You know that moment when you’re at Longhorn Steakhouse, totally focused on your juicy cut of meat, then – bam! – their famous broccoli side dish steals the show? I’ve been obsessed with recreating that perfect balance of crisp-tender florets with garlicky, cheesy goodness at home. After many (many!) test batches, I cracked the code for this Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe. The best part? It’s shockingly simple – just fresh broccoli, a handful of pantry staples, and 30 minutes. Trust me, once you taste that golden-brown Parmesan crust and bright lemon finish, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for sad, steamed broccoli.
Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe
Listen, I don’t blame you if you’re skeptical about broccoli being the star of the show – I was too, until I tasted this magic. Here’s why this recipe will become your new go-to:
- Restaurant quality at home – That perfect crispy-edged, tender-centered texture with garlicky Parmesan goodness? Nailed it.
- Ready in 30 minutes flat – From fridge to table faster than takeout.
- Five-star flavor – The lemon-Parmesan finish? Absolute game-changer.
- Healthier than most sides – Packed with nutrients but tastes indulgent.
- One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying that steak (or sneaking extra broccoli).
My kids actually fight over the last floret – that’s how good this is. And wait until you see how the edges get those irresistible crispy bits!
Ingredients for Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe
Grab these simple ingredients – measuring matters here for that signature Longhorn flavor:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head, cut into bite-size pieces – keep those stems for another use!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff – it makes a difference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt – we control salt separately)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (my secret weapon for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (I use kosher – adjust if using table salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you have it)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is brighter)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the powdery kind sticks best to the florets)
See? Nothing fancy – just smart choices that transform humble broccoli into something extraordinary.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t panic if you’re missing something – here’s how to adapt:
- Broccoli swap: Frozen works if thawed and patted very dry (expect slightly softer texture).
- Cheese options: Vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for dairy-free (add after baking).
- Oil alternatives: Avocado oil handles high heat well, or use melted butter for richness.
- Spice emergencies: No onion powder? Double the garlic. Out of both? A tablespoon of minced fresh garlic works (but watch for burning).
- Lemon hack: White vinegar gives tang in a pinch (start with 1/2 tablespoon).
Pro tip: Grate your own Parmesan if you can – the pre-shredded stuff often has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as nicely.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe
Alright, let’s turn that pile of raw broccoli into the star of your dinner plate. Here’s exactly how I do it – follow these steps and you’ll nail that perfect Longhorn texture every time:
- Heat things up: Crank your oven to 400°F (200°C) – this high heat is key for getting those crispy edges we love.
- Floret prep: In a big bowl, toss your broccoli with olive oil until every little floret is glistening. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper like you’re seasoning the heck out of it (because you are!).
- Spread with love: Dump your seasoned broccoli onto a baking sheet in a single layer – no overlapping allowed! This isn’t a broccoli cuddle party.
- Roast to perfection: Slide that tray into your hot oven and set a timer for 15 minutes. When it dings, check for golden-brown spots – we want some char but not burnt! Usually needs 18-20 minutes total.
- The magic touch: Pull it out and immediately hit it with lemon juice and Parmesan. That cheese will melt into the hot florets creating that signature Longhorn crust.
Seriously, that’s it! The whole process smells incredible and takes less effort than deciding what to watch on Netflix.
Tips for Perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli
After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Space is your friend: Use two baking sheets if needed – overcrowding leads to steamed, not roasted broccoli (and we’re not making stir-fry here).
- Flip for even browning: About halfway through, give the tray a shake or flip stubborn florets with tongs.
- Don’t peek too soon: Resist opening the oven for at least 15 minutes – that blast of heat needs to work its magic.
- Test doneness like a pro: The stems should pierce easily with a fork, but still have some resistance – think al dente pasta.
- Cheese timing: Add Parmesan right after baking while it’s piping hot – it’ll cling to every nook and cranny.
Serving Suggestions for Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli
This broccoli’s so good, it deserves the spotlight! Here’s how I love to serve it:
- Classic steakhouse style: Pair with a juicy ribeye and baked potato – just like at Longhorn.
- Weeknight hero: Toss with pasta and grilled chicken for an easy one-bowl meal.
- Vegetarian feast: Serve over quinoa with roasted chickpeas for protein-packed goodness.
- Pretty presentation: Transfer to a warm platter and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top right before serving – that melted cheese pull makes everyone dig in!
Truth? I’ve eaten it straight from the baking sheet more times than I’d care to admit…
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But fair warning – it’s best fresh. To reheat, skip the microwave unless you want soggy florets (trust me, you don’t). Instead, pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. A quick broil at the end brings back that golden Parmesan crust. Pro tip: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon after reheating for brightness!
Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe Nutritional Information
Now let’s talk numbers! This nutritional info is per serving (about 1 cup) – remember, these are estimates since ingredients can vary:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g (2g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g (hey, that’s 12% of your daily need!)
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
Not bad for a side that tastes this indulgent, right? The olive oil and Parmesan do most of the heavy lifting calorie-wise, but they’re also what make this broccoli so dang delicious.
FAQs About Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe
I get asked these questions all the time – here are the answers straight from my broccoli-obsessed kitchen:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
You can, but hear me out – thaw it completely and pat it bone-dry first (I squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel). Frozen will be slightly softer than fresh, but still tasty in a pinch. Just don’t skip the drying step or you’ll get soggy broccoli sadness.
How do I make it extra crispy?
My two secrets: 1) Make sure your oven’s fully preheated – I wait until mine beeps twice to be sure. 2) Give the florets space on the pan! Crowding = steaming. For maximum crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes (watch closely!).
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your Parmesan – some pre-shredded cheeses use anti-caking agents with wheat. When in doubt, grate your own.
Why lemon juice at the end?
That bright acidity cuts through the richness and makes all the flavors pop – like magic! Add it right after baking so it doesn’t cook off. No fresh lemon? A dash of white wine vinegar works in emergencies.
Share Your Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Experience
Did this recipe give you that “just like the restaurant” moment? I’d love to hear! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, tweaks, or broccoli triumphs. Snap a photo of your golden florets and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins. Now go enjoy that perfect bite!
Print
Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious copycat recipe for Longhorn Steakhouse’s signature broccoli dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best results.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
