This Roasted Parmesan Broccoli is a yummy, easy veggie side dish the whole family will love! Because sometimes you need a break from steamed broccoli - right? With just a few ingredients, this oven-roasted broccoli brings out the natural flavors of the veggie while adding a crispy, cheesy topping that is so delicious.

I think I’m pretty good at making veggies taste amazing. Like my balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts, white wine garlic green beans, and easy roasted vegetables. These are all winners say the people who've enjoyed them.
Today, I have another to add to the tasty veggie recipe lineup: Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan Cheese! It's so delicious and so perfect for any time of year.
And if you're a broccoli lover like me you should also try my Broccoli Salad with Grapes and Bacon, Ranch Chicken Broccoli Casserole, and my Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Broccoli and Swiss Cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 20-Minute Recipe. This deliciously easy roasted broccoli recipe is prepped and cooked in just 20 minutes!
- Perfect Side Dish. It is an easy side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.
- Family Favorite. Even those picky eaters will love this garlic parmesan roasted broccoli.
- Versatile. Grated parmesan is my favorite topping but you can tweak the seasonings or add-ins to your personal preferences (see variations below).

Ingredients
- Broccoli. I used a broccoli head but you can also buy pre-cut fresh broccoli florets.
- Fresh garlic. Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor to roasted Parmesan broccoli, enhancing its overall taste.
- Parmesan. Grated parmesan melts and slightly crisps up, creating a delicious, golden-brown savory crust on the florets.
- Lemon zest. Lemon zest is a great way to add a bright, fresh, and slightly tangy flavor to the simple side dish.
- Red pepper flakes. Red pepper flakes for a bit of added heat. This step is optional.
How to Roast Broccoli?

Cut the broccoli into one-inch thick steaks.

Season with salt, black pepper, and chili pepper flakes, and toss gently with a little olive oil.

Bake for about 10 minutes, add thinly sliced garlic cloves, and then back into the hot box for 6 more minutes.

Finally, sprinkle the broccoli with some grated Parmesan cheese and finish it in the oven for about 2 more minutes. Dust it with some lemon zest, and indulge!

Roast Broccoli Variations
This oven-roasted broccoli recipe is so delcious just the way it is but you can change it up with seasonings or add-ins to your personal preference. Here's some ideas for you:
- Almond – Add sliced or slivered almonds when serving for some nice texture.
- Lemon Juice – This recipe already includes lemon zest as an ingredient so some fresh squeezed lemon juice over the roasted broccoli just before serving would be an excellent addition.
- Cheese - Swap out the grated parmesan cheese for crumbled feta, goat cheese or blue cheese when serving.
- Bacon – Sprinkle some cooked bite-sized bacon pieces over the roasting broccoli 3-5 minutes before it's finished cooking.
- Dressing - Drizzle on some Italian dressing or balsamic vinegar when serving or offer a side of ranch dressing as a dipping sauce for the broccoli.
What to Serve with it?
This roasted broccoli recipe is super simple and always delicious! Pair it with some Salmon Patties, or Parmesan Crusted Chicken, and cheesy mashed potatoes and you've got a perfect combo!
Storing, Reheating, and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheat the broccoli on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F. If it seems a bit dry, you can drizzle it with a little olive oil before reheating. Bake for 10 minutes. Or reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
To freeze transfer the cooked and cooled broccoli to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

FAQ's
Yes! Thaw the broccoli first, either overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave. Be sure to remove excess moisture and prevent sogginess. After thawing, pat the broccoli dry to ensure it roasts well.
Yes! Air fryer broccoli is just as easy. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, and toss the broccoli with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add some grated Parmesan at this stage or wait for the last 2 minutes. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. Air fry for about 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the broccoli is crispy and golden brown. Add Parmesan during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to let it melt and get the crunchy bits without burning.
Of course! Broccoli roasts well with cauliflower, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and green beans.
This oven roasted parmesan broccoli is a tasty and easy way to enjoy this veggie. With its crispy texture and cheesy flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
I hope you enjoy this healthy, delicious side dish as much as I do!
Looking for more Recipes with Broccoli?
- Grilled Broccoli With Garlic Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Roasted Ranch Broccoli
- Broccoli with Toasted Garlic Crumbs
- Broccoli Salad with Grapes and Bacon
- Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

