Copycat Longhorn Broccoli – Garlic Parmesan Side Dish Perfection Recipe
This Copycat Longhorn Broccoli – Garlic Parmesan Side Dish offers a flavorful and easy-to-make broccoli dish inspired by the popular restaurant recipe. It combines tender broccoli florets sautéed with garlic, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a perfect balance of savory and cheesy notes. Optional additions like lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and toasted breadcrumbs can enhance brightness, heat, and texture, making it an ideal side dish to complement any main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
Seasonings and 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. Add broccoli florets and cook for 4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Combine broccoli and seasonings: Add the drained broccoli to the skillet. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and onion powder. Toss well to coat the broccoli evenly in the garlic butter mixture.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the broccoli. Gently toss until the cheese melts and combines thoroughly with the broccoli.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle with a little lemon juice if desired for brightness and serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
- For roasted version (optional): Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 25 minutes until crisp-tender. Add sautéed garlic and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute butter with olive oil.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Be careful not to overcook broccoli; it should be tender but still crisp to maintain texture.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- To make it dairy-free, use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of regular Parmesan.
- To add crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.
- Lemon juice or zest can brighten the flavor and balance the richness.
- If roasting, ensure broccoli is spread in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness.
