There’s something magical about how the humble broccoli transforms in the oven. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is the side dish you didn’t know you needed, combining crispy, caramelized edges with a burst of cheesy, garlicky flavor.
I first discovered this recipe while looking for ways to elevate my weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen. Roasting broccoli turned out to be a game-changer – simple to prepare, yet bursting with flavor. Whether it’s for a holiday meal or a quick side for a family dinner, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
This dish is more than just a way to eat your greens – it’s a flavor-packed delight! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthier Choice: Roasting locks in nutrients and brings out broccoli's natural sweetness without adding unnecessary calories.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will fall in love with the cheesy, garlicky flavors that coat each piece of broccoli.
- Versatile: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pasta, or your favorite protein. It also makes a fantastic addition to grain bowls or salads.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli florets for the best results. They roast evenly and develop a crispy exterior while staying tender inside.
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for achieving a beautifully roasted finish.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the broccoli with rich, aromatic flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick that pairs perfectly with roasted broccoli.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional) enhances the natural flavors.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the cheese.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Roasting broccoli is as easy as mix, roast, and serve. Let’s dive into the steps:
1. Prep the Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re evenly sized for uniform cooking.
2. Season the Broccoli
In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
3. Roast to Perfection
Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause steaming instead of roasting.
Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The edges should be golden and crispy, while the stems remain tender.
4. Add Parmesan
Once the broccoli is roasted, sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
5. Finish and Serve
For a burst of brightness, drizzle the roasted broccoli with a bit of fresh lemon juice just before serving. Serve hot and watch it disappear from the plate!
Storage Options
This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store and reheat leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the roasted broccoli may become mushy when thawed.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore its crispy texture. You can also use an air fryer for even better results.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Add Herbs: Toss in dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a kick of heat.
- Different Cheese: Swap parmesan for pecorino romano, asiago, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Add Nuts: Toasted almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Other Veggies: Use the same method to roast cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a colorful medley.
This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is a side dish that’s as simple as it is spectacular. Its rich flavors and crispy texture will have everyone coming back for seconds – even the veggie skeptics! Give it a try, and watch this easy recipe become a staple in your home.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli recipe is a simple, flavorful side dish made with fresh broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a healthy, low-carb option that pairs perfectly with any main course. Keywords: garlic roasted broccoli, Parmesan broccoli, healthy vegetable side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli florets (about 4 cups)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the broccoli in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 18-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the broccoli is tender and edges are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the hot broccoli. Toss gently to combine.
- Optional: Drizzle with lemon juice before serving for a burst of freshness. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added spice, sprinkle red chili flakes before roasting.
- You can use pre-shredded Parmesan, but freshly grated yields the best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of the recipe)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
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