Fresh broccoli, roasted with olive oil, nutty Parmesan cheese, and crunchy homemade breadcrumbs might just be the best, most simple side dish ever! Even the pickiest veggie eater will love this toasty version.
If you are one of those people like me, who have been cooking for their family for a while and love veggies, I guess you’ll appreciate where I’m coming from. I grew up around people who could cook…no, kidding, really cook. That’s where I learned to appreciate and love vegetables.
Since I’ve grown up loving veggies, I thought everybody else did too. Then, along came “Mr. I’m Not A Veggie Lover.” Seriously?
I took his dislike of vegetables as a challenge. I committed to coming up with a way to cook veggies that he would like. What did I start with? Broccoli, of course!
After a few years, many recipes, and several cooking methods, I finally found the best way to cook broccoli which made Mr. SS and me happy.
What You Need To Make Roasted Broccoli
- Broccoli – look for bright green heads with firm stems and stalks
- Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese – grate it yourself for the best flavor
- Breadcrumbs – I make my own using this super easy recipe.
- Garlic – I used a garlic press or grater to make fine pieces
What Makes This Broccoli So Good?
There are 2 things that make this broccoli so delicious.
- Roasting. By cooking the broccoli at a high temperature, the broccoli tips and edges get caramelized and slightly charred.
- Breadcrumbs and Parmesan. These 2 ingredients add even more texture along with a nutty, buttery flavor.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead Of Time?
This recipe really doesn’t lend itself to making ahead of time, but you can do all the prep work. Make the broccoli per the directions up to the point of roasting. Put all the ingredients on the sheet pan and with plastic wrap or foil, then store in the fridge until ready to cook. Take off the cover, place the pan in the oven, and roast.
What To Serve With This Roasted Broccoli
The sky’s the limit when it comes to what this simple, delicious dish can be served with. Here are a few of my favs:
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- Sheet Pan Hamburger Steak With Mushrooms and Onions
- Easy Marinated London Broil
- Skillet Chicken Spaghetti
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
More Delicious Veggies Recipes You’ll Love!
Last but not least…
Roasted Broccoli Questions, Answered
Roasting is the answer, and once you try it this way you won’t go back to anything else. High heat caramelizes the edges and brings out a natural sweetness that steaming or boiling simply can’t deliver. The florets get a little crispy and golden on the outside while staying tender inside, and the flavor is incredible.
High heat is the key to great roasted broccoli. Roasting at a higher temperature is what creates those beautiful caramelized edges. I finish mine with Parmesan cheese and homemade breadcrumbs — the combination of nutty, salty, crispy topping over perfectly roasted broccoli is something I could eat every single week. And I do.
Yes! You can cut the florets, season them, and toss them with olive oil ahead of time. Store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to eat, just spread them on a sheet pan and roast — they’ll come out just as perfect as if you prepped them fresh.
The basics are olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper — that’s your foundation. But what really takes it over the top is a generous coating of Parmesan cheese and crispy homemade breadcrumbs. The Parmesan gets golden and nutty in the oven, and the breadcrumbs add the most satisfying crunch. It’s the kind of side dish that disappears fast.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds broccoli
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
- 2 cloves grated garlic
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside
- Cut broccoli into small pieces and place on sheet pan. Drizzle olive oil over broccoli then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Mix together cheese, breadcrumbs and garlic in a small bowl then sprinkle over broccoli. Gently toss all ingredients together. Spread broccoli out on pan making sure pieces do not overlap.
- Roast in oven for 18-20 minutes until broccoli tips and breadcrumbs are golden brown. Remove from oven. Drizzle with more olive oil and season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
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Another fantastic recipe Donya! I made this without the cheese(we don’t eat cheese of any kind), but WOWZA! Delicious!
Hey there Christine!
Thank you so much for this fantastic rating and your kind words! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe, even without the cheese it’s always a hit. I really appreciate your support, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please feel free to reach out!
Best,
Donya!
It goes well with most things I grill some bacon until crisp ,then crumble over the broccoli everyone one says it’s great…
Hey there Jazz!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment and your phenomenal rating! I am so glad everyone has been enjoying this recipe, the bacon sounds like a great addition, I’ll have to try that. Thank you for your support! Have a great day!
~Donya