Ready for a delicious, healthier twist on your usual fries? These Parmesan Broccoli Fries are crispy, cheesy, and totally irresistible. They’re the perfect snack or side dish when you’re craving something crunchy but want to sneak in a bit of green goodness. The combination of savory Parmesan, fresh broccoli, and a crispy golden crust will have you reaching for more, guilt-free. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.
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Why You’ll Love Parmesan Broccoli Fries
This isn’t just about getting your veggies in—it’s about making them downright delicious. Here’s why these Parmesan Broccoli Fries will become your new favorite:
Veggie-Packed: Packed with broccoli, these fries give you a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, the Parmesan makes them extra tempting.
Crispy Perfection: These fries get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Every bite is a delightful crunch.
Quick and Easy: These fries are simple to prepare and cook up quickly. No complicated steps—just a few ingredients and you’re good to go.
Kid-Friendly: Getting your kids to eat their veggies just got easier. They’ll love the crispy, cheesy coating, and you’ll love that they’re eating broccoli.
Customizable: You can add your favorite spices or seasonings to give them a personal twist—garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients in Parmesan Broccoli Fries
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, cheesy broccoli fries:
Broccoli: The star of the show. Fresh broccoli is steamed and then coated with a crispy, cheesy mixture that’s impossible to resist.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, Parmesan adds that salty, umami flavor that makes these fries so delicious.
Egg: The binding ingredient that helps the broccoli and coating come together perfectly.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These add the perfect crunch to the outside of your fries, giving them that crispy texture we all love.
Garlic Powder: For an extra kick of savory flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, balancing out all the flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these crispy Parmesan Broccoli Fries? Let’s get started!
Steam the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender but still bright green, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then chop them into small pieces.
Prep the Coating: In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Broccoli: In another bowl, whisk the egg. Dip each broccoli floret into the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated for maximum crunch.
Bake to Crispy Perfection: Place the coated broccoli fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the fries cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or marinara) and enjoy every bite of these crispy, cheesy treats.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 150
Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Parmesan Broccoli Fries
These Parmesan Broccoli Fries are delicious on their own, but if you want to take your meal up a notch, try these serving ideas:
With a Dipping Sauce: Serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, marinara, or even a tangy Greek yogurt dip.
As a Side Dish: Pair these fries with your favorite main dish, like grilled chicken or a juicy burger, for a well-rounded meal.
In a Salad: Throw them into a salad for a fun, crunchy twist. They’ll add a delicious pop of flavor and texture.
Snack Time: These fries are perfect for an afternoon snack. Pair them with a refreshing drink and enjoy!
Additional Tips
Steam the Broccoli Just Right: You want the broccoli to be tender but not mushy. Steam it for 5-7 minutes to get the perfect texture.
Make Them Ahead: If you’re prepping for a meal later, you can coat the broccoli in the breadcrumbs and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before baking.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Double the Batch: These fries are so good that you might want to make a double batch—just so there’s enough to go around!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Fresh broccoli is best for this recipe, but if you only have frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before using it.
Q2: Can I make these fries gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Just swap out the panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Q3: Can I bake them in an air fryer?
A3: Absolutely! Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: Parmesan adds a unique flavor, but you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano if you prefer.
Q5: Can I make these fries ahead of time?
A5: You can prep them ahead of time and refrigerate the coated broccoli for up to 2 hours. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q6: How can I make them extra crispy?
A6: For extra crunch, use a little more panko breadcrumbs or even a few crushed crackers in the coating.
Q7: Can I freeze these fries?
A7: Yes, freeze the uncooked coated broccoli on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen. When you’re ready to cook, bake from frozen at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
Q8: What’s the best dipping sauce?
A8: These fries go great with ranch, marinara, or even a simple garlic aioli.
Q9: Can I add more veggies to the coating?
A9: Sure! Try adding finely chopped spinach or cauliflower to the coating for an extra veggie boost.
Q10: How do I know when they’re done baking?
A10: When they’re golden brown and crispy, they’re done! Check by gently pressing on the fries to see if they’re crisp enough.
These Parmesan Broccoli Fries are the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love?
Print
Parmesan Broccoli Fries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Broccoli Fries are a crispy, savory snack or side dish that is a healthier alternative to regular fries. Coated with Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, then baked or air-fried to perfection. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat!
Ingredients
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1/2 lb. broccoli stems
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1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan
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1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 tsp. garlic powder
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1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
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1/2 tsp. paprika
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2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
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Ranch or Caesar dressing, for dipping
Instructions
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Preheat oven or air fryer:
If baking, arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425°F. If air frying, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. -
Prepare the broccoli stems:
Using a vegetable peeler, peel the broccoli stems (or trim off the tough, fibrous outer layer with a sharp knife). Cut the stems lengthwise into 1/8″- to 1/4″-thick slices. If the stems are longer than 6″, cut them in half crosswise to yield 2 shorter pieces. -
Prepare the coating:
In a medium bowl, combine the Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Transfer about one-third of the panko mixture to a large shallow bowl. Pour the olive oil into another large shallow bowl. -
Coat the broccoli:
Working a few pieces at a time, toss the broccoli stems in the oil, then dredge in the panko mixture, gently pressing to adhere. (When the panko mixture runs out, wipe out the bowl, dry it thoroughly, and replenish with another third of the mixture.) Arrange the breaded broccoli on a bare metal baking sheet. -
Bake the broccoli fries:
If baking, bake on the sheet, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes. -
Air fry the broccoli fries:
If air-frying, arrange the broccoli fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Fry until browned, crispy on the outside, and tender in the center, about 5 minutes.
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Serve:
Transfer the fries to a platter and season with additional salt. Serve with ranch or Caesar dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
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For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the panko mixture.
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You can also use a different cheese, like cheddar, if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg