Roasted broccoli topped with parmesan cheese on a white serving dish with a gold fork alongside.

When you need a quick veggie side dish that will satisfy everyone at the table, look no further than Parmesan roasted broccoli. This super easy side dish lets the oven do all the work! A high-heat oven turns broccoli into tender florets with crisp, caramelized edges that are so good that you and your kids will gobble it up. Roasted broccoli is a side dish you should always have in your back pocket, so let us show you how to make the best ever broc!

Is it better to steam or roast broccoli?

One isn’t necessarily better than the otherโ€”it just depends on what texture and flavor you’re looking for. Steaming makes broccoli tender, while roasting gives broccoli crispy edges around a tender interior. Roasted broccoli also has a more complex flavor with some sweetness, thanks to the browning that happens when you roast a vegetable in the oven. 

Steamed broccoli retains more nutrients than roasted broccoli, but they are both very nourishing.   

Roasted broccoli on a parchment paper lined sheet pan.

What do I need to make this Parmesan roasted broccoli recipe?

To make this broccoli recipe, you’ll need:

  • Fresh broccoli
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Garlic salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Parmesan cheese

How to make Parmesan roasted broccoli

Vegetable sides don’t get much simpler than this!

  1. Preheat oven and trim the tough base off the end of the stalk. 
  2. Cut the broccoli into florets. Any larger pieces of the stalks can be cut into coins for quicker cooking.
  3. Drizzle the broccoli with oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.
  4. Bake the broccoli in a single layer for 16-21 minutes, then toss the Parmesan cheese with the broccoli and return to the oven. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the pieces are fork-tender and the edges are browned and caramelized.  

Wholefully Protip

Make sure you aren’t overcrowding the broccoli on the pan, or you will get steamed broccoli instead of roasted.

How do I know when the broccoli is done cooking?

Start checking on the broccoli around the 15 minute mark. When the broccoli is done, the edges will look caramelized with a light brown crust. If you test the broccoli florets with a fork, the fork should be able to push through the veggie with minimal resistance. If you don’t see the browning and fork tenderness, continue roasting the broccoli and check on it every 5 minutes until it is done.

A fork digs into a shallow bowl of broccoli topped with shredded parmesan cheese.What should I serve with Parmesan roasted broccoli? 

This roasted broccoli is a perfect side dish for almost any main dish! It’s great with chicken drumsticks or grilled chicken thighs, salmon patties, or tuna noodle casseroleโ€”you really will be hard-pressed to find a dinner that isn’t improved with some roasted broccoli. 

How long will roasted broccoli be good for?

Roasted broccoli will be good in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in an airtight container. 

Can I freeze roasted broccoli?

Sure canโ€”freeze the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. To reheat, spread the frozen roasted broccoli in a single layer on a sheet pan again. Roast in a 425ยฐF oven for about 5 minutes, until warmed through.

Want more simple side dishes like this one?

 
Roasted broccoli topped with parmesan cheese on a white serving dish with a gold fork alongside.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Sometimes itโ€™s easy to forget the simplest dishes are often some of the tastiest. This side dish of Parmesan roasted broccoli is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh broccoli
  • 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Trim the tough base off the broccoli stems, then cut the broccoli into florets. Cut any longer stem pieces into coins.
  3. Drizzle the olive oil over the broccoli, and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.
  4. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 16-21 minutes.
  5. Remove the broccoli from the oven, sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese, and return the pan to the oven. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is fork-tender and the edges are caramelized.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 122Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 330mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g

At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.

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