A great twist on broccoli - super easy and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 large head of Broccoli sliced into 1-inch thick steaks
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons parmesan
- Lemon zest from half a lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Add sliced broccoli to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and olive oil, then toss gently.
- Roast for 10 minutes, add the sliced garlic to the pan, and return to the oven.
- Bake 6 more minutes, then sprinkle with parmesan and bake for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from the oven, dust with lemon zest and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
3-4 ouncesAmount Per Serving Calories 160Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 28mgSodium 202mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 9g
This nutrition card uses an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. This estimate is not a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice!
Kerri
Do u mix ingredients in a bag(ziplock then cook
holly
Hi Kerri, you can if you'd like or use a large mixing bowl. I usually just put the broccoli on the parchment paper lined baking sheet, sprinkle the rest of the ingredients right on top and then give it a toss with my hands. Do what ever works best for you.
Haley
Can I use minced garlic ? If so how much ? How many lbs is a lg head of broccoli?
Bryan
Hi Haley, I think you could use the same amount of garlic (4 cloves)... since the garlic is minced, it will cook faster so I'd put it on about 3 minutes later. In other words, roast the broccoli for 13 minutes instead of 10, then add the minced garlic, distributing it evenly, then bake 3 more minutes before adding the Parmesan and cooking for the last 2 minutes.
Lisa
I must try these. Thanks for sharing! I love broccoli and I’m excited to try it
holly
That's awesome , Lisa! It's super yummy and gets lots of rave reviews. Let me know what you think after yo've tried it! Talk soon!
Shannon
Could I use the frozen broccoli in a bag
holly
Hi Shannon, I think you can but your cook time might be shorter. Check the bag for the best cook temp and time.
Connie, El Cajon
I've discovered that pretty much every fresh roasted veggie recipe works just as well using frozen veggies and that is a huge time saver. I googled the idea and one of the methods I use with all frozen veggies is preheating the pan along with the oven.
holly
That's great info, Connie! So interesting about preheating the pan along with the oven. Thanks for sharing!
Jessyca
What do you pre-heat the oven to? 350?
holly
You preheat the oven to 425. The broccoli takes about 18 minutes to cook. Enjoy!
Stella
Silly question.....do I need to cook the broccoli ahead of time or will it cook eneough in the oven? Sounds delicious!!
holly
Hi Stella, no pre-cooking required! Just follow the recipe and it should be delicious! Thank you!
Tee
Can I use frozen broccoli?
holly
You could use all the same seasonings for sure. Since frozen broccoli is blanched (partially cooked) before freezing, the cook time will be different. I recommend following the package cook time and even checking it 5 minutes or so early just so it doesn't overcook.
Diane Lindall
I make this a lot. Sometimes just broccoli, sometimes a mixture of broccoli, cauliflower and onion. I find it rather bland, what brand if olive oil do you use? I probably just use cheap stuff. Lately have been using sesame oil and find there is more flavor, but is kind of strong.
holly
Hi Linda, I use several brands of olive oil. Currently I have Filippo Berio on hand. If you're wanting more flavor you could always add more pepper flakes, parmesan cheese or even some fresh squeezed lemon juice. You could also try a Romesco sauce to add flavor but still keep it healthy. Here's a link to my recipe... https://tasteandsee.com/grilled-broccoli-garlic-roasted-red-pepper-sauce/
Katie
Do you mean 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper or 1 tsp combined salt and pepper? I just made it with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper and it seems too salty. I should've asked before I made it!
holly
Hi Kate, sorry to confuse you. The recipe is for 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to salt and spice so please season to your preference. Also, the size of the head of broccoli could alter this as well. A really large head of broccoli would need more salt than a smaller one.
Katie
I thought I may cook this tomorrow, I don't have a lemon in the house but I have lemon juice. Should I sprinkle with juice or leave the lemon out?
holly
Hi Katie! I think I would just leave the lemon out. The parmesan and pepper flakes will give the dish some really good flavor. Enjoy!
Caroline
This is really delicious!! Thank you.
holly
Thank YOU Caroline! I'm so glad you like it!
Patty
Just tried tonight. Excellent!!
holly
Thanks so much Patty! That's music to my ears!?
Kirsten Rasmussen
How is it the next day?
holly
Kirsten, It was Amazing! I used the leftovers a day or two later for Beef & Broccoli. Yum!
Andrea Wyckoff
This recipe looks super yum! Roasting broccoli is my favorite way to prepare it! I love the idea of adding Parmesan to it!
holly
I agree - roasting broccoli makes it so tasty! Thanks for reaching out!
Scott
I make a very similar recipe- the whole family loves roasted broccoli. Nice work!
holly
Thanks Scott - like minded! I'm dedicated to helping people discover that veggies taste amazing!