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This Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan recipe is a brilliant way to elevate a simple vegetable into a flavorful, nutritious side dish that fits seamlessly into everyday meals.
Roasting broccoli intensifies its natural sweetness while delivering a satisfying crisp-tender texture.
The addition of extra virgin olive oil and garlic provides healthy fats and antioxidants, while a splash of lemon juice adds brightness.
Parmesan cheese lends a savory, umami-rich finish without overpowering the vegetable’s vibrant flavor.
Nutritionally, this recipe is a powerhouse: it’s low in carbs and calories, rich in fiber, and supplies a solid 6 grams of protein per serving — making it an excellent choice for those seeking plant-based protein and digestive health benefits.
Plus, it’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight side, satisfying both taste buds and health goals alike.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Sheet Pan
The backbone of this recipe, a sturdy, rimmed sheet pan ensures even roasting and allows broccoli florets to cook to crispy perfection. Beyond this dish, it’s a versatile tool for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, or making sheet pan dinners.
Mixing Bowl
A large mixing bowl is essential for tossing broccoli evenly with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. Its size and smooth surface make it invaluable for salad prep, marinating, and more.
Microplane or Fine Grater
Perfect for grating Parmesan cheese finely, ensuring it melts evenly over hot broccoli. It’s also great for zesting citrus or grating fresh spices, enhancing many dishes.
Tongs
Handy for turning and tossing hot broccoli both before and after roasting, tongs provide precision and safety, useful for grilling, serving salads, and more.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 Large Rimmed Sheet Pan
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 microplane or fine grater
- 1 Pair of Tongs
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds 680g fresh broccoli crowns, trimmed and cut into uniform florets
- 3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice approximately half a lemon
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese adjust to preference
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully preheat. This high temperature will help the broccoli develop a delightful roasted flavor and slight crispiness.
- Prepare Broccoli Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle salt over the mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each floret is evenly coated with the oil, lemon, and seasoning.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread the broccoli in a single, even layer, leaving space between florets to allow for proper roasting and browning.
- Roast Until Tender: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 16 to 20 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing a floret with a fork — it should be tender but still have a bit of bite. Look for golden, lightly charred edges; these add wonderful flavor and texture.
- Add Finishing Touches and Serve: Transfer the roasted broccoli back into the mixing bowl. Sprinkle generously with freshly ground black pepper and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to distribute the cheese evenly over the hot broccoli. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Broccoli Size: Try to cut florets into similar sizes to promote even cooking and browning.
- Olive Oil Amount: Adjust olive oil to your liking — more for a richer dish, less for a lighter option.
- Cheese Variation: For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting for a mild spicy kick.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Roasting
To get the most flavorful roasted broccoli, focus on even coating and high heat.
Make sure to cut the florets into similar sizes so they roast uniformly, avoiding some pieces being burnt while others remain undercooked.
Using extra virgin olive oil not only adds richness but helps crisp the edges beautifully.
Don’t be shy with the garlic—it infuses the broccoli during roasting, mellowing its pungency and adding a fragrant base.
The lemon juice brightens and balances the natural earthiness, so add it just before roasting rather than after to keep that fresh zing.
When roasting, keep the broccoli spread out on the pan to prevent steaming, which can make it soggy.
Lastly, toss the hot broccoli with freshly grated Parmesan and plenty of black pepper right after roasting for the perfect finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Dish
Roasted broccoli with Parmesan is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of meals.
Serve it alongside roasted or grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a simple, healthy dinner.
It also works well tossed into grain bowls or pasta dishes, adding both texture and flavor.
For a vegetarian meal, combine it with quinoa or farro and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
This broccoli makes a great topping for pizzas or flatbreads, giving a burst of freshness and a savory kick.
Garnish with toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch, or sprinkle some chili flakes if you like a little heat.
It’s perfect as a quick side for weeknight meals or an elegant addition to holiday spreads.
Storage Tips for Maintaining Freshness
To store leftover roasted broccoli, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.
Keep it refrigerated and consume within three days for the best flavor and texture.
When reheating, use a hot oven or air fryer rather than a microwave to restore some of the crispness—microwaving tends to make it soggy.
You can also enjoy the leftovers cold, tossed into salads or grain bowls.
If you want to prep ahead, you can roast the broccoli a day in advance and reheat just before serving.
Avoid freezing roasted broccoli as it tends to lose its texture and become mushy once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roasting Broccoli
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Frozen broccoli tends to release extra moisture, which can lead to steaming rather than roasting, making the texture softer and less crisp. For best results, use fresh broccoli, but if using frozen, make sure to pat it dry thoroughly and roast at a higher temperature.
Q2: How do I know when the broccoli is done roasting?
The broccoli should be tender when pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite. Look for light browning or charring on the edges, which adds flavor. Typically, 16-20 minutes at 425°F is ideal.
Q3: Can I substitute Parmesan cheese with something else?
Yes! You can swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, vegan option that adds a cheesy flavor.
Q4: Is this recipe suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
Absolutely. Roasted broccoli is naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber, making it perfect for low-carb and keto meal plans.
Q5: How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before roasting or toss the broccoli with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne powder for a smoky heat.
This recipe is inspired by simplyrecipes and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.