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Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

This Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish featuring tender-crisp roasted broccoli, golden garlic, toasted pecans, and a bright squeeze of fresh lemon. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan, it delivers the perfect balance of savory, nutty, tangy, and crunchy. Whether served alongside chicken, fish, pasta, or steak, this dish transforms humble broccoli into something genuinely crave-worthy.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Broccoli & Seasoning

  • 2 heads broccoli
  • 5 cloves garlic peeled and thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Finishing Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ cup toasted pecans chopped
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Cut the broccoli florets from the thick stalks, separating large pieces into bite-sized pieces.
  • Spread the broccoli evenly on a large sheet pan.
  • Scatter the sliced garlic over the broccoli.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli and garlic.
  • Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Toss everything to coat evenly.
  • Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  • Remove from the oven when the broccoli is crisp-tender and browned at the edges.
  • Immediately toss the hot broccoli with lemon juice.
  • Add toasted pecans and grated Parmesan.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Swap pecans for toasted almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts.
  • Use pecorino romano instead of Parmesan for a saltier finish.
  • Add red pepper flakes for heat.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat at 400°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Add fresh Parmesan right before serving.

Serving Variations

  • Serve with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or pasta.
  • Toss with cooked quinoa or couscous for a simple bowl meal.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra sweetness and depth.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—crowding steams the broccoli instead of roasting it.
  • Don’t skip tossing after roasting; lemon and Parmesan must be added immediately.
  • Don’t use pre-shredded Parmesan—it won’t melt or taste as rich.