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Ordinary veggies become extraordinary with this flavor-packed broccoli topped with nutritional yeast. The contrast between crispy roasted edges and savory cheesy coating makes this dish irresistible. Even longtime broccoli haters will find themselves coming back for seconds of this nutrient-rich side.
I stumbled on this combo while hunting for dairy-free options for my nephew who can't handle lactose. What began as a dietary workaround quickly turned into everyone's favorite veggie dish that my family now begs for whenever I'm cooking dinner.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: Look for one with compact, deep green florets and sturdy stalks to get the tastiest results
- Nutritional yeast: This key addition brings cheesy umami goodness while sneaking in extra B vitamins and protein
- Olive oil: Helps the edges get nice and crispy while making seasonings stick; grab a quality extra virgin for best flavor
- Garlic salt: Brings the perfect savory kick that ties everything together; try to find one without any fake ingredients
Simple Preparation Guide
- Warm Up Your Oven:
- Get your oven going at 400°F before you start prepping. A hot oven from the start means your broccoli will cook evenly and get those yummy brown edges.
- Get Your Broccoli Ready:
- Give your broccoli a good rinse under cool water to get rid of any dirt. Make sure to dry it completely with towels since wet broccoli will steam instead of roast. Cut it into florets that are roughly the same size so they'll all cook at the same speed.
- Add Your Flavors:
- Grab a big bowl with plenty of room for tossing. Drizzle oil over your florets and mix with your hands until every piece has a light coating. In a small bowl, mix your nutritional yeast and garlic salt together, then sprinkle this all over your oiled broccoli. Toss everything well so all sides get coated.
- Cook Until Golden:
- Lay your broccoli out on a baking sheet with space between pieces so hot air can flow around them. This creates browning instead of steaming. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking now and then. You'll know it's done when the edges look dark and crispy but the stems feel tender when poked with a fork.
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The nutritional yeast really makes this dish stand out from regular roasted veggies. I've got a special jar in my cupboard just for making this. My kid normally tries to dodge vegetables at dinner but gobbles this broccoli right up without any fuss - feels like winning the parent lottery every time!
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a special kind of deactivated yeast grown just for eating. It's got this bold cheesy flavor that makes it popular in plant-based cooking. Don't mix it up with baker's yeast though - it won't make bread rise at all. Most types come packed with B vitamins including B12 which can be tough to get if you don't eat animal products. The yellow flakes might look strange at first but the taste is worth getting to know, especially if you're cutting back on dairy or adding more plant foods to your meals.
Storage and Reheating
Your roasted broccoli will stay tasty for about 4 days if you keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you want to warm it up, an air fryer works best - just 3-4 minutes at 350°F keeps the texture right. You can also use a regular oven at 350°F for around 5-7 minutes. Try not to use the microwave if you can help it, as it'll make your crispy broccoli turn mushy. I often cook twice as much as I need so I can enjoy it throughout the week with different meals or tossed into grain bowls for extra flavor and nutrients.
Tasty Variations
The standard version tastes fantastic on its own, but once you've got it down, why not try some fun twists? Squeeze fresh lemon over it right before eating for a zesty kick. Mix in some red pepper flakes before cooking if you like things spicy. Want more crunch? Throw on some toasted pine nuts or almond slices after it comes out of the oven. You can play around with different seasonings too - try smoked paprika, curry powder, or everything bagel mix instead of garlic salt. Each change gives you a whole new flavor while keeping all the good nutrition from the original.
Serving Suggestions
This flexible side goes great with just about any protein you can think of. Put it next to a simple baked salmon fillet for a healthy dinner. Add it to bowls with quinoa, chickpeas and tahini sauce for a complete meat-free meal. It even works as a pizza topping with an extra sprinkle of nutritional yeast. For an easy lunch, I often enjoy it at room temp with a runny egg on top and a piece of sourdough on the side. The balanced flavor means it fits in with foods from Italian to Asian-inspired dishes.
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This simple dish brings together ease and nutrition that's sure to make broccoli the highlight of your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How does nutritional yeast make broccoli taste?
It gives broccoli a savory, parmesan-like bite with a nutty, cheese-like flavor, all while staying dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- → Is frozen broccoli okay to cook for this recipe?
Sure thing! While frozen broccoli’s texture may differ, make sure it's thawed and dried well. The roasting may take less time, but fresh broccoli has the best crunch and caramelization.
- → What’s nutritional yeast good for?
It’s super nutritious! Full of B-vitamins, fiber, protein, and low in fat, it’s also dairy and gluten-free, making it fit into most diets.
- → What dishes pair nicely with roasted broccoli?
This versatile green pairs great with grilled items like tofu, chicken, or fish. It’s also lovely next to pasta, on rice dishes, or as an addition to a veggie-packed menu.
- → What’s the best way to save leftovers?
Keep leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To regain some crunch, toss it in an oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes, or add cold to salads for a twist.
- → Can I tweak the seasonings on this dish?
Go for it! Add some red chili flakes for heat, zest up with lemon, or sprinkle with herbs like rosemary. Toasty nuts or seeds are perfect for extra crunch!