Easy Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
Try this quick and easy Parmesan-roasted broccoli recipe. In under 25 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy and flavorful side dish. It’s perfect for any meal, especially for Thanksgiving!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
- Eat your veggies: If you follow my blog, you know I’m a huge advocate for eating plenty of veggies! While I also recommend including lean meats, veggies are always a must.
- Easy to trick your kiddos: I’m constantly challenged with three small children to get them excited about eating their veggies. They usually do, but their preferences change daily—times three! I’ve found that adding a little extra flavor to veggies makes all the difference in getting my kids to enjoy them! With broccoli, adding a touch of butter to steamed broccoli or a sprinkle of Parmesan to roasted broccoli has worked wonders.
- Great for picky eaters: If you have little ones at home or if you’re a bit picky about vegetables (as many people are with broccoli), adding Parmesan can make all the difference. For best flavor, add Parmesan in the last five minutes of baking!
Ingredients for Oven Roasted Broccoli
- 12 oz broccoli, cut into florets – I suggest using fresh broccoli rather than frozen florets. Frozen broccoli often contains more water, which can make it steam instead of roast, leading to a softer, less crispy texture.
- Avocado or olive oil spray—If you don’t have avocado or olive oil spray, you can drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of regular oil over the broccoli.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
Cooking Steps for the Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the broccoli: Place the broccoli florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with avocado or olive oil spray.
- Season: Sprinkle the broccoli with paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the florets evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the edges start to brown.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the broccoli from the oven, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan over the top, and return it to the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy!
Quick Tip!
To make broccoli extra crispy, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding traps steam and can make them soft instead of crisp!
Main Dishes to Serve with this Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Here are some excellent main dishes recipes that pair perfectly with Parmesan Roasted Broccoli:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta – The bright flavor of garlic in the chicken complements the savory, cheesy broccoli.
- Air Fried Salmon – A tender, flaky salmon with a hint of maple syrup that pairs well with roasted broccoli and adds healthy omega-3s.
- Turkey Meatballs – Juicy, herbed turkey meatballs add lean protein and go perfectly with the Parmesan flavor.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – These can be filled with rice, quinoa, or lean ground meat, and the broccoli adds an excellent side crunch.
- Lentil Soup or Chickpea Stew — The hearty vegetarian soup or stew complements the roasted broccoli for a wholesome, plant-based meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Cool Down: First, let the broccoli cool to room temperature to avoid moisture buildup.
- Refrigerate: Keep the broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for 3–4 days.
- Reheat: When ready to eat, spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to make it crispy again. You can also use an air fryer or a pan on the stove to warm it quickly. Microwaving works, too, but it may not be as crispy.
Wrapping Up
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is a simple, delicious way to add more veggies. Whether serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a main meal, this recipe is easy to make and kid-friendly, too! Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors or add-ins.
Want more from my vegetable collection? Try my popular Turkey Ragu Pasta—you’ll love it!
I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you try. Don’t be shy; share your thoughts in the comments below!
Get In Touch!
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Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 12 oz broccoli cut into florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil avocado or olive oil spray
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the broccoli florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with avocado or olive oil spray. If you don’t have avocado or olive oil spray, you can drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of regular oil over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle the broccoli with paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the florets evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the edges start to brown.
- Remove the broccoli from the oven, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan over the top, and return it to the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- These are the nutrition facts for 1 serving of this recipe. Total servings for this recipe: 2-3 people.
- Refer to the post above for video instructions and other useful information.
- Nutrition information is an estimate and will depend on your specific ingredients.
- Quick Tip: To make broccoli extra crispy, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding traps steam and can make them soft instead of crisp!
- Cool Down: First, let the broccoli cool to room temperature to avoid moisture buildup.
- Refrigerate: Keep the broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for 3–4 days.
- Reheat: When ready to eat, spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to make it crispy again. You can also use an air fryer or a pan on the stove to warm it quickly. Microwaving works, too, but it may not be as crispy.