Best Damn Oven Roasted Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

With just a few simple ingredients, this oven roasted broccoli recipe transforms regular broccoli into something truly special. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and gives each floret crispy edges, while garlic and Parmesan add rich, savory layers. It’s amazing how a basic vegetable like broccoli can turn into a side dish that really stands out.

This roasted broccoli is easy to make, quick to prepare, and pairs perfectly with almost any main course. It’s a great way to add something fresh and flavorful to your meal with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

As with most of my recipes, I like to keep the main ingredient as the star of the show. For this recipe, the broccoli does most of the heavy lifting, while we accentuate it with salt, pepper, and minced garlic before topping it off with Parmesan cheese and a spritz of lemon juice. It’s SO amazing and also leaves you a lot of room for your own customizations.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

You’ll need a standard sheet pan lined with parchment paper to ensure even roasting and easy cleanup.

• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the star of this dish. When roasted, they develop a deep, nutty flavor with a nice little crunch on the edges.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the seasonings to the broccoli. Also helps it get that perfect golden-brown color while keeping it moist and flavorful.
• Garlic: Roasting the garlic on the broccoli brings out its sweetness, creating little bursts of flavor in each bite.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens things up the dish, adding a pop of acidity that balances the richness of the Parmesan and olive oil.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish to the roasted broccoli, melting slightly for a subtle, creamy texture. It’s a key ingredient for adding depth and a hint of indulgence.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick, crushed red pepper flakes give a mild heat that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.
• Lemon Wedges (for serving): Extra lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a touch more brightness if they’d like. The fresh lemon juice right before eating enhances the freshness of the dish.

Preparation and Cooking

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

While the oven heats, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together in the bowl until the broccoli is well-coated, with the garlic and seasonings evenly mixed in.

Next, spread the seasoned broccoli in a single layer on the prepared baking tray, making sure to leave space around each floret. This setup allows for even roasting and helps the broccoli get those crispy edges. Place the tray in the oven and roast for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are browned and crispy and the florets are tender.

When the broccoli is done, take it out of the oven and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and, if you like, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Give it a gentle toss, and it’s ready to serve.

Goes Well With…

Honestly, this dish goes well with just about any main course! Some of my favorites are…

• One-Pan Chicken Piccata: This delicious dish is excellent for accompanying our roasted broccoli.
• Oven Baked Salmon: Another perfect main course for this dish, and both are great for meal planning!
• Smothered French Onion Chicken: Talk about a carnival of flavor! This dish is a superstar all its own, and when paired with our oven-roasted broccoli, it’s a thing, trust me!

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, store the roasted broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and warm it in a 400°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the broccoli will be softer and less crisp than using the oven.

The air fryer is another great option for reheating! Do 350°F for about 5 minutes or until heated through.

Print

Recipe