This delicious oven roasted broccoli is flavoured with lemon and parmesan for an easy but tasty side dish. Quick to prep, this vegetable side dish uses simple ingredients and is always a crowd pleaser! {Gluten-free}
If you’re looking for more tasty ways to get some extra veggies into your diet, this roasted broccoli side dish is where it’s at. It’s a great way to get those extra nutrients in, but it’s so simple and delicious!
If you haven’t tried roasting the broccoli before, you are seriously missing out as it really brings out so many amazing flavours.
Whenever I prepare broccoli this way, our family literally fights for the broccoli and I swear our toddler could eat the entire pan. It’s a great recipe to try out for those non-veggie lovers!
If you’re a broccoli fan, be sure to also try out these Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites and this No-Mayo Broccoli Apple Salad.
Table of Contents
Why Make this Recipe
- Quick: It takes no more than 10 minutes to prep this dish and then into the oven it goes, leaving you time to get on with the rest of the meal.
- Simple: You only need three main ingredients for this side and a little olive oil, salt and pepper. It’s super straight forward and the results are so yummy!
- Healthy: Broccoli is a great source of fiber as well as vitamins A, C, E and K.
Ingredient Notes
- Broccoli – I used about two broccoli crowns or the equivalent of 8 cups of broccoli florets.
- Lemon – The lemon adds a fresh burst of flavour that compliments the parmesan so well. Use the zest and juice of a medium-sized lemon.
- Parmesan cheese – Use a block of parmesan and grate it finely. I used a microplane grater to grate it. It’s generally best to use fresh parmesan rather than pre-grated, since it has a much stronger flavour and pre-grated can be dehydrated.
- Olive oil – The oil helps the broccoli to crisp up when roasted. I used extra-virgin olive oil. You really don’t need much to get that crispy effect!
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning, to help bring out the natural flavours of the broccoli. Adjust according to your personal tastes.
Step by Step Instructions
How to cut broccoli
- Cut any leaves away from the stem.
- Cut away the outer florets.
- Continue to cut off the rest of the florets, working your way around the stalk.
- Halve or quarter any larger florets.
How to roast broccoli
Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place broccoli florets on baking sheet.
Drizzle olive oil over top of broccoli florets and toss.
Juice a lemon and add lemon juice, zest, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Toss until evenly distributed.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until broccoli is mostly tender and begins to turn golden brown.
Recipe Tips
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Cut broccoli so that the pieces are roughly the same size. This will ensure it cooks more evenly.
-
Use a fine grater or microplane zester to shred parmesan cheese.
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Line baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent cheese from sticking to the pan
-
Spread broccoli as evenly as possible in a single layer on baking sheet to ensure the florets cook at the same time.
-
Toss well with olive oil to ensure even distribution. This step is what helps make the broccoli crispy.
- Toss evenly with shredded parmesan cheese, lemon, salt and pepper to ensure there is equal amount of flavour in each bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can roast broccoli from a frozen state, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen broccoli florets will require more time to cook, so keep an eye on it while cooking and adjust accordingly!
How to Store
Once the broccoli is roasted, let it cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days.
Can you freeze roasted broccoli?
Yes! If you have leftovers they can be frozen for up to 6 months and they will taste just as good! Thaw them in the fridge overnight, drain the excess water and reheat in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use the thawed broccoli and add it right to soups and stews.
How to reheat
You can easily and quickly reheat this lemon and parmesan broccoli. Spread it in an even layer on a baking sheet and place in a preheated oven at 450F for 4 to 5 minutes until heated through.
Is it vegetarian?
To make this broccoli side vegetarian, use a vegetarian friendly parmesan that hasn’t been made with rennet. To make it vegan, you can omit the cheese. It’s still really tasty!
Serving suggestions
This oven roasted broccoli pairs well with so many main dishes, but it’s especially great with fish, chicken, meat and vegetarian mains.
Try it with:
- Parmesan Crusted Cod
- Walnut Crusted Salmon
- Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Fish with Easy Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Lentil Bolognese
More similar recipes
- Broccoli Apple Salad {No Mayo}
- Green Bean Almondine Recipe
- Sauteed Green Beans with Red Peppers & Almonds
- Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Curly Sweet Potato Fries
- Roasted Ranch Carrots
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a rating and review!
Oven Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan
Ingredients
- 8 cups broccoli florets (about 2 medium-sized crowns)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of one lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place broccoli florets on baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over top of broccoli florets and toss. Add lemon zest, juice, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Toss until evenly distributed.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until broccoli is mostly tender and begins to turn golden brown.
Notes
-
Cut broccoli so that the pieces are roughly the same size. This will ensure it cooks more evenly
-
Use a fine grater or microplane zester to shred parmesan cheese.
-
Line baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent cheese from sticking to the pan
-
Spread broccoli as evenly as possible in a single layer on baking sheet to ensure the florets cook at the same time.
-
Toss well with olive oil to ensure even distribution. This step is what helps make the broccoli crispy.
- Toss evenly with shredded parmesan cheese, lemon, salt and pepper to ensure there is equal amount of flavour in each bite!
Nutrition
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