 

2 broccoli florets on a spoon

A breadcrumb topping adds a crispy crunch and textured layer that I also like to add to Baked Fennel and Apple and my comforting Brown Butter Sweet Potato Baked Pasta.

Adding easy flavor to broccoli

There are three areas where I’ve added flavor, spice and a combination of both. The first is the olive oil that the broccoli is cooked/steamed in. I add two whole garlic cloves on low heat and cook them just enough to draw out the flavor into the oil. You can also slice, grate, or chop the garlic, but I leave them whole as I like to remove them.

The second dimension is adding the red pepper flakes to the broccoli, and they take on the heat as they cook. The third is the really easy (and very tasty) toasted breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese topping. This not only adds texture but also a toasted, almost nutty umami, along with a little salt from the cheese.

Deviled broccoli with Parmesan breadcrumbs viewed from overhead

Toasting breadcrumbs

The breadcrumbs are toasted in a dry pan for a couple of minutes, just until they turn golden brown. You can make your own breadcrumbs or take a helpful shortcut and use store-bought breadcrumbs. They can be regular or panko bread crumbs.

Broccoli season

Broccoli is a seasonal vegetable (usually October to April), but depending on where you live, you can find it all year-round. So, with that being said, this is one of those side dishes that you can enjoy anytime.

Optional topping additions

Pine nuts, Italian seasoning, garlic powder.

This healthy side dish is made entirely in one pan but can also be roasted in the oven. To do this, flavor the oil with the garlic, then drizzle it over the broccoli with the chili flakes, spread it onto a baking sheet, and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F/225°C for 20-25 minutes.

Yield: 4

Deviled Broccoli with Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Cooked broccoli in a white oval dish

Simple pan cooked broccoli with garlic and red pepper chili flakes topped with Parmesan cheese mixed with toasted breadcrumbs.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled
  • 4 cups/½ pound (250 grams) broccoli crowns/florets * see note
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 5 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Add the breadcrumbs to a small, dry frying pan over low heat. Toss until toasted and just turn golden brown. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet/frying pan over medium low heat. Add the garlic (keep whole) and cook until the oil is fragrant and you can smell the garlic, do not brown. Remove the garlic cloves. You can also grate or finely chop the garlic and leave it in, taking care not to burn it in the oil.
  3. Turn up the heat to medium.
  4. Add the broccoli to the pan along with the chili flakes and salt, toss well in to coat in the oil. If you find the broccoli starting to brown, turn down the heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of water. Cover with a tight lid and steam until the broccoli is tender over low heat, 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Add the Parmesan cheese to the cooled breadcrumbs and mix well.
  6. When the broccoli is tender, transfer to a large bowl and top with the breadcrumbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

* These are the individual tops cut from the head of broccoli without long stems

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 152Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 6mgSodium 300mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 4g

This nutrition calculation is provided by Nutronix that is only a guideline and not intended for any particular diet.

© Janette
Cuisine: American / Category: Side dishes