Roasted Broccoli Garlic Parmesan

The first time I made roasted broccoli properly, I stood by the oven watching those little trees transform from dull green to gorgeous golden-brown, realizing I had been doing this vegetable wrong my entire life. The smell of garlic caramelizing alongside crisp-tender florets has become one of those kitchen aromas that makes everyone wander in asking what's for dinner. This dish converted my broccoli-hating roommate into a believer within one bite, and it is now on permanent rotation in our house.

Last winter when my sister came over feeling completely overwhelmed by life, I roasted a massive batch of this broccoli while we caught up at the kitchen island. We ended up eating nearly the entire pan straight from the baking sheet, burning our fingers and forgetting about the main course entirely. Some recipes are just that comforting.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs (680 g) broccoli florets: Fresh trimmed florets work best here, and try to keep them similar in size for even roasting
• 3 tbsp olive oil: This helps the seasonings stick and promotes that gorgeous caramelization we are after
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced: Thin slices roast alongside the broccoli and turn into delicious crispy garlic chips
• ½ tsp kosher salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and concentrating flavor
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the rich Parmesan
• ½ cup (40 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Please grate it yourself, the stuff in the tub will not give you the same melting magic
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional): Brightens everything and cuts through the richness
• Zest of ½ lemon (optional): Adds aromatic brightness without extra acid
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): Makes it look pretty and adds a fresh herbal note

Instructions

Get your oven nice and hot:

Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.

Coat everything thoroughly:

In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, sliced garlic, salt, and pepper until every piece is glistening.

Give them room to roast:

Spread the broccoli in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure the florets have plenty of breathing room.

Let the oven work its magic:

Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the broccoli is tender and those gorgeous golden edges appear.

Add the cheesy finish:

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan while everything is piping hot.

Toss and serve:

Gently toss so the cheese melts slightly over the broccoli, then add lemon juice, zest, and parsley if you are feeling fancy.

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This dish has become my go-to contribution for potlucks because it travels well and somehow manages to steal the show from much more complicated recipes. There is something deeply satisfying about serving vegetables that people actually get excited about eating.

Getting the Perfect Roast

I learned the hard way that uniform floret size makes a huge difference in the final result. Now I take an extra minute to cut any especially large pieces in half, ensuring everything roasts at the same rate and no piece ends up underdone or burnt.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add red pepper flakes if I want a little kick, or swap in Pecorino Romano when I need something sharper and saltier. The basic technique is so forgiving that you can play around with flavors while still ending up with something delicious.

Serving Ideas

This roasted broccoli is fantastic on its own, but I also love tossing leftovers with pasta for a quick lunch or piling it onto grilled chicken for a complete meal. The leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a warm oven.

• Try adding pine nuts during the last 2 minutes of roasting for extra crunch
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes this in a completely different but delicious direction
• This works just as well with cauliflower or a mix of both vegetables

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Simple roasted vegetables often end up being the dish people remember most, and this broccoli has earned permanent status in my regular rotation. Sometimes the most straightforward recipes are the ones that bring the most joy to the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to roast broccoli evenly?

Spread the broccoli florets in a single layer on a baking sheet without overcrowding to ensure even roasting and crisp edges.

→ Can I substitute Parmesan with another cheese?

Yes, Pecorino Romano offers a sharper taste, or vegan cheese alternatives work well for dairy-free options.

→ How do garlic slices influence the flavor?

Thinly sliced garlic crisps and roasts alongside the broccoli, infusing a subtle, aromatic depth to the dish.

→ Is lemon optional in this preparation?

Lemon juice and zest add a refreshing brightness but can be omitted if preferred without sacrificing flavor.

→ How can I achieve crispy broccoli edges?

Roast at a high temperature around 425°F and avoid overcrowding the tray to enhance caramelization and crispiness.