June 30, 2026 · 20 min

Easy Cheesy Roasted Broccoli Recipe | 20-Minute Side Dish

Side Dish20 min364 cal / serving

Looking for a quick and delicious side dish that the whole family will love? This cheesy roasted broccoli is the answer. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a crispy, cheesy and utterly satisfying vegetable side on the table in 20 minutes.

The secret is roasting the broccoli until it’s lightly browned and crisp, then topping it with a generous sprinkle of Mexican cheese blend during the last minute of baking. The cheese melts into gooey perfection, coating every floret. It’s the perfect accompaniment to chicken, salmon, pork chops or any main dish.


Recipe details

Side Dish20 min364 cal / serving4 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories364 kcalProtein16.5 gFat18 gCarbs8.5 gSugar2.2 gFiber2.7 gSodium438 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: yesLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: not detectedMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Broccoli Crowns1 pound Broccoli CrownsView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil1 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guide
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Wash and dry the broccoli. Cut into bite-size pieces.
  3. On a baking sheet, toss broccoli with a drizzle of cooking oil, salt and pepper.
  4. Roast on the middle rack until lightly browned and crisp, 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
  5. In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle broccoli with the Mexican cheese blend and continue roasting until the cheese has melted.
  6. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

For extra flavor, toss the broccoli with a pinch of chili powder or garlic powder before roasting.

Make sure the broccoli pieces are similar in size for even roasting.

Keep an eye on the cheese during the last minute to prevent burning.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Roast for a few extra minutes to ensure crispiness.

What can I substitute for the Mexican cheese blend?

You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack or a mix of your favorite melting cheeses.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

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