Description
Copycat Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Broccoli is a creamy, cheesy veggie side dish that turns simple broccoli into pure comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or special steakhouse-style dinners at home. Tender-crisp broccoli is tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce that feels indulgent yet still fits into easy dinner plans, healthy snack cravings, and everyday food ideas when you need quick breakfast or dinner ideas, an easy recipe to impress guests, or a dependable go-to side that everyone actually wants to eat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli florets (about 6 cups)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
3/4 cup half-and-half or light cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. Rinse the broccoli and cut it into evenly sized florets so they cook at the same rate.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli for 2–3 minutes, just until bright green and crisp-tender, then drain well and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned.
4. Pour in the half-and-half and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring, until slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in most of the grated Parmesan cheese, reserving a small handful for topping, and whisk until smooth and creamy.
6. Season the sauce with kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, then stir in the lemon juice and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
7. Add the drained broccoli florets to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce.
8. Cook for 1–2 minutes more to warm the broccoli through, then sprinkle with the reserved Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
For the best texture, cook the broccoli only until crisp-tender—overcooking will make it mushy and less able to hold the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block so the cheese melts smoothly into the cream and doesn’t turn grainy.
If the sauce thickens too much while reheating, loosen it with a splash of half-and-half or milk over low heat instead of adding more butter.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 70
Keywords: copycat longhorn garlic parmesan broccoli, steakhouse broccoli, easy dinner, quick side dish, vegetable side, low carb friendly, quick breakfast, breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, healthy snack, easy recipe, food ideas