The two broccoli heads nicely aging in the refrigerator drawer were meant for a recipe other than the Parmesan Roasted Broccoli. The broccoli was supposed to make a kind of pesto that I would make with chicken.
Well, time passed and the poor broccoli was reaching middle age — not good for the nutritional value or the appearance.
Instead of the original recipe, the recipe that I ended up with was extremely flavorful with lemon and garlic, easy to prepare and very satisfactory.
I wanted to come up with a tasty way to use up the broccoli and lemon kept popping in my mind. . . a delicious lemon sauce.
I was craving the taste of lemon but, to be totally honest, I needed to use up a lemon that was metamorphosing into a bocce ball.
Do you think the lemon was subliminally trying to tell me something? So now I was at Plan B with the broccoli, and with each of the saved broccoli recipes I went through, I wasn’t feeling the love. Everything was leaving me with a “ho-hum” feeling. I wanted inspiration. . . I wanted a challenge. . . I wanted taste
. . .I wanted EASY!
It was time to search the cookbooks.
- I knew I didn’t want to microwave the broccoli
- I knew I didn’t want to steam it
- I didn’t want to simmer it in salted water.
It now seemed that my only choice was either raw or roasted. Now, I’ve eaten my share of raw broccoli throughout the years, but it was usually as an appetizer with a dip, or as a tummy filler when I was dieting and I was staaarving!
I had eliminated everything else and now all that was left was Plan C — roasted broccoli.
As I paged through the cookbooks I found an interesting broccoli recipe by Ina Gartin in her cookbook Back to Basics.
The roasted broccoli recipe sounded as if were tailor-made for this Italian family.
- It used extra-virgin olive oil to coat the broccoli.
- What self-respecting Italian wouldn’t be happy that a touch of garlic?
- Parmesan cheese added additional flavor to the dish.
- Basil was included — I had an abundance (an understatement) of the herb!
The fate of the lemon was sealed. We’d add it to the roasted broccoli as zest and a zing of fresh lemon juice. Perfetto!
The recipe called for toasted pine nuts but I used the extra roasted sunflower seeds I’d bought for our Italian Summer Salad with Basil Dressing.
Ecco!! Parmesan Roasted Broccoli was it. Era delizioso ( it was delicious).
Un caro saluto e ala prossima.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 large heads of broccoli
- 4 garlic cloves peeled and thinly sliced
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice of one fresh lemon
- 3 Tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons julienned cut in slender slices fresh basil leaves. (about 12 leaves)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F.
- Wash the broccoli and cut the broccoli florets from the thick stalk, leaving some of the stalk attached. Pull the florets apart. You don’t want too small of pieces.
- Place the broccoli florets on a foil lined sheet pan large enough to hold them all in a single layer. Toss the garlic on the broccoli and drizzle with about 5 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and red pepper flakes. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until crisp-tender and the tips of some of the florets are browned.
- Remove the broccoli from the oven and immediately toss with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oi, the lemon zest, lemon juice, sunflower seeds, Parmesan, and basil.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adapted from Ina Garten’s Back to Basics recipe.
Nutrition
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Ruchi says
Its funny how my kids would eat broccoli at any time of the day and i will totally make this new recipe to surprise them
Natalie says
I really love broccoli. I know many people don’t but this is like perfection to me. Broccoli paired with parmigiano cheese … just one big YUM! Love the addition of sunflower seeds.
Krista Price says
I seriously eat roasted broccoli like crazy! This recipe is seriously speaking my language. Yum!!!
Anne Lawton says
This broccoli sounds delicious, but when garlic is involved how can it not be? I think this will be on my table real soon!
Elizabeth Leaver says
I love broccoli but I always have it steamed as a side – not very exciting! This sounds absolutely delicious though, simple but full of my favourite flavours. I’m going to have to try it!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Elizabeth! You won’t be disappointed.
Lois Christensen says
Love how easy this recipe looks! My family will love it! Thanks for sharing!
Sherri says
What a delicious way to save your broccoli…and your lemon! Super tasty and a perfect side dish for almost any meal! Loooove roasted veggies, especially with Parmesan cheese! 😉
Farwin says
I have stories of vegetables dying a slow death in the fridge quite often. That’s why I love easy recipes like this that will use up those. I love all the flavors here and definitely be trying them!
Analida Braeger says
Roasting is my favorite way to enjoy vegetables. It adds so much flavor that you simply cannot achieve from frying or boiling. These look like the perfect balance of flavors, umami if you will. Thanks for sharing.
