Crispy Parmesan Broccoli Chips are the perfect guilt-free snack that transforms ordinary broccoli into addictively crunchy, cheesy bites that rival any potato chip. These golden-brown chips feature tender broccoli florets coated in a savory mixture of Parmesan cheese, herbs, and seasonings, then baked until perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Each chip delivers a satisfying crunch followed by rich, nutty Parmesan flavor and the wholesome taste of roasted broccoli. Whether you are looking for a healthy alternative to traditional chips, a creative side dish, or a fun way to get kids to eat their vegetables, these broccoli chips offer all the satisfaction of junk food with the nutrition of a superfood vegetable.
Serves: 4 people
Total Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 145
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 385mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
- Vitamin C: 89mg
- Vitamin K: 102mg
- Calcium: 195mg
- Folate: 68mg
What You Will Need
For the Broccoli Chips:
- 2 large heads fresh broccoli (about 2 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Coating Station:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
For Serving:
- Ranch dressing for dipping
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Extra grated Parmesan
Preparing Your Broccoli
Wash the broccoli heads thoroughly under cold running water and pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Cut the broccoli into uniform bite-sized florets, about 1 to 2 inches in size. Try to make them similar in size so they cook evenly. Save the stems for another use or compost them.
Setting Up Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and position two racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Having two sheets allows you to bake more chips at once for faster cooking.
Creating the Parmesan Coating
In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix everything together thoroughly until all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
Preparing the Coating Station
Set up three shallow dishes for coating the broccoli. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs until smooth and well combined. In the third dish, place your prepared Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Having everything organized makes the coating process much more efficient.
Coating the Broccoli Florets
Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge each broccoli floret first in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick well to all surfaces of the floret.
Arranging for Even Baking
Place the coated broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart so hot air can circulate around each piece. Do not overcrowd the pans, as this will cause steaming instead of crisping. If needed, use a third baking sheet to give all florets adequate space.
Drizzling with Olive Oil
Lightly drizzle the olive oil over all the coated broccoli florets, or use a spray bottle to mist them evenly. This helps create the golden, crispy exterior that makes these chips so irresistible. The oil also helps the coating brown beautifully in the oven.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the pans and switching their positions halfway through cooking. The chips are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork.
Checking for Perfect Doneness
The finished broccoli chips should have a beautiful golden-brown color and sound slightly hollow when tapped with a fork. The coating should be crispy and well-adhered to the broccoli, while the florets inside should be tender but not mushy. If some pieces need more time, continue baking for 2 to 3 minutes.
Final Touches
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and immediately sprinkle the hot chips with additional grated Parmesan cheese while they are still warm. This extra cheese will melt slightly and add even more flavor. Let the chips cool on the baking sheets for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the coating to set.
Serving Your Broccoli Chips
Transfer the crispy broccoli chips to a serving platter and serve immediately while they are still warm and crispy. Provide small bowls of various dipping sauces around the platter, along with napkins for easy snacking. These chips are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Perfect Dipping Sauce Options
Ranch dressing is a classic choice that complements the cheesy, garlicky flavors perfectly. Marinara sauce provides a nice tangy contrast to the rich Parmesan coating. Garlic aioli adds creamy richness, while fresh lemon wedges provide a bright, citrusy accent that enhances the vegetable flavors.
Storage and Reheating
These chips are best eaten immediately while crispy, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To restore crispiness, reheat them in a 400-degree oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the coating soggy and chewy.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the coating mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The broccoli can be cut and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before coating and baking. However, for the best texture, coat and bake the chips on the same day you plan to serve them.
Variations to Try
Try different cheese combinations like cheddar and Parmesan, or add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the coating. For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to the beaten eggs. You can also experiment with different vegetables like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts using the same technique.
Nutritional Benefits
Broccoli is packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber, making these chips a nutritious snack option. The Parmesan cheese adds protein and calcium, while the baking method keeps the fat content much lower than traditional fried snacks. These chips provide a satisfying crunch with significant nutritional benefits.
Tips for Perfect Results
Make sure the broccoli is completely dry before coating to help the breading stick properly. Do not skip the flour step, as it helps the egg and cheese coating adhere better. Press the coating gently onto each floret for maximum coverage. Watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning, as ovens can vary in temperature.
