Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli florets roasted at 425°F with garlic and lemon, then topped with Parmesan. Crisp, savory and quick.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Course: Side DishDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes20
minutesBroccoli florets roasted at 425°F with garlic and lemon, then topped with Parmesan. Crisp, savory and quick.
Ingredients
2 lb broccoli, cut into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 pinch flaky salt, to finish
Directions
- Heat the oven to 425°F and put a baking sheet inside.
- Wash the broccoli and dry the florets thoroughly with a towel.
- Cut the florets into pieces of a similar size, about 2 inches.
- Spray or toss them with the olive oil using an olive oil sprayer for an even coat.
- Toss in the salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Tip the florets onto the hot pan and spread in one layer.
- Roast 15 minutes, until the edges are charred.
- Add the garlic and half the Parmesan and roast 3 to 4 minutes more.
- Squeeze on the lemon juice and scatter the zest.
- Top with the remaining Parmesan and parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Cut the broccoli a day ahead and keep it dry in the fridge. Use cauliflower for a similar dish. Leftovers keep 3 days and crisp again in a hot oven. Skip the cheese for a dairy-free side.
Why a hot pan
Putting the broccoli on a preheated pan gives it a head start on browning. Dry florets char instead of steam. Garlic goes on late so it does not turn bitter.
The preheated pan helps the florets brown on contact. Spread them out so each one touches the pan. The charred bits are the best part.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli swaps
Cauliflower works well. Pecorino can replace the Parmesan. Do not use pre-grated cheese from a can, since it does not melt well.
Reheat in a very hot oven for a few minutes so the edges crisp again. The microwave makes broccoli soft and sulfurous.
What to serve
Roast chicken, pasta or steak.
Keep the florets about the same size. Stems can be peeled and sliced, so nothing goes to waste. Lemon zest adds brightness without extra liquid.
A common mistake
Crowding the pan. The florets steam and turn soft. Use two pans if needed.
A common slip is adding the garlic at the start. It scorches long before the broccoli is done.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli at a glance
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Ingredients: 11, led by broccoli, olive oil, garlic cloves, kosher salt
Tips for Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Cut the broccoli a day ahead and keep it dry in the fridge. Use cauliflower for a similar dish. Leftovers keep 3 days and crisp again in a hot oven. Skip the cheese for a dairy-free side.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli FAQ
How long does Parmesan Roasted Broccoli take?
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli takes 20 minutes of cooking after 10 minutes of prep.
How many people does Parmesan Roasted Broccoli serve?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What do I need to make Parmesan Roasted Broccoli?
11 ingredients, led by broccoli, olive oil, garlic cloves, kosher salt. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
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