Arlene Mobley says
Sounds delicious, I can’t wait to try the recipe! I love making asparagus with Parmesan. Don’t know why I didn’t think to use it to flavor broccoli!
Kelly Anthony says
Broccoli and Parmesan are the perfect combo. So delicious! Thanks for the recipe. Never roasted broccoli before. Sounds yummy!
Veena Azmanov says
This is going to be on my menu this coming weekend. I love how simple and easy this is Marisa. Love that you added sunflowers seeds. I’m saving this for later.
Veena Azmanov says
Broccoli is a family favorite in our home and everybody is always surprised how my kids enjoy broccoli without loading it with cheese. I usually add a sprinkle of Parmesan as well. Gives such a nice nutty flavor. This looks so good Marisa. I’m going to have to try it soon.
Jolina says
LOL it’s like you read my mind! We always have broccoli but we usually just steam it. Now this would be a welcome change. Can’t wait to mix things up!
Denise says
My family loves broccoli and this will be a nice change from just the plain old broccoli dish I make. Thanks for the recipe!
Aleta says
Wow, this recipe hits right on the spot! I am obsessed with broccoli, parmesan, basil, lemon and sunflower seeds.. What an excellent combination!
Saima says
I loved your story of how you saved the broccoli from dying a slow death in your fridge! Happens to me more often than I care to admit! This is an easy way to have your greens and enjoy them too!
Gloria says
I love roasting veggies. In fact, unless I am grilling them I roast them (except for mashed potatoes). These sound delicious and would be the perfect side to so many proteins. A great side dish all year long. My whole family loves broccoli, even the grandkids. They also love parmesan cheese too.
April says
Broccoli is everything I need at the moment. I doubt there is any other veggie that I appreciate so much. Its taste, its healthy qualities, its shape – everything looks perfect to me. And when I stumble upon a recipe like your parmesan roasted broccoli, I save it. Because I do want to enjoy my two broccoli heads (or four – just need to check the fridge first). Thank you!
Melissa says
YES to easy recipes!!! There is nothing I love more than an easy recipe that is loaded with flavour! The addition of the lemon for the citrus burst is delicious, and anything topped with seeds/nuts is a sure thing for me.
Catalina says
My whole family loves broccoli. I know they would love this. Looking forward to giving this recipe a try.
Mahy Elamin says
I sure do love broccoli and this sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe, I’m always looking for new recipes to eat more vegetables!
Jeannette says
This easy and one pan Parmesan Roasted Broccoli recipe is perfect for holiday meals. With a house full of people, this is a great side to fill bellies!
Claudia Lamascolo says
this would sure be adorned on our tables we just love broccoli and roasted with cheese? BONUS what a great idea I cant believe I never put these two together! thanks Marisa
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
This looks so good. I love the addition of the sunflower seeds! I bet the nutty crunch is so yummy with the roasted broccoli- beautiful side dish!
Alexis says
My kids love roasted broccoli, I’ll have to try this recipe with them. This looks delicious!
Jyothi (Jo) says
I’ve got oven roasted Parmesan roasted broccoli lined up for posting on my blog and I know how delicious roasted broccoli is. In fact i dont mind eating this as it is without even a main dish to go. Roasting in a pan always has it’s perks, that brown crust …oh soo delicious
Claudia Lamascolo says
I cant believe I have never thought to add cheese to the broccoli what a fantastic idea. I have a head in the fridge going to try this tonight. We love roasted vegetables and I need to do the broccoli this way instead of steamed.. thanks for posting this love it!
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites says
Mmm this sounds delicious! Parmesan and lemon is so good on broccoli!
Veena Azmanov says
I’ve added parmesan before but never pumpkin seeds. Now there’s a twist I’d love to try. We love roasted broccoli very much and the kids really enjoy broccoli so making it is even more encouraging. I’m trying this next.
Dan Zehr says
Oh, I adore broccoli! Quick and easy. This is what I LOVE. Thank you for this great idea! very very delicious!
Karyl Henry says
I LOVE broccoli! But I don’t eat it that often, because it’s so boring as just a plain side dish. I’m going to have to give your recipe a try, because I’ll put cheese on anything 🙂
Veronika's Kitchen says
I love roasted vegetables and make it quite often) They work so great with some grilled chicken and pasta! and a glass of wine too)
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Veronika! I agree. A great all around meal easily prepared.
Kat Jeter says
This recipe was totally amazing. It is the perfect, easy side for weeknight dinners.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Kat! I’m so glad you like it. Have a great weekend.
