Description
Crispy, golden Roasted Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with perfectly caramelized edges, bold garlic flavor, and a savory Parmesan cheese coating. This easy 30-minute side dish turns ordinary broccoli into an irresistible, restaurant-quality vegetable that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds fresh broccoli (about 2 large crowns), cut into bite-sized florets
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. The high temperature is crucial for achieving those crispy, caramelized edges.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli crowns into evenly-sized florets, about 1½ to 2 inches each. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly. You can also peel and slice the thick broccoli stems into rounds—they’re delicious roasted too! Make sure the broccoli is completely dry by patting with paper towels.
- Season the Broccoli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together thoroughly, using your hands or tongs to ensure every piece is well-coated with oil and seasonings. Add about ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese and toss again to distribute.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned broccoli in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure the florets aren’t crowded—they should have space around them to allow proper air circulation. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting, which prevents that coveted crispiness.
- Roast Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through. The broccoli is done when the edges are crispy and golden-brown and the stems are fork-tender. Some charred bits are perfect—they add incredible flavor!
- Add Final Touches: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the hot broccoli and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to combine. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy your restaurant-quality roasted broccoli!
Notes
- For Extra Crispy Broccoli: Make absolutely sure your broccoli is dry before tossing with oil, and don’t skip the step of spreading florets in a single layer without crowding.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version, or substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Make It Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or add a drizzle of hot honey after roasting.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
1 cup (approximately ¼ of recipe)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 512mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 11mg