If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful vegetable side that feels both elegant and effortless, this Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Broccolini Recipe is about to become your new favorite. The tender broccolini gets beautifully roasted to capture a perfect balance of crispness and tenderness, while the rich balsamic vinegar infuses a delightful tang, complemented by the nutty parmesan cheese that adds a satisfying savory punch. Each bite bursts with freshness and a hint of caramelized sweetness, making this dish a wonderful way to elevate any meal, whether it’s weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, this recipe shows how ease and flavor go hand in hand. Each component plays an essential role in building the layers of taste and texture that make this dish irresistible.
- 12 ounces broccolini: The star of the dish, broccolini brings a tender, slightly sweet flavor and a lovely crunch when roasted.
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that beautifully complements the broccolini’s freshness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This coats the broccolini to promote perfect roasting and a silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Offers a tangy sweetness and depth, transforming the flavor profile wonderfully.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
How to Make Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Broccolini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Broccolini
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and adjust the rack to the middle position for even roasting. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. If your broccolini has any tough, dry ends, trim them off for the best texture.
Step 2: Season and Arrange
Lay out the broccolini in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the top, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Using your hands, toss gently to make sure every stalk is coated in that flavorful mixture. Finally, sprinkle the finely grated parmesan cheese generously on top to guarantee bursts of savory goodness in every bite.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Pop the broccolini into the oven and roast for about 15 minutes. The broccolini should be tender-crisp with slightly browned edges, carrying a beautiful roasted aroma. Once done, serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Broccolini Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor even further. Try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, or shave extra parmesan over the broccolini just before serving for a richer finish. A little lemon zest also adds a refreshing hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
This Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Broccolini Recipe pairs beautifully with a range of mains. Think grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or even a hearty steak. The tangy-salty broccolini can also complement a creamy risotto or a simple quinoa salad for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, serve the broccolini on a long platter sprinkled with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for crunch. You can even toss the roasted broccolini into warm pasta with olive oil and lemon juice, transforming it into a light, flavorful dish that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover roasted broccolini, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a convenient ready-to-use side for quick meals.
Freezing
Though this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover broccolini if needed. Place cooled roasted broccolini in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just know the texture might soften a bit upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the broccolini in a skillet over medium heat to retain some crispness, or use the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it can make the broccolini soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?
Absolutely! While broccolini has a milder flavor and more delicate stalks, regular broccoli will still taste great roasted with balsamic and parmesan. Just cut the broccoli into smaller florets and adjust roasting time slightly to ensure tenderness.
Is balsamic vinegar necessary in this recipe?
Balsamic vinegar provides a sweet tang that perfectly balances the cheese and broccolini’s natural earthiness. If you don’t have it, a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice can work as an alternative but expect a slightly different flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the broccolini with oil, vinegar, seasoning, and parmesan a few hours ahead, storing it in the fridge. Roast it just before serving for the freshest and most vibrant taste.
How do I get the broccolini tender but not mushy?
Roasting at a high temperature like 400°F helps the broccolini cook quickly while staying crisp. Keep an eye on it during those last minutes to avoid overcooking. Tender-crisp texture is the goal!
Can I add garlic or other seasonings to this recipe?
Definitely! Minced garlic tossed with the broccolini before roasting adds wonderful depth. Other good options include crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a personal touch.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about the simplicity and boldness of this Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Broccolini Recipe that makes it a must-try for any home cook. It’s quick, uses wholesome ingredients, and delivers a flavor that’s anything but ordinary. I encourage you to make this soon and watch it become a staple favorite at your table!
Print
Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Broccolini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Broccolini recipe is a simple yet flavorful side dish that combines tender-crisp broccolini with a tangy balsamic vinegar drizzle and savory parmesan cheese. Perfectly roasted to bring out its natural sweetness, this dish is an elegant and healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Broccolini:
- 12 ounces broccolini
Seasoning and Toppings:
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the oven rack to the middle level. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Broccolini: Trim any dry ends off the broccolini if necessary. Lay the broccolini in a single even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the broccolini. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to gently toss and ensure every stalk is well coated with the oil and vinegar mixture. Finally, evenly sprinkle the finely grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the broccolini for about 15 minutes, or until the stems are tender but still have a slight crunch and the parmesan has melted and slightly browned. Remove from oven and serve immediately to enjoy the full flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh broccolini with firm stems and vibrant green florets.
- You can substitute parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar quantity according to your preference for tanginess.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even roasting.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
