I always find myself excited to serve my favorite Buttered Broccoli Recipe at dinner parties. The blend of rich garlic butter, a hint of red pepper, and Parmesan transforms fresh, crisp broccoli into an irresistible side dish. Its simplicity and comforting flavors never fail to add a bright, delicious twist to any meal.

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I’ve always been a fan of bold, flavorful sides and this copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli recipe definitely fits the bill. I use 1 lb of fresh broccoli crowns cut into bite-size florets, then I cook them until they’re tender-crisp.

While they’re sizzling in a pan, I melt 4 tbsp of unsalted butter and toss in 4 garlic cloves minced just right (or extra garlic if you’re like me and can’t get enough). I add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the taste.

After everything is nicely coated in that heavenly garlic butter sauce, I sprinkle 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a little 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for a kick. I always say this is one of the best cooked broccoli recipes around that puts a fun spinach twist on steakhouse vegetable sides.

Enjoy this awesome bit of buttery broccoli magic!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how simple yet delicious this recipe is – I can whip it up in no time, and the garlic butter sauce makes the broccoli taste amazing.
2. I really like how the broccoli stays crisp but still gets that tender bite after cooking; it’s the perfect balance in texture that every meal needs.
3. I appreciate the extra kick from the red pepper flakes combined with the savory parmesan cheese; it makes the flavors pop in a way that really excites my taste buds.
4. I enjoy adding this dish to my dinner table because it not only tastes great but also adds a burst of color and a homemade touch that makes any meal feel special.

Ingredients

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Broccoli: A crunchy veggie rich in fiber and vitamins that boost overall health.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds creamy texture and slight sweetness while enhance dish richness.
Garlic: It adds bold, savory flavor while offer natural immune boosting benefits.
Parmesan: This cheese brings a tangy, salty punch along with extra protein and calcium.
Red pepper flakes: Optional spice that delivers a quick kick and slight fiery tang.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all flavors, must be used just right.
Enjoyment Tip: Serve while hot for best flavor and texture even if its messy.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb fresh broccoli crowns, cut into bite-size florets

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced (or more if you’re into garlic)

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

How to Make this

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1. Rinse the broccoli crowns and chop them into bite-sized florets.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick) and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.

4. Toss the broccoli into the skillet and sprinkle on a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper.

5. Stir everything together so the broccoli gets coated with that yummy garlic butter.

6. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s tender yet still crisp.

7. Remove the lid and let any extra moisture cook off for another minute.

8. Reduce the heat slightly and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the broccoli.

9. Give it a good stir to let the cheese melt into the sauce.

10. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious side dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Colander for rinsing the broccoli crowns
2. Cutting board for chopping the florets
3. Chef’s knife to cut the broccoli and mince garlic
4. Large skillet with a lid for cooking the broccoli in garlic butter
5. Measuring spoons for butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes
6. Grater for the Parmesan cheese
7. Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients
8. Garlic press (optional) if you need help mincing the garlic

FAQ

Is this recipe really a copycat of Longhorn Steakhouse's broccoli?

Yep, it's made to mimic the flavor and texture of the original so you can enjoy that steakhouse taste at home.

Can I roast the broccoli instead of sautéeing it?

You can, but the butter and garlic sauté method really brings out the flavor and keeps it crisp, so it's best if you follow the recipe.

How do I tell when the broccoli is done?

The broccoli should be tender but still have a little crunch. Be careful not to overcook it!

Is it ok to change up the spices, like leaving out garlic?

Definitely, you can reduce or omit garlic if you're not into it, but it does really add a lot to the flavor.

Can I substitute Parmesan with another cheese?

Sure, but Parmesan gives you that distinct taste that the recipe is known for, so if you change it, the flavor might be a bit different.

The Best Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t find fresh broccoli crowns, you can use frozen broccoli florets instead (just be sure to thaw and drain them well).
No unsalted butter? Use salted butter or even a good quality olive oil if you want a healthier twist.
Out of fresh garlic? Try substituting with garlic powder (about 1/4 tsp per clove) or even some garlic paste.
If Parmesan cheese isn’t available, Asiago or Pecorino Romano can work pretty well as alternatives.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the garlic is added just for a minute, so it doesn’t burn and become bitter later, cause burnt garlic ruins the whole flavor.

2. If you prefer your broccoli super-crispy instead of overly soft, try cooking it with the cover off for the last minute to let extra moisture escape.

3. For a richer taste, grate your own Parmesan cheese instead of using the pre-grated kind. It melts better and really makes a difference.

4. If you’re into a little spicy kick, don’t be afraid to add a bit more red pepper flakes, but be careful to taste as you go so it doesn’t turn too hot.

The Best Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

200

kcal

Equipment: 1. Colander for rinsing the broccoli crowns
2. Cutting board for chopping the florets
3. Chef’s knife to cut the broccoli and mince garlic
4. Large skillet with a lid for cooking the broccoli in garlic butter
5. Measuring spoons for butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes
6. Grater for the Parmesan cheese
7. Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients
8. Garlic press (optional) if you need help mincing the garlic

Ingredients

1 lb fresh broccoli crowns, cut into bite-size florets
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced (or more if you're into garlic)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Directions

Rinse the broccoli crowns and chop them into bite-sized florets.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick) and cook for about 1 minute until it's fragrant.
Toss the broccoli into the skillet and sprinkle on a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
Stir everything together so the broccoli gets coated with that yummy garlic butter.
Cover the skillet and let the broccoli cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s tender yet still crisp.
Remove the lid and let any extra moisture cook off for another minute.
Reduce the heat slightly and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the broccoli.
Give it a good stir to let the cheese melt into the sauce.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious side dish!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.