Even picky eaters will devour this Parmesan roasted broccoli!
Who knew broccoli could be this addicting? Garlicky, cheesy, and nutty, this is how you get everyone to eat their veggies.
I swear, this recipe is a dinner game-changer. It’s easy, nutritious, and so delicious!
Your family will ask for it again and again! This Parmesan roasted broccoli is a guaranteed hit.
How to Roast Broccoli
This roasted Parmesan broccoli recipe is easy-peasy. You can have it hot and ready in 45 minutes tops!
Just follow these steps:
1. Prep the broccoli. Wash, dry, and slice the broccoli into similar-sized florets.
2. Season. Toss it with olive oil and salt until evenly coated.
3. Roast. Spread the broccoli into a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil. Roast it for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
4. Add the other seasonings and cheese. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the garlic, pepper, and Parmesan over the broccoli. Gently toss it to coat. Spread it into a single layer. Roast it for another 5-7 minutes.
5. Garnish. Sprinkle the lemon zest and squeeze the lemon juice over the broccoli. Stir and serve.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Roasting vegetables like this is super simple and very customizable. This version is my favorite, but now and then, it’s fun to switch it up.
So keep these tips and variations in mind:
- Even Steven is the way to go. For even cooking, it’s important to cut your broccoli florets into even sizes. That way, they’re cooked just right when the timer dings.
- Give it a good pat down. After washing the broccoli, be sure to pat it completely dry. Any moisture left will prevent it from getting crispy.
- Go for grating greatness. I highly recommend grating the cheese yourself. Pre-grated cheese is not as fresh and can contain starch, so it doesn’t melt as well.
- Give ‘em a crunch. For more texture, add panko breadcrumbs. Lightly toast them in oil, then sprinkle them on top.
- Season it up. Everyone has different taste preferences. So adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more or less salt, pepper, or garlic.
- Get cheesy. Hard cheeses like Gruyere, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano are all great Parmesan substitutes. Goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese are also yummy!
- Go nuts. Slivered almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts add more texture and flavor.
- Make it vegan-friendly. Just use plant-based Parmesan cheese or nooch. It’s vegan and delicious!
What to Serve With Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Parmesan roasted broccoli is a super universal side dish. So there are tons of options for serving.
For a full meal, pair your cheesy roasted broccoli with these dishes:
- Shake and Bake Chicken
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Oven-Fried Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Salmon
- TikTok Baked Feta Pasta
- Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
- Easy Sirloin Tip Steak
- Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
- Ina Garten’s Roast Chicken
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
Easy Parmesan Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Course: SidesCuisine: American4
servings15
minutes25
minutesThis Parmesan roasted broccoli is impossible to resist! The oven gives it a nice, crunchy exterior, and the cheesy flavor is tough to beat.
Ingredients
2 medium heads or 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (1.5 – 2 pounds)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Lightly spray it with cooking oil and set it aside.
- Cut the broccoli florets from the stem. Slice the larger pieces in half so they’re all uniform.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the florets. Then, place them in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and salt and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the broccoli on the baking sheet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the tray (work in batches, if needed).
- Roast it for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. The broccoli should be tender and brown on the edges.
- Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Sprinkle the garlic, pepper, and Parmesan cheese over the broccoli and gently toss it to coat. Spread it into a single layer and roast it again for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is crisp and golden.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the lemon zest and squeeze the lemon juice over the broccoli. Stir it to coat and serve it hot.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic if desired.
- Try using both shredded and grated Parmesan for layers of cheesy flavor. Add shreds of cheese as a garnish for serving.
- Add breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Before tossing the broccoli with oil, ensure it’s completely dry after washing. Any moisture left will prevent it from getting crispy.
