Thanksgiving is all about bringing loved ones together around a table full of deliciousness, and my *thanksgiving broccoli* dish is the perfect addition to that festive spread! This vibrant and healthy side dish not only looks stunning but also packs a nutritional punch. Broccoli is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free option to balance out the indulgent turkey and stuffing. When roasted, it transforms into a tender, caramelized delight that brings both flavor and a pop of color to your Thanksgiving feast. Trust me, you’ll want this dish gracing your table, and it’s so easy to whip up! Let’s dive into making this holiday favorite that everyone will love.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Broccoli
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to bring my delicious *thanksgiving broccoli* to life!
- 1 lb fresh broccoli: Look for vibrant green florets without any yellowing. Fresh is key for that crunchy texture!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This will help the broccoli roast beautifully and add a lovely depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic touch that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a savory, cheesy finish that makes each bite extra special. You can use more if you’re a cheese lover!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skimp on seasoning! A little sprinkle of salt and a crack of pepper will elevate all the flavors.
Trust me, these ingredients are all you need for a stunning and healthy side dish that’s sure to impress your guests!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Broccoli
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making my fabulous *thanksgiving broccoli*. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your broccoli roasts perfectly and gets that lovely caramelization.
- Prep the broccoli: While the oven is heating up, wash your broccoli thoroughly under cold water. Then, cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re roughly the same size for even cooking!
- Toss with olive oil and seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the broccoli is well coated. This step is crucial for flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Spread them out: Take a baking sheet and spread the broccoli mixture in a single layer. Give them some space to breathe; this helps them roast rather than steam.
- Roast to perfection: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and roast the broccoli for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to be tender and just starting to brown. The smell will be divine!
- Add the finishing touch: After the initial roasting, take out your broccoli and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This will melt the cheese and create a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Serve warm: Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, remove the broccoli from the oven. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear from the table!
And there you have it! A simple, flavorful side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My *thanksgiving broccoli* dish is not just a pretty side; it’s packed with benefits that make it a must-have on your holiday table! Here’s why you’re going to love it:
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish ready in about 35 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities!
- Health Benefits: Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
- Flavorful Roasting: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the broccoli, complemented by the savory garlic and cheesy Parmesan. It’s a flavor explosion!
- Versatile Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with turkey, stuffing, or any of your favorite holiday sides, making it a perfect fit for your spread.
Trust me, once you taste this roasted broccoli, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated Thanksgiving without it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving broccoli* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give those florets space to roast evenly and get that lovely caramelization. If you’re unsure about seasoning, start with a little salt and pepper, then taste before roasting—you can always adjust! Also, don’t shy away from experimenting; try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra zing. And remember, fresh ingredients always make a difference, so pick the best broccoli you can find!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for my delightful *thanksgiving broccoli*. This dish serves about four people, making it easy to keep track of your healthy eating during the holidays! Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific quantities used. But one thing’s for sure—this broccoli dish is a nutritious side you can feel good about serving!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Broccoli
I know you might have some burning questions about my *thanksgiving broccoli*, so let’s dive into a few common ones to help you out!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! If you want to make this *thanksgiving broccoli* vegan, just swap out the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. It gives that cheesy flavor without any dairy, and trust me, it’s delicious! You might also want to drizzle a bit of lemon juice on top for a fresh kick!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just store the broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave to warm it up or reheat it in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to keep that lovely roasted flavor!
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is super versatile. Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a colorful medley! Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require slight adjustments in roasting time, so check for tenderness as you go. The more, the merrier on your Thanksgiving table!
Serving Suggestions
To make your Thanksgiving feast truly unforgettable, pair my *thanksgiving broccoli* with some classic dishes! It goes wonderfully alongside a juicy roast turkey, adding a vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the bird. You can also serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or stuffing to soak up all those delicious drippings. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a refreshing cranberry salad or a warm apple crisp would complement the broccoli beautifully. And don’t forget to have some gravy on hand; it’s always a hit! Trust me, these pairings will create a well-rounded and festive meal that everyone will love!
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Thanksgiving Broccoli: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and festive broccoli dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh broccoli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and cut the broccoli into florets.
- In a bowl, mix broccoli with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the broccoli and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best results.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: thanksgiving broccoli
