Roasted Broccoli

Roasted Broccoli is the perfect side dish to serve alongside any meal! This broccoli is roasted over high heat until golden brown and tender then tossed with lemon juice and parmesan cheese! This recipe will convert any broccoli haters!

Where are my Broccoli Fans?! I happen to love broccoli. I’ve already added it to soups, salads, casseroles and my favorite Asian Inspired dishes. This is a dish even true broccoli haters will love! It’s even kid-friendly, my daughter loves this oven roasted broccoli.

Roasting is my favorite way to serve broccoli. It adds so much flavor with minimal effort. The broccoli get’s slightly charred / golden brown on the outside and perfectly crisp and tender on the inside. This roasted broccoli is tossed with olive oil, sliced garlic, salt and pepper. After the broccoli is roasted it gets drizzled with lemon juice then sprinkled with a generous helping of parmesan cheese. The lemon + parmesan cheese + garlic make this roasted broccoli with lemon ADDICTING!

All you need to make this roasted broccoli recipe is 5 ingredients and only 30 minutes! This garlic roasted broccoli is my go to side dish!

Roasted Broccoli Ingredients

• Broccoli Florets: Make sure to cut these into similar bite sized pieces. I like to cut my broccoli into large chunks because it tends to shrink as it cooks.
• Olive oil: You can use any type of oil in this recipe. I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil however canola or oil vegetable oil can be used.
• Lemon: This is what makes this broccoli so good! The acidity and tartness from the lemon adds a burst of flavor that makes this broccoli so addicting.
• Parmesan cheese: You can use either the fancy block parmesan and grate it yourself or the sprinkle cheese. I choose to use the sprinkle cheese because it’s easier to coat the broccoli with. The fresh grated parmesan cheese tends to fall off.
• Garlic: My favorite part of this dish is the garlic. When it get’s roasted along with the broccoli it gets perfectly golden brown and crispy.

How to make Roasted Broccoli

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees: This is the perfect temperature for roasting broccoli. It gets golden brown without cooking too fast and burning.
• Toss broccoli and garlic in oil: Spread the broccoli onto a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil then add in garlic, salt and pepper. Toss to coat the broccoli in oil and seasonings.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the broccoli is golden brown on the inside and fork tender.

• Remove from the oven and drizzle with lemon juice and parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for perfect broccoli every time

• Choose the freshest broccoli: When buying broccoli make sure to look for broccoli that is firm and has a bright green color. Any yellow is a sign of broccoli that is past it’s prime.
• Wash and dry broccoli: After washing your broccoli make sure to thoroughly dry it before roasting. This will help keep the broccoli crispy.
• Make sure to flip the broccoli halfway through cooking: This ensures that both sides get golden brown and crispy.
• Cut broccoli into large chunks: The broccoli will shrink as it cooks. I also find the larger chunks cook better and hold up to the high heat. Smaller florets tend to burn faster instead of getting caramelized throughout.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure to choose a pan that is big enough for the broccoli. Overcrowding the broccoli will cause it to steam and not crisp up which is what we don’t want!
• Don’t forget about the stalk: I always use the stalk as well and roasted it along with the florets.

Variations

• Italian style: Add fresh Italian herbs. Dried thyme and dried basil go perfectly with the parmesan cheese.
• Everything seasoning: Add 1-2 tsp of everything seasoning for a garlicky onion flavor.
• Nuts: Add slivered almonds, pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a nice crunch.
• Ranch seasoning: Add 1-2 tsp of dried ranch seasoning for ranch flavored broccoli.
• Add some heat: For a kick I like to sprinkle the broccoli with crushed red pepper flakes.

Can you roast frozen broccoli?

Yes! If using frozen broccoli simply roast as directed! No need to thaw the frozen broccoli either! The frozen broccoli will take about 10 extra minutes in the oven to roast. Just note the roasted frozen broccoli won’t get as crispy as fresh due to frozen’s additional water content.

How to serve Roasted Broccoli

• Garlic Pasta
• Alongside sandwiches
• Swedish Meatballs
• Asian Sloppy Joes
• Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells
• Baked Chicken Nuggets
• Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
• Asian Turkey Meatballs
• Homemade Hamburger Helper
• Tuscan Salmon
• Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo
• Coconut Curry Salmon
• With a protein! This broccoli goes great alongside your favorite chicken, beef, salmon or shrimp recipe!
• Make your own grain bowl with the roasted broccoli, your favorite grain (quinoa / lentils / brown rice) then top with a yummy cilantro lime sauce!

What To Do With Leftovers?

• Add it to a quiche! Broccoli Quiche is one of my favorite breakfasts to make!
• Puree it with stock and make a healthy soup! You could add roasted broccoli florets to this Spinach Broccoli Soup.
• Make my Broccoli Rice Casserole!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store: Leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Simply heat a bit of oil in a skillet and add broccoli and cook over medium high heat until warmed through and crisp. Alternatively you can warm back in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through.

Here are more veggie recipes to try!

• Buffalo Cauliflower
• Honey Roasted Carrots
• Brussels Sprout Casserole
• Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts
• Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
• Roasted Asparagus