Best 3 Western Broccoli Recipes

Tantalize your taste buds with our delectable Western Broccoli recipes, a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a culinary wonderland. From the classic charm of the original Western Broccoli to the tantalizing twists of its variations, this article presents a diverse collection of recipes that cater to every palate. Whether you seek a quick and easy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a special occasion, our recipes promise an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Embark on a culinary journey as we guide you through the steps of creating the traditional Western Broccoli. Crisp-tender broccoli florets bathed in a velvety cheese sauce, enhanced with the savory richness of bacon and the tangy zest of lemon, come together in perfect harmony. Discover the secrets of achieving that irresistible golden-brown crust that adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior.

For those seeking a lighter and healthier alternative, our Steamed Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon recipe offers a refreshing take on this classic dish. Fresh broccoli florets are steamed to perfection, preserving their vibrant green color and crisp texture. A simple yet flavorful combination of garlic, lemon, and olive oil elevates the natural sweetness of the broccoli, creating a dish that is both nutritious and satisfying.

If you crave a touch of spice, our Szechuan Broccoli will ignite your taste buds with its fiery kick. Tender broccoli florets are stir-fried with a vibrant blend of Szechuan sauce, featuring a harmonious balance of heat, tang, and savory umami. The addition of red bell peppers and peanuts adds a delightful crunch and vibrant color, making this dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

For a unique and indulgent twist, try our Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers. This comforting casserole combines tender broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy Ritz cracker topping, creating a textural symphony that is sure to impress. The rich and cheesy flavor, perfectly complemented by the buttery Ritz crackers, makes this casserole an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Last but not least, our Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic offers a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on taste. Broccoli florets are coated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, then roasted in an air fryer until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The result is a guilt-free snack or side dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

PARMESAN-ROASTED BROCCOLI

Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli image

Looking for a new way to eat broccoli? Try Ina Garten's Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli, with lemon, Parmesan and pine nuts, from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

4 to 5 pounds broccoli
4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
Good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons julienned fresh basil leaves (about 12 leaves)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Cut the broccoli florets from the thick stalks, leaving an inch or two of stalk attached to the florets, discarding the rest of the stalks. Cut the larger pieces through the base of the head with a small knife, pulling the florets apart. You should have about 8 cups of florets. Place the broccoli florets on a sheet pan large enough to hold them in a single layer. Toss the garlic on the broccoli and drizzle with 5 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until crisp-tender and the tips of some of the florets are browned.
Remove the broccoli from the oven and immediately toss with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon zest, lemon juice, pine nuts, Parmesan, and basil. Serve hot.

SOUTHWESTERN BROCCOLI DIPPERS

Southwestern Broccoli Dippers image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

Kosher salt
2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
5 tablespoons butter
2 green onions, sliced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
2 cups grated pepper jack cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with salt. Prepare a large bowl of ice water. Blanch the broccoli by throwing the florets into the boiling water for 30 seconds. With a slotted spoon, remove the florets to the ice water. When cool, drain and set aside. Keep cool in the fridge.
To make the sauce, melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the green onions and cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, whisk to combine and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Pour in the milk and heat until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the grated cheese, cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Stir to melt. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
Serve hot as a dipping sauce with the cold broccoli.

EASY LEMON AND GARLIC BROCCOLI

Easy Lemon and Garlic Broccoli image

This is an easy recipe for a delicious broccoli side that takes just a few minutes to make.

Provided by Upagainstawall

Categories Side Dish Vegetables Broccoli

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 pound broccoli, separated into florets
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch salt
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

Place broccoli florets in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir 2 teaspoons lemon juice into water in a small bowl and pour the mixture into the skillet. Cover and steam until broccoli is bright green and tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
While broccoli is steaming, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in garlic and salt; turn heat to low and let the garlic gently fry until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Drain water from cooked broccoli and return to skillet; sprinkle with 2 more teaspoons lemon juice and the butter and garlic mixture. Sprinkle broccoli with black pepper, toss to combine, and season with a bit more pepper if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 119.9 calories, Carbohydrate 8.8 g, Cholesterol 22.9 mg, Fat 9.1 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 3.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 99.6 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

Tips:

Choose the right broccoli: Look for broccoli crowns that are deep green in color and have tightly closed florets. Avoid crowns that are yellowing or have open florets, as these are signs of age and overripeness.
Prepare the broccoli properly: Before cooking, rinse the broccoli under cold water and pat it dry. Cut the broccoli into florets of about 1-2 inches in size. If you are using the stems, peel them and cut them into thin slices.
Don't overcook the broccoli: Broccoli is best when it is cooked just until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Overcooking will make the broccoli mushy and bland.
Season the broccoli well: Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Serve the broccoli immediately: Broccoli is best enjoyed when it is served hot and fresh. If you need to store it, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Broccoli is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you are roasting it in the oven, steaming it on the stovetop, or sautéing it in a pan, there are endless possibilities for preparing this versatile vegetable. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious side dish, give one of these broccoli recipes a try!