Crispy Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Parmesan
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by Betty Davies
Cooked in a cast iron skillet this crispy roasted broccoli recipe is a flavorful side dish full of texture. Oven roasted with garlic, parmesan and fresh lemon juice, the broccoli florets are tender in the middle with perfectly crispy edges.
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Oven roasted broccoli never tasted so good! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough to serve up to guests, this easy recipe is packed with vibrant flavors.
Get some delicious veggies on your plate to accompany your favorite mains. This versatile vegetable side dish works with all kinds of proteins and the flavors of lemon, garlic and parmesan work with lots of different cuisines.
Be sure to try my Roasted Balsamic Broccoli and Cauliflower Broccoli Cheese Bake too!
Why you will love this recipe!
- Minimal prep and ingredients: Quick to prepare and cook with a few everyday ingredients, this recipe comes together with very little effort.
- Flavorful: Cooked with fragrant garlic, salty parmesan and zesty lemon juice, every bite is full of flavor.
- Dietary info: This crispy broccoli recipe is gluten-free.
Ingredients and Notes
- Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli, not frozen, for this recipe.
- Oil: Use a neutral flavored oil like olive oil, canola, or vegetable.
- Garlic: A fresh garlic clove is best in this recipe, but you can use prepared. Mince it finely before using so that the taste isn’t overpowering.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best results rather than pre-grated which can be drier and less flavorful. YOU
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is squeezed over the cooked broccoli right at the end for a bright taste. Fresh is better than bottled.
For best results, you will need a large cast iron skillet for this recipe. You can roast them on a sheet pan, but the cast iron will get the florets extra crispy.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!
- Preheat the oven and the cast iron skillet.
- Toss broccoli florets in oil, salt and black pepper in a bowl.
- Place the broccoli in the hot cast iron in a single layer.
- Roast til crispy, flipping towards the end of cooking.
- Sprinkle over the parmesan and minced garlic and return to the oven for a few minutes.
- Drizzle over some fresh lemon juice and serve.
Recipe Variations
- Any hard cheese like pecorino romano or asiago will work in this recipe. Use a rennet free cheese for a vegetarian side dish.
- Crispy bacon is a great addition to the crispy broccoli.
- Sprinkle with some panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for some spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
For the crispiest broccoli, this recipe is best made and cooked right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy oven roasted broccoli is great with all kinds of mains and works well with seafood, chicken, beef and pork. Try it with some of these favorites:
Crispy Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Parmesan
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli (approx 1lb / 450g)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch black pepper
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan
- 1 garlic clove minced
- squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450F / 230c. Place the cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats to get it hot.
- Cut the broccoli into florets and place in a bowl. Toss with the oil, salt and pepper.1 head broccoli, 2 tablespoons oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, pinch black pepper
- Once the oven is fully preheated, carefully take the cast iron out of the oven and add in the broccoli. Make sure it's in a single layer and not over crowded. Cut sides should be facing down in the skillet to get those crispy edges.
- Roast for 15 minutes.
- Flip the broccoli florets over in the skillet and return to the oven for 5 minutes until crisp.
- Sprinkle over the parmesan and garlic. Return to the oven for another 3 to 4 minutes til the parm has browned.2 tablespoons shredded parmesan, 1 garlic clove
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve.squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Notes
- For best results use a cast iron skillet. You can use a sheet pan, but it may not get quite as crispy.
- Make sure that the broccoli is dry before coating it in the oil and seasonings.
- The cast iron should be very hot before adding the broccoli.
- Spread the florets in a single layer with space in between them. If the pan is crowded they will steam and not crisp up.
- Nutritional values are based on one of three servings and are an estimate.
