Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli (You’ll Never Steam Again!)
This garlic parmesan roasted broccoli is crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and bursting with cheesy, garlicky flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, healthy, and crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite proteins. Ideal for weeknights or holidays!
Ingredients
- 2 heads fresh broccoli cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes squeeze of lemon juice, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Oven and BroccoliPreheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Rinse and dry the broccoli well—excess moisture prevents crisping.
- Step 2: Toss with FlavorIn a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and half the parmesan.
- Step 3: Roast to Golden PerfectionSpread the broccoli evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Step 4: Finish with CheeseRemove from the oven and sprinkle remaining parmesan on top. Add red pepper flakes or lemon juice if using.
- Step 5: Serve and EnjoyTransfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Secret Tips for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
- Preheat the sheet pan while the oven warms up. Adding broccoli to a hot pan jumpstarts the caramelization and gives you that extra crisp factor.
- Dry the broccoli thoroughly—even after washing, blot it with a towel. Any moisture left on the florets will steam them instead of roasting.
- Grate parmesan finely using a microplane. This helps the cheese stick better to the broccoli and melt into golden, flavorful bits.
- Add the garlic halfway through roasting if you want it to stay more fragrant and avoid burning. It keeps the flavor mellow and rich.
- Finish with lemon zest or a squeeze of juice for a burst of brightness that balances the richness of the parmesan.
- Toss in a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs with the parmesan for a subtle crunch that takes the texture up a notch.
- Use the broccoli stems! Peel them and slice into thin matchsticks—they roast beautifully and add variety to the texture.
- Let it rest for 2 minutes after roasting before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and keeps the cheese from sliding off when hot.