Oven Roasted Broccoli

My family is relatively new to eating broccoli.  I can't remember ever eating it when I was little.  Green beans, cucumbers, and corn from my dad's garden are pretty much the only vegetables I remember.  Those and cooked carrots from a can, actually.  Somehow, in the past couple of years, I discovered that I love fresh broccoli.  This was my first attempt at roasting it in the oven, and it was a success.  It was slightly crispy and flavorful, and it was a breeze to make!  It's a wonderfully colorful and healthy side dish.

Oven Roasted Broccoli

Ingredients:

1 pound broccoli, rinsed and trimmed

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/3 cup panko bread crumbs

1/4 cup grated cheddar or Parmesan

Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2.  Spread the panko bread crumbs into a 13-inch by 9-inch metal cake pan.  Toast in the oven for about 2 minutes.

3.  Cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl.  Add olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and panko bread crumbs to bowl.  Toss to coat.  

4.  Return the broccoli mixture to the pan, place in the oven, and roast for about 8 to 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender.  

5.  Remove from the oven and toss in the cheese.


Source:  Alton Brown