Sharon says
Roasting broccoli is so good. The sauce that you made with the lemon and Parmesan cheese really takes regular broccoli to the next level.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Sharon! It really brings out the flavor the Broccoli.
Corina Blum says
I’m a big fan of all sorts of roasted vegetables at the moment. I just love the extra flavour you get from roasting and adding parmesan and lemon to your dish is a brilliant idea.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Corina! I agree. We love roasting veggies.
Christine says
Love easy one-pan recipes like this one! So perfect for dinner. I have some leftover chicken I can pair this with, so it’s perfect!
Marisa Franca says
Great idea, Christine. You have a great meal in no time.
Claire says
I just love roasting vegetables, and this broccoli is perfect! The flavour is just amazing.
My favourite bits are the ends that go all crispy.
My boys love the really flowery bits as they collect the most parmesan!!!!
Such a great recipe thank you 😀
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Claire. You described the broccoli perfectly and why we love it.xoxo
Kate says
I love roasting broccoli! Such a great way to prepare it, especially with lemon. I also love that you sprinkle sun flower seeds on top. What a great touch that also adds nutritional value!
Jessica Robinson says
We’re trying to eat a lot more vegetables with our dinners, so this recipe is perfect! Loving that you roasted the broccoli! So good!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Jessica! We do think roasting really enhances the taste.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
I love roasting veggies, especially when they are just a little beyond preparing them any other way! I love all the ingredients that you have going on here!! This looks so delicious and I can’t wait to try it!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Elaine! I know you’ll enjoy it! xoxo
Patti @Patty Cake's Pantry says
I’m a huge fan of roasted vegetables, and all of the flavors going on with this broccoli make it the perfect side for just about anything. In fact, this is so flavorful with heat from garlic and pepper, the citrus notes from the lemon, and saltiness from the Parmesan, that I could eat this by itself. This is amazing.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Patti! Thank you for the kind words — the broccoli certainly has lots of flavors!! Happy first day of spring.
Gloria says
Roasting veggies is the BEST way to prepare them (second comes grilling). We LOVE broccoli, and this would be the perfect side dish to the holiday dinner table for any occasion. You can never go wrong when you add cheese to anything…so I know the whole family would love this side dish.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Gloria! You and I are so in tune when it comes to recipes and taste! Are you sure you’re not Italian?😉
Marie @ Yay! For Food says
Delicious! I actually make my broccoli similarly with lemon and garlic too! Love the addition of salty parmesan and crunchy sunflower seeds too! Pinning right now!
Marisa Franca says
That parmesan really does add that little spark of flavor, Marie.xoxo
Dana DeVolk says
You had me at Parmesan, yum!
Marisa Franca says
The parmesan was just the right touch, Dana! 😉
Amanda Finks says
Love the salty parmesan and the bright fresh lemon with this broccoli!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Amanda! It did add that little extra flavor!! 😋
Sarah says
Oooh, yumm! I love roasted broccoli – need this!
Marisa Franca says
This recipe is so much better than those complicated steps. The broccoli is delicious.xoxo
Platter Talk says
We love broccoli prepared this way!
Marisa Franca says
It’s our favorite way. And isn’t it easy??
Oana @AdoreFoods says
Have never tried roasted broccoli before…what planet am I living on?! Looks so good!
Marisa Franca says
OMG!! The flavor is so much better roasted! I hope you give it a try, Oana.
Ciao Florentina says
Oh broccoli, I need more of you in my life, especially in this delicious roasted form! come to mama hehe
Marisa Franca says
I agree. I don’t know why I buy the frozen stuff when the roasted broccoli tastes so much better.
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
What a tasty looking side. I have some middle aged broccoli sitting in my refrigerator right now that could use of pepping up!
Marisa Franca says
Why don’t you put the broccoli in ice water for about 2 or 3 minutes, drain the water, pat the broccoli dry and then follow the recipe. The ice bath could give the veggie an extra kick of a boost. Let me know how it turns out.
Judy says
Delicious!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you!
Noor says
Looks so fresh! Sad we don’t get broccoli here in Pakistan. I’ve always wondered how it tastes…
Marisa Franca says
It tastes a little bit like a cabbage would taste — it’s a crusiferous vegetable.It would be like Brussel sprouts and cauliflower.It really is a very delicious vegetable and you can eat it raw which is also good.
nazima says
I love roasted broccoli – often roasting till it is a little charred. with the extra toppings you add this makes for a wonderful vegetable dish
Marisa Franca says
The taste is even different with roasting, don’t you think? Richer and more satisfying.
