Roasted broccoli with parmesan and lemon in 20 minutes

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The crispy, slightly salty from the parmesan, and just a touch lemony roasted broccoli taste as good as they look. This easy-to-make broccoli recipe is done in 20 minutes with only 4 simple ingredients. Let’s do it! 

The post has extra tips to make sure the recipe comes out amazing on your first try. If you're in a rush, use the link above to jump to the recipe card at the end! 👩‍🍳🔝
roasted broccoli florets on a red baking tray

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Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon

When it comes to creating the perfect side dish, simplicity is often the best way. There’s something magical about taking a handful of simple, fresh ingredients and transforming them into something special. Today we making Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon.

Reasons to love this recipe 💕 

  • Easy to make. Minimal prep time. From start to finish it will take you 20 minutes.
  • Simple ingredients: only 4 ingredients are needed to make this delicious side dish.
  • Crowd pleaser: this recipe is a great side dish for the upcoming holiday season. 
  • Family-friendly: If your kids are not fans of broccoli, they might give this crispy broccoli florets covered in salty parmesan cheese a go. Win-win.

Ingredients 🥦 

Next time you go to a supermarket or your local grocery store make sure to pick up a nice fresh head of crispy broccoli and some good-quality parmesan cheese (Parmigiano regianno). And if you happen to have some fresh lemon and olive oil at home you can make this easy side dish in 20 minutes.

ingredients needed to make roasted broccoli with lemon and parmesan
  • You find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.

How to roast broccoli with lemon and parmesan cheese 🧀 

Making a lemon parmesan broccoli side dish is a breeze. 

The first step is to preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). 

In a large mixing bowl, combine grated parmesan cheese, fresh lemon zest, juice from half a lemon (save the other half), a little olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt.

Next, throw your broccoli florets into the bowl with the parmesan lemon mixture. Toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated with the lemon-parmesan mix. Spread your coated broccoli evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Bake it all in the oven for about 15 minutes until the broccoli edges turn a little crispy and golden. Once it’s out, sprinkle the reserved 2 tbsp of parmesan and squeeze of fresh lemon juice from the remaining lemon over the top. Give it a final toss, and there you have it – a mouthwatering lemon-parmesan roasted broccoli ready to be served. Enjoy! 😊

  • You will find the step-by-step recipe and video in the recipe card below 👇

TOP TIP💡: Roasting time 

Keep in mind that the roasting time can differ depending on your oven’s temperament and the setting you select. I personally opt for high heat as it gives the broccoli a beautiful golden brown color and a delicious crispy texture. However, if you prefer your broccoli to be softer, you can extend the roasting time by 5 to 10 minutes at a lower temperature, around 180°C (360°F).

Additionally, consider the size of your florets; larger ones naturally require a bit more time in the oven to achieve that perfect roasted goodness. So, adjust the roasting time accordingly to suit your desired texture.

How to cut broccoli 🥦

  1. Trim the Stalk: Start by placing the broccoli on a cutting board and using a sharp knife to trim off the bottom of the stalk, about 1-2 inches from the base. 
  2. Separate the Florets: Hold the broccoli head firmly and cut off the florets where they meet the main stalk. Begin at the top and work your way down, creating bite-sized pieces.
  3. Slice Larger Florets: Using a small knife slice the larger pieces into smaller florets. 
  4. Peel and Chop Stalk: Don’t discard the stalk! Peel the tough outer layer with a vegetable peeler, then chop the tender inside into small pieces. It’s edible and can be roasted with the florets or used in soups or stir-fries.
roasted broccoli florets in a bowl photo from above

How to serve roasted broccoli🍴 

Roasted broccoli with Parmesan and lemon makes for a delicious and beautifully looking side dish that goes well with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to make the most of this great recipe:

  • 1. As a Side Dish:

Serve the roasted broccoli alongside grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or baked fish. 

  • 2. In a Buddha Bowl:

Create a nourishing Buddha bowl by layering the roasted vegetables over a base of quinoa, brown rice, or couscous. Add some fresh greens, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a balanced and satisfying meal. Try my Buddha bowl with roasted broccoli. 

  • 3. With Pasta or Grains:

Toss the roasted broccoli with your favorite pasta. Add a splash of olive oil and sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for a quick and hearty vegetarian dish.

  • 4. As a Salad:

Chill the roasted vegetables and toss them with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad. Top with some toasted pine nuts or croutons for added texture.

  • 5. In Tacos or Wraps:

Fill soft taco shells or wraps with the roasted veggies, along with some shredded lettuce, and a dollop of cacik or avocado dip. It’s a unique and tasty filling for your next taco night.

How to store roasted broccoli with lemon and parmesan

Storing roasted broccoli is easy. Once it cools down, put the leftovers into an airtight container or a resealable bag. Make sure to get rid of any extra air to keep it fresh.

Place it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it crispy again, just reheat it in the oven for a few minutes, otherwise enjoy it cold. Easy, right? Enjoy your tasty leftovers!

FAQ and troubleshooting

Why is my roasted broccoli soggy?

Roasted broccoli can turn out soggy due to a few factors. 
Overcrowding the florets on the baking sheet or insufficiently drying them after washing can lead to excess moisture, causing steaming instead of roasting. 
Additionally, make sure you place the broccoli into a preheated oven (around 200°C (400°F) or higher, and each floret is evenly coated in oil without being drenched.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe, but keep in mind that broccoli will be slightly soggy and not as crisp as fresh broccoli. 

More gluten-free side dish recipes

Have you tried this recipe? If so, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could leave a star rating and share your thoughts in a comment. Your feedback means a lot to me, and it can also help others who are interested in trying it out. Thank you! 🌟👩‍🍳

Recipe

roasted broccoli florets in a white round bowl

20 minutes roasted broccoli with parmesan and lemon

Elena Elliott
The most delicious roasted broccoli with parmesan and lemon. With only a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time you will create the most amazing side dish that your whole family will enjoy. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mediteranian
Servings 4 serves as a side dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1 big head of broccoli or 2 small ones torn or cut into small florets
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano) grated plus 2 tbsp reserved
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • Lemon zest from one lemon use an organic or unwaxed variety
  • Freshly-squeezed lemon juice of 1/2 lemon use the one you grated the zest from, reserve the other half.
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Combine grated parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to combine.
  • Combine the broccoli florets with the zesty lemon-parmesan mix, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated
  • Arrange broccoli florets on a baking tray lined with baking paper or a silicone sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until broccoli is slightly browned at the edges.
  • Sprinkle the reserved parmesan and lemon juice over the roasted broccoli. Toss gently to combine.
  • Serve and enjoy your flavorful Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli!

Notes

  1. Dry the Broccoli: Ensure the broccoli florets are completely dry before mixing them with the lemon-parmesan mixture. Excess moisture can make the broccoli soggy instead of crispy during roasting.
  2. Uniform Size: Cut the broccoli into similar-sized florets. This ensures even cooking, allowing all pieces to roast evenly.
  3. Proper Mixing: Toss the broccoli thoroughly in the lemon-parmesan mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure each floret is well coated. 
  4. Preheated Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the broccoli inside. A hot oven ensures a quick roast, giving the broccoli that desired crispiness while keeping it tender inside.
  5. Avoid Overcrowding: Spread the broccoli out in a single layer on the baking tray. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting. If necessary, use two baking trays to maintain a single layer.
  6. Storage: Store any leftover Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days; reheat briefly in the oven to maintain its crispy texture before serving.

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

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