Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli

This roasted vegetable dish with broccoli and Parmesan is the perfect side for dinner. The only chopping involved is the broccoli, but rather than cutting it into florets, you’ll be simply quartering the broccoli crowns. This is a good thing, because broccoli stems are equally tasty and packed with nutritional qualities, including vitamins A, C and K.

A serving of this side—two broccoli pieces—is only 144 calories, making it a healthy side dish. The sprinkling of Parmesan, garlic and lemon zest adds flavor without increasing the calorie count. And the best part? This recipe, including roasting, takes just 30 minutes.

Ingredients for Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

• Broccoli: You’ll be using two small crowns of broccoli to make this dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a dash of these dried ground peppers will add heat, but not too much. They’re available in the spice section of grocery stores.
• Garlic cloves: Garlic can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It also boosts the overall flavor of roasted vegetables.
• Parmesan cheese: This hard aged cheese can be either Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy or Parmesan from a U.S. producer. You can buy it already grated, or buy a block to grate yourself.
• Lemon zest: Lemon zest is brighter and less sour than lemon juice.

Directions

Step 1: Cut and season the broccoli

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut the broccoli crowns into quarters, drizzle them with the olive oil, then sprinkle them with the salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 2: Roast the broccoli

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

Place the broccoli in a parchment-lined 15x10x1-inch pan. Roast it until it’s crisp-tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Add the garlic, cheese and lemon zest

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

Sprinkle the broccoli with garlic, and roast it five minutes longer. Then sprinkle on the Parmesan, and roast until the cheese is melted and the broccoli is tender, two to four minutes more. Finally, sprinkle it with the lemon zest.

Editor’s Tip: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar, but be careful to avoid the oil, as it can make the broccoli watery.

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli Variations

• Include other vegetables: Add chopped potatoes and carrots along with the broccoli for a vegetable medley, turning this into an entree.
• Serve it with sauce: Try dipping the roasted broccoli in a sauce, like this roasted vegetable dip made with cream cheese, zucchini and sweet red peppers.

How to Store Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli

This simple dish can be stored in the fridge or freezer. In the fridge, stored in an airtight container, it will last three to four days.

Can you freeze roasted broccoli with Parmesan?

Yes, you can. Store it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag, and it will keep for up to four months.

Can you make roasted Parmesan broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the broccoli for roasting, but wait to cook it until just before serving.

How do you reheat roasted broccoli Parmesan?

To reheat the dish, bake it in the oven at 350° for 15 minutes. You can also microwave it for 30 seconds, but any longer may turn it rubbery.

Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli Tips

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

What dishes pair well with roasted broccoli?

Roasted vegetables are not only healthy, they’re comfort food when they’re well seasoned and served hot. A roast chicken would be a perfect match.

How can I make this roasted broccoli spicier?

You can double the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and add paprika for extra spice.

What happens if I use a different cheese?

Parmesan works well because it doesn’t melt completely. Other hard aged cheeses like Asiago, pecorino Romano or Grana Padano will provide similar results.