Zesty Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe

Crisp, green, and bursting with flavor, this roasted broccoli with parmesan and lemon recipe delivers a mouthwatering side dish that turns ordinary vegetables into a culinary sensation.

Packed with zesty brightness and savory richness, the combination of tangy lemon and nutty parmesan creates a perfect harmony of tastes.

The roasting process caramelizes the broccoli edges, bringing out a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.

Each bite promises a burst of Mediterranean-inspired goodness that makes vegetables feel like a treat.

Simple ingredients come together in mere minutes, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.

The golden-brown edges and sprinkled cheese guarantee a side that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this easy, nutritious recipe and watch as broccoli becomes the star of your meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 218 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon

• Broccoli: Fresh, vibrant green florets packed with nutrients, look for firm stems and tight, crisp crowns without yellowing.

• Olive Oil: Smooth carrier for garlic infusion that helps crisp the broccoli edges, choose extra virgin for richer taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that adds deep, warming undertones to the roasted vegetable, select firm, compact bulbs.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy acid that cuts through richness and elevates the entire dish, pick plump, heavy lemons.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that creates a golden, crispy crust when melted, opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor.
• Garlic Salt: Convenient seasoning blend that provides balanced saltiness and garlic depth, ideal for quick seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy kick that complements the roasted broccoli, freshly ground offers more intense flavor.

Tools for Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon

• Large baking sheet: Essential for roasting broccoli evenly and catching any drippings.
• Aluminum foil: Helps line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings.
• Microwave: Quick tool for infusing garlic flavor into olive oil.
• Whisk: Helps blend oil, lemon juice, and seasonings smoothly.
• Strainer: Removes garlic pieces from infused oil.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing broccoli.
• Sharp knife: Helps trim and cut broccoli into even pieces.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and pepper.

Instructions for Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to create the perfect roasting environment for your broccoli.

• Baking Surface Setup

Create a smooth, non-stick surface for your green veggie masterpiece.

• Flavor Infusion

Blend olive oil with garlic’s aromatic essence, removing the solid pieces to leave behind pure, concentrated flavor.

• Seasoning Blend

Mix in bright citrus notes and a sprinkle of savory seasonings to elevate the broccoli’s natural taste.

• Broccoli Coating

Lovingly massage the flavor mixture into the broccoli florets, ensuring each piece gets maximum deliciousness.

• Cheese Shower

Drift a snow of Parmesan over the prepared broccoli, adding a rich, salty dimension.

• Roasting Magic

Let the oven transform your broccoli into a crispy, golden-edged delicacy, giving it a quick toss midway to ensure even cooking.

• Serving

Bring the roasted broccoli to the table while it’s hot and bursting with flavor, ready to be devoured.

Tips & Flavors for Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon

• Crush red pepper flakes into the oil mixture for a spicy kick that elevates the broccoli's natural taste.
• Pat broccoli completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum caramelization and achieve those irresistible golden-brown edges.
• Swap Parmesan for pecorino romano or nutritional yeast to experiment with different cheese profiles and dietary preferences.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the roasted broccoli for extra crunch and protein-rich texture.
• Chop cooled roasted broccoli and toss into grain bowls, salads, or fold into scrambled eggs for a delicious meal transformation.

Serving Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon

• Elevate Your Plate: Pair this roasted broccoli with grilled chicken or fish for a complete, nutritious meal that packs a flavor punch.
• Customize Your Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top for added texture and a nutty dimension that complements the crispy broccoli edges.
• Brunch Star: Serve alongside poached eggs or as a delightful side for weekend breakfast, adding a vibrant green element to your morning spread.
• Quick Party Appetizer: Arrange the roasted broccoli on a platter with extra lemon wedges and watch guests enjoy this simple yet elegant vegetable dish.

Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Storage Guide

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover roasted broccoli in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping its crispy texture and fresh flavor intact.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispness, avoiding microwave which can make broccoli soggy and limp.
• Prep in Advance: Chop broccoli and mix oil mixture up to 24 hours before cooking, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled broccoli in freezer-safe containers, where it can remain delicious for 1-2 months, ready to be reheated for quick side dishes.

Golden Roasted Broccoli Recipe

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• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Parmesan-Lemon Roasted Broccoli combines crisp, golden florets with zesty citrus and salty cheese. Quick weeknight side dishes never tasted so delightful, inviting you to savor each flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 broccoli heads (cut into medium florets)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• ½ cup (120 mL/4 fl oz) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 mL/1 fl oz) lemon juice
• 4 tsps minced garlic
• 1 ½ tsps garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
• ¾ tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
2. Garlic Infusion: Warm olive oil with minced garlic in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds, then strain to extract aromatic oil.
3. Seasoning Blend: Whisk infused olive oil with lemon juice, garlic salt, and ground black pepper to create a vibrant flavor profile.
4. Coating Technique: Thoroughly coat broccoli florets in the seasoning mixture, ensuring even distribution of herbs and oil.
5. Baking Setup: Arrange seasoned broccoli in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces for optimal roasting and crisp edges.
6. Cheese Topping: Generously dust grated Parmesan over the broccoli to create a golden, crispy exterior during baking.
7. Roasting Process: Bake for 20-22 minutes, rotating the baking sheet midway to achieve uniform caramelization and golden-brown edges.
8. Serving: Remove from oven when broccoli reaches a crisp, golden state with melted, slightly crispy Parmesan, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Enhance Garlic Flavor: Microwaving garlic in oil releases deeper, more robust aromatics without burning, creating a richer infusion.
• Prevent Soggy Broccoli: Spread florets in a single layer with space between them to ensure crispy edges and proper caramelization during roasting.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle Parmesan generously near the end of cooking to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust without burning.
• Maximize Seasoning Absorption: Toss broccoli thoroughly in the lemon-garlic oil mixture to ensure each floret is evenly and completely coated with flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 218
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 569 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg