Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

From the crispy edges to the tender interior to the nutty flavor, this Recipe for Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan delivers spectacular results with minimal effort.

While everything gets excited about mashed potato casserole, twice-baked potatoes, or oven-baked fries, non-starchy vegetable side dishes can be a bit harder to sell.

However, just like red potatoes and fingerling potatoes' flavor and texture are enhanced when roasted, the same can be said when it comes to non-starchy vegetables. Just as this recipe for Roasted Broccoli proves!

Ingredients for Roasted Broccoli

You truly only need broccoli, oil, and salt to make roasted broccoli. But adding lemon and parmesan to the mix takes this baked broccoli over the top!

• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is a must when roasting broccoli. You can either purchase a bag of broccoli florets from the produce section or a head of broccoli to chop yourself. Be sure to look for broccoli that is a vibrant green color.
• Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is the best choice when it comes to flavor for roasting vegetables.
• Parmesan: Finishing roasted broccoli with freshly grated parmesan adds a delicious nutty flavor, but is optional.
• Lemon: Just like the parmesan, the lemon juice is optional, but it brightens up the broccoli and adds great flavor.

How To Roast Broccoli

• Chop the Broccoli: Remove the large stem from the stalk of broccoli. Shred the steam to use in salads, Fried Rice, or Veggie Egg Rolls instead of tossing the stalks into the trash! Cut the head of broccoli into small florets that are about 1-2 inches each.

• Season: Place the broccoli florets onto a large rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper, using your hands to toss to coat. I prefer tossing the ingredients together right on the baking sheet to minimize dishes.
• Spread in an even layer: Spread the seasoned broccoli evenly out onto the baking sheet. You want to be sure to spread it out evenly giving the broccoli room to roast. If the pan is crowded the broccoli will only steam and not get caramelized. 

• Roast: Place the seasoned broccoli into the oven and roast, turning halfway through the baking time. Once broccoli florets have become slightly browned and the stalks are tender, remove the broccoli from the oven.

• Add finishing touches: Once the broccoli has been removed from the oven, immediately grate fresh Parmesan cheese generously over the roasted broccoli and let it melt into the broccoli. Squeeze with fresh lemon juice to brighten if desired (this is NOT necessary.)
• Serve immediately. Roasted broccoli, like most roasted vegetables, is best served while warm and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with meals like Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Chopped Steaks, Baked Cod, Chicken Marsala, or Oven Baked Meatballs, for a vegetable side dish the entire family will love!

This roasted broccoli also makes a great addition to rice bowls, salads, or even omelets or egg bites.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Allow the leftovers to cool slightly, and then place the broccoli into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: For best results, spread the leftover broccoli out on a sheet pan and broil it for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. If you try to heat baked broccoli in the microwave, it will become soggy.

More Delicious Broccoli Recipe

• Healthy Broccoli Salad
• Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
• Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
• Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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If you tried this recipe for Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, be sure to leave a review and comment below!

This recipe was originally published in 2019 but updated in 2022 with a few new photos and tips.