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Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is the ultimate EASY way to prepare broccoli! From the crispy edges to the tender interior to the nutty flavor, this recipe for roasted broccoli delivers spectacular results with minimal effort.
Looking for more family-favorite veggies? Don't miss my recipes for Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas, Carrot Raisin Salad, and Green Beans Almondine.
The VERY Best Roasted Broccoli
When it comes to making the best vegetable side dishes, the answer is almost always roast them! From red potatoes to butternut squash to asparagus to carrots to broccoli, roasting vegetables enhances the natural sweet flavor of the veggies and adds irresistible texture. So much better than steaming a bag of frozen veggies and ALMOST as easy!
And with my tips on how to roast broccoli, you can ensure that everyone will gobble up their veggies without complaint!
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Ingredients for Roasted Broccoli
You will find the full list of ingredients, along with quantities in the recipe card. Below is a quick glance at what you need and tips to help you make the right selection.
- 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.
Cut Back on Food Waste
Instead of tossing the stalks from the broccoli in the trash, shred it! It makes a delicious addition to salads, coleslaw, fried rice, or the filling for vegetable egg rolls.
How To Roast Broccoli
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chop Broccoli. Remove the large stem from the stalk of broccoli, then 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, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and then toss to evenly coat the broccoli with the seasonings. Spread the seasoned broccoli evenly out onto the baking sheet. Remember, if the pan is crowded the broccoli will only steam, not caramelize.
- Roast Broccoli. 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.
- Finish with Parmesan and Lemon. 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.
- Serve Immediately. Roasted broccoli, like most roasted vegetables, is best served while warm and crisp.
Kristen's Key Tips
- Minimize Dishes. Season the broccoli right on your sheet pan, rather than using a separate mixing bowl.
- Roast in a Single Layer. In order to roast (not steam) the broccoli, you need to leave space for the air to circulate around the broccoli.
- Finish with Flavor. While roasting the broccoli with just oil salt and pepper will instantly improve this green veggie, adding lemon and parmesan takes the flavor of the baked broccoli over the top!
More Delicious Broccoli Recipes
Roasted Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉ (215℃).
- Wash and dry 1 head broccoli and then trim the broccoli into 1 to 2-inch florets, removing most of the stalk.
- Place the florets onto a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss to coat and then spread the broccoli out evenly on the pan, being sure to leave room around each floret so the broccoli can roast, not steam.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Flip and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes or until broccoli is browned and tender.
- Remove the broccoli from the oven and toss with parmesan cheese and lemon juice if using.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Allow leftover broccoli to cool slightly, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate 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.
Serving Suggestions
Obviously roasted broccoli makes an incredible side dish, but this roasted gem can be showcased in many other ways.
- As a Side: 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!
- With Eggs: Chop up roasted broccoli and add to the filling of an omelet, egg bites, frittata, or quiche.
- Add to Salads: Think of roasted broccoli as a low-carb crouton. It adds salt, crunch, and texture to any salad.
This recipe was originally published in 2019 but updated in 2025.
Can’t believe I haven’t rated this yet. I’ve enjoyed it many times. Sometimes I enjoy with the Parmesan and lemon juice, sometimes, just with a good olive oil, salt & pepper, equally tasty either way.
Love hearing this broccoli has been a favorite. I also appreciate you leaving a review--better late than never 😉
One of our favorite sides! Thanks for the recipe.
This is one of my favorite side dishes. It's easy to make and the added parmesan takes it to a whole other level of deliciousness!
This turned out so well, perfectly crispy without getting overcooked! Thanks!
Roasted broccoli is so delicious. With added parmesan even tastier. I had to give this recipe a try. Yum!
Haven't roasted broccoli before and I am excited to try this out. Thank you sharing.
This roasted broccoli is so easy to make and tastes so much better than steaming them. The crispy edges are my favorite!
Those crispy edges are the best for sure!! So glad you enjoyed Sandra.