Description
This easy baked broccoli recipe features tender-crisp florets with irresistible charred edges, seasoned with Parmesan, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a healthy, low-carb, and family-friendly side dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh broccoli florets, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano, or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
- 1 fresh lemon, zest and juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- A pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wash and Dry Broccoli: Wash broccoli florets thoroughly. Pat them absolutely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure crispy char.
- Toss with Oil and Seasoning: Place dry broccoli on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with minced garlic, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat each piece.
- Roast to Perfection: Spread the broccoli in a single layer on the baking sheet (use two if needed to avoid overcrowding). Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp with browned, slightly charred edges.
- Finish with Flavor: Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese and the zest of one lemon. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over everything. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve Warm: Transfer your roasted broccoli to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, skip Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast. To achieve an extra char, increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5 minutes of roasting. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure proper charring, otherwise broccoli will steam instead of roast. Don’t overcook to prevent mushy broccoli; aim for tender-crisp with a slight bite. For best flavor, use fresh garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, and firm, dark green broccoli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: General American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (170 g)
- Calories: 150 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
Keywords: easy side dish, roasted vegetables, healthy, low-carb, Parmesan, lemon, broccoli, quick weeknight, char, garlic