Brian Jones says
I roast cauliflower like this all the time but for some unexplainable reason I have never done it with broccoli, sounds delicious!
Marisa Franca says
I don’t think you’ll go back to the other way 🙂
WhitBit's Indian Kitchen says
I love roasted broccoli..this looks delicious! Parm roasted anything is great!
Marisa Franca says
I agree, whole heartedly!
Leah says
Love roasted broccoli! I love the touch of Parmesan!
Marisa Franca says
It is amazing how just a few ingredients can change the taste 🙂
Katalina @ Peas & Peonies says
I love broccoli, but it if you add paramecium I can eat an entire pan by myself!
Steph @ Steph in Thyme says
You had me at “cheese.” And broccoli, but mostly cheese 🙂
Marisa Franca says
You can give a dish a lot of taste without using loads of cheese — although I have a big weakness for cheese!!
foodlovinfamily says
I love roasted broccoli and this recipe sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Leslie says
Roasted broccoli is so much more flavorful than any other preparation. This sounds so simple and flavorful. I have all these ingredients in my fridge, so I’ll be making this tomorrow!
Marisa Franca says
I agree — I would rather roast all of our veggies. What a taste difference.
Michelle @ Thrifty Diy Diva says
This looks so delicious!!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you — it is one of our favorite ways to prepare broccoli.
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
What a great take on making broccoli more exciting and a feature of the meal.
Marisa Franca says
It is a great way with just a little of a variation to make it interesting.
jen says
The sunflower seeds are a great addition – great idea!
Marisa Franca says
We thought about using pine nuts but sunflower seeds are more economical and roasted they are delicious.
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
sounds so yummy, will try soon!
Marisa Franca says
I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed. Thank you for commenting.
Tomas says
We eat a lot of roasted vegetables and this recipe looks like a great addition to the mix.
Marisa Franca says
It is a great recipe that you can just make for one or a bunch of people. It is so tasty. You could use the same method for other veggies too.
Renee says
Roasted broccoli is the only way I cook it now, it is so delicious!!! I don’t think I’ve ever put lemon on it. I do, however, use a lot of lemon zest on my grilled asparagus, does that count??
Marisa Franca says
Sure it counts. Lemon gives such a fresh flavor to everything.
LydiaF says
I’ve prepared broccoli this way before but never thought to add the sunflower kernels! I won’t forget next time 🙂 Yummy!
Marisa Franca says
Gives it a nice crunch. Sunflower kernels are inexpensive and we keep them on hand.
Binjal's VEG Kitchen says
looks so yummy and healthy too!
Marisa Franca says
It’s really healthy without lots of cheese and sauces.
Diane P. says
I love, love, love, roasted broccoli (any kind of broccoli for that matter)! And I ALWAYS eat it with a squeeze of fresh lemon! Even if we’re eating in a restaurant, I always ask for lemon for my broccoli. That little bit of lemon makes the broccoli so flavorful! Thanks for the recipe, Marisa.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I love roasted broccoli! Great idea to add the sunflower seeds, I love the idea of that extra crunch.
Marisa Franca says
I am going to start using sunflower seeds more often. They aren’t expensive and they sure taste good.
Jovina Coughlin says
I love roasting broccoli because it tastes so much better that way. I definitely have to try your lemon sauce on it. It looks so good.
Marisa Franca says
That lemon was just the thing to bring out the flavor even more.
Simply Suzannes at Home says
I’ve had this exact recipe before and loved it!! It’s so delicious!
You can’t go wrong with these ingredients. So happy that you found another great side dish to add to your repertoire. Yum!!
Thanks for sharing Marisa!!
Have a great weekend!
Marisa Franca says
Why is it that we are always trying to find new and exciting when we have some really good stand-byes? Well, I guess I basically answered my own question — we love to cook and are always up for a challenge. Hope you are enjoying our wonderful weather — your weather though is always great!!
Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen says
Roasted veggies are the best aren’t they? Especially with some Parmesan added. Great recipe Marisa, have a great weekend!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you and I truly hope your weather is finally tolerable. Have a great weekend.
Ciao Chow Linda says
Roasting vegetables always brings out a concentrated flavor, complete with a touch of smokiness. You made a good choice on what to do with your aging broccoli and lemon.
Marisa Franca says
I always think of roasting potatoes, yams and such and sometimes neglect the broccoli and cauliflower. I’ll have to keep them in mind.