I usually stir fry broccoli or else I eat them raw, with a dip.  But here’s a tasty way to make them – baked in the oven.  I made this a couple of days ago, as a side dish for Chicken Cordon Bleu.

(Adapted from Alton Brown’s Recipe, Food Network)

OVEN ROASTED BROCCOLI (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

1 pound broccoli, rinsed and trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan or sharp Cheddar

Method:

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2.  Cut the broccoli florets into bite size pieces. Cut the stalk into 1/8-inch thick, round slices.

3.  Place the broccoli into a mixing bowl and toss with the olive oil, garlic, kosher salt and pepper and set aside.

4.  Spread the panko into a 13 by 9-inch metal cake pan and place into the oven for 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove the panko from the oven and add to the bowl with the broccoli mixture.  Toss to combine.

5.  Return the mixture to the cake pan, place in the oven and roast just until the broccoli is tender, 8 to 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven, toss in the cheese and serve immediately.