Roasted Broccoli with Lemon & Parmesan
Crispy Roasted Broccoli with garlic powder, lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan is the ultimate simple side dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with any meal.
Sometimes the simplest side dishes are the ones we come back to again and again—and this Roasted Broccoli with garlic powder, lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan is a staple for a reason. It’s crisp, caramelized, and bursting with flavor, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Broccoli
If you’ve ever found broccoli bland or boring, this recipe will completely change your mind. Roasting brings out the vegetable’s natural sweetness, while the crispy edges and browned bits add a satisfying crunch. The garlic and lemon brighten the flavor, and that final touch of parmesan? Pure magic.
Here’s why this dish is always in my weekly dinner rotation:
Quick and easy: Just a few ingredients and 5 minutes of prep.
Versatile: Works with any protein or grain—think chicken, salmon, rice, or pasta.
Healthy and delicious: Packed with nutrients and fiber, yet crave-worthy thanks to the garlic, lemon, and cheese combo.
Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love it when it’s roasted until crispy and topped with cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Matter)
Let’s break down each ingredient so you understand why it works so well in this recipe:
Fresh Broccoli
Use a large head of broccoli or about 1 to 1½ pounds of florets. Trim into bite-size pieces.
Roasting transforms the earthy flavor of broccoli into something rich, nutty, and almost sweet.
You want fresh—not frozen—broccoli here, because moisture from frozen florets prevents them from caramelizing properly.
🔥 Pro Tip: Dry the broccoli well after washing to avoid soggy results. A salad spinner works great!
Salt + Pepper
Salt (about ½ tsp) enhances all the natural flavors.
Black pepper (¼ tsp) adds just a touch of spice and balance.
Seasoning is key—don’t skimp!
Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
A pantry staple that adds deep umami flavor without burning like fresh garlic can during roasting.
You can also swap in onion powder for a variation, or add both.
Want extra garlic flavor? Toss a few whole peeled garlic cloves on the pan to roast with the broccoli.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
Helps the broccoli crisp up and develop those golden edges.
Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor, but any neutral oil will work.
Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated to get the best roast—this is what gives you those crispy tips!
Juice of Half a Lemon
Added after roasting for brightness and zing.
It balances the richness of the oil and Parmesan and makes the whole dish taste fresh.
🍋 Don’t skip the lemon—it’s the secret to lifting the whole dish!
Fresh Shredded Parmesan (for garnish)
Adds a savory, salty punch and slightly melts over the warm broccoli.
Use a microplane or fine grater for that light, fluffy texture.
🧀 Skip the pre-shredded stuff if you can. Freshly grated parm makes a big difference.
Full Recipe: Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Lemon & Parmesan
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients
1–1½ pounds fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Freshly grated parmesan (about ¼ cup, to taste)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Step 2: Spread broccoli florets in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Drizzle the olive oil over the top. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the edges are browned and crispy.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and immediately squeeze the lemon juice over the hot broccoli.
Step 7: Top with freshly grated parmesan and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Roasted Broccoli
1. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Give your broccoli space so it can roast—not steam. If needed, divide between two pans.
2. Use high heat.
400°F is the sweet spot. It allows the broccoli to caramelize and crisp up without drying out.
3. Flip halfway.
Toss the florets midway through roasting to ensure even browning.
4. Add lemon after roasting.
Adding it before can make the broccoli steam. A fresh squeeze post-roast brightens the flavor beautifully.
5. Use a microplane for Parmesan.
A fine grate helps the cheese melt slightly into the broccoli without clumping.
How to Customize This Recipe
This dish is a blank canvas for endless flavor combos. Try these ideas:
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes before roasting.
Nutty: Add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch.
Cheesy: Mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan.
Zesty: Add lemon zest along with the juice for extra citrusy punch.
Herby: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley after roasting.
Make it a Meal
This roasted broccoli goes with just about anything! Here are a few serving ideas:
🍗 With protein: Serve alongside baked chicken, grilled steak, or salmon.
🍚 Buddha bowl: Add to a bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, and tahini dressing.
🍝 Pasta night: Toss with buttered noodles, garlic, and extra cheese.
🍳 Brunch board: Add to a frittata or next to scrambled eggs and avocado toast.
Why This Recipe Works
This roasted broccoli checks all the boxes: it’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it’s good for you. Plus, it’s:
Naturally gluten-free
Low carb and keto-friendly
Vegetarian
Budget-friendly
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then memorize—because it becomes second nature in your dinner routine. It's also one of those dishes that converts even the most skeptical veggie eater!
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
To re-crisp, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Technically yes, but the texture won’t be the same. Frozen broccoli has more water and tends to steam, not roast.
Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, but watch it closely—it can burn easily. Mince it fine and add it halfway through roasting for best results.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best way to cut broccoli for roasting?
Trim into uniform, bite-size florets. Leave a bit of the stem—they roast up deliciously too!
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon & Parmesan
Crispy Roasted Broccoli with garlic powder, lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan is the ultimate simple side dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with any meal.
Ingredients
- 1–1½ pounds fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Freshly grated parmesan (about ¼ cup, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Spread broccoli florets in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and immediately squeeze the lemon juice over the hot broccoli.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan and serve warm.
Ready to make the best roasted broccoli of your life?
Save this recipe for your next dinner, and be sure to pin it on Pinterest so you never lose it! And if you make it, tag me on Instagram @cooksnapbake so I can see your delicious creation!
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Crispy Roasted Broccoli with garlic powder, lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan is the ultimate simple side dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with any meal.