Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli is a delicious, easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of tender, crispy potatoes and perfectly roasted broccoli, all covered in a golden, cheesy Parmesan crust, makes for a delightful and healthy accompaniment to your favorite main course. This recipe is simple, versatile, and packed with flavor, providing the perfect balance of savory and slightly nutty flavors. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, fish, or a vegetarian main, this dish will elevate any meal.

The best part? This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet it delivers an impressive and satisfying result. With just a few simple steps, you can have a side dish that is both hearty and healthy. Roasting the potatoes and broccoli brings out their natural sweetness and nuttiness, while the Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth of flavor. This dish is not only easy to make but also a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables while indulging in a savory, cheesy treat.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli

• Quick and Easy: Roasting the potatoes and broccoli is simple and requires minimal effort. After prepping the ingredients, the oven does most of the work, leaving you with a flavorful and satisfying side dish in no time.
• Packed with Flavor: The Parmesan cheese and seasoning create a rich, savory coating that enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and broccoli, making each bite bursting with taste.
• Versatile: This side dish pairs wonderfully with almost anything, from roasted chicken to steak or even a plant-based protein like quinoa or tofu.
• Healthy and Nutritious: With the wholesome ingredients of potatoes and broccoli, this dish is not only delicious but also provides a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings and add other ingredients based on your preferences, making this dish as unique as you want it to be.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of Parmesan cheese used and the size of portions.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 6-7g
• Fiber: 4-5g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (for a fresh, citrusy flavor)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for added sweetness and tang)

Special Equipment

While preparing Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli doesn’t require any special equipment, a few kitchen tools will help you get the best results:

1. Baking Sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet is ideal for roasting the potatoes and broccoli. It provides enough space for everything to cook evenly and allows the vegetables to crisp up nicely.
2. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the potatoes into even pieces and the broccoli into florets. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and helps speed up the prep process.
3. Large Bowl: A large mixing bowl is needed to toss the potatoes and broccoli with olive oil, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese before roasting. This ensures that everything is evenly coated and that the flavors are well distributed.
4. Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, though it’s not strictly necessary.
5. Grater or Microplane: A fine grater or microplane is perfect for grating fresh Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese always tastes better and melts more evenly than pre-grated cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for roasting vegetables, allowing them to become crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes or wedges, ensuring that they are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If you’re using Russet potatoes, you may want to peel them, but with Yukon Gold potatoes, the skin is soft and flavorful, so leaving the skin on is perfectly fine.

3. Prepare the Broccoli

Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Try to make them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. If you find that the florets are too large, you can cut them in half or into smaller pieces.

4. Toss the Potatoes and Broccoli

In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato cubes and broccoli florets. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables and toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings.

5. Add the Parmesan Cheese

Once the potatoes and broccoli are well-coated with the oil and seasonings, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss gently to ensure that the cheese sticks to the vegetables. You can add more cheese if you prefer a cheesier flavor.

6. Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned potatoes and broccoli evenly in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure there is enough space between the pieces so that they roast properly and become crispy.

7. Roast in the Oven

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Stir the vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.

8. Check for Doneness

Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the broccoli is slightly crispy around the edges, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If you want your vegetables extra crispy, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be sure to watch them carefully to avoid burning.

9. Garnish and Serve

Once the roasted Parmesan potatoes and broccoli are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness, if desired. Serve immediately while the vegetables are still warm and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli

• Cut the Potatoes Evenly: To ensure that the potatoes cook evenly, try to cut them into uniform pieces. If they are too large or uneven, some pieces may become overcooked while others remain undercooked.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Giving the potatoes and broccoli enough space on the baking sheet is crucial for getting them crispy. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than roast, resulting in soggy vegetables.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated cheese has a better flavor and texture. Use a fine grater or microplane to grate the cheese yourself for the best results.
• Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more garlic powder, paprika, or even experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor of the dish.
• Crisp Broccoli: If you like your broccoli extra crispy, you can increase the roasting time slightly, but be careful not to burn it. You can also try roasting the potatoes and broccoli in separate pans to ensure that the potatoes get crispy without overcooking the broccoli.
• Add Extra Flavor: For added flavor, consider tossing the vegetables with a splash of balsamic vinegar before roasting, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Variations of Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli: For a twist, swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory Parmesan and the earthy broccoli.
• Parmesan Herb Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli: Add a variety of fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the vegetables before roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
• Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli: For a richer flavor, replace the olive oil with melted butter and toss in a few minced garlic cloves before roasting. The buttery coating will enhance the taste of the potatoes and broccoli.
• Spicy Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a little heat. This adds an extra zing to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Cheesy Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli: For an even cheesier version, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the vegetables during the last few minutes of roasting to create a bubbly, golden cheese crust.

Storage and Shelf Life

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for later:

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the potatoes and broccoli will still be flavorful, the texture may soften slightly.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to bring back some crispiness. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli

This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses:

• Grilled Chicken: Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli make a perfect side dish for grilled chicken. The savory flavors of the potatoes and broccoli complement the smoky, charred chicken.
• Steak: If you’re enjoying a juicy steak, this roasted vegetable dish is an excellent way to round out the meal with hearty, flavorful sides.
• Salmon: The light and flaky texture of roasted salmon pairs beautifully with the crisp vegetables, creating a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
• Vegan Protein: Serve this dish with grilled tofu, tempeh, or a quinoa salad for a delicious plant-based meal.

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Conclusion

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli is a wonderfully simple, flavorful, and healthy side dish that can easily be paired with a wide variety of meals. With its crispy, cheesy exterior and tender interior, this dish provides a comforting balance of flavors and textures that will complement any main course. Whether you’re serving it with meat or making it a vegetarian meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the delightful combination of roasted vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings with this easy-to-make and satisfying side dish!