Name: 30-Minute Roasted Broccoli With Lemon and Parmesan
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb broccoli (chopped into florets); 2 Tbsp olive oil (30 mL); ¼ tsp each salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder; ½ lemon (juice + zest); 2 Tbsp grated parmesan (omit for vegan option)

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With just a few ingredients and 5 minutes of hands-on work, this lemon parmesan roasted broccoli is the perfect side dish. The broccoli is tossed in parmesan to create the most delicious crispy crust on the florets.

This zesty side dish is perfect served with my lemon basil risotto or this Greek lemon and rice soup.

Roasted Broccoli on a plate with lemon slice behind it.

This recipe is what I like to call a back-pocket recipe. It uses all kitchen staple ingredients and comes together so quickly.

If you’ve ever thought broccoli was boring, this recipe will change your mind. We’re talking crispy-edged florets, caramelized stems, and a zippy hit of lemon and parmesan that makes this side dish taste restaurant-level good — all in under 30 minutes.

I tested this roasted broccoli so many different ways (parchment vs. pan, preheated sheet vs. cold, grated vs. shaved parm), and here’s the winning combo: high heat + hot pan + grated parmesan. It creates those irresistible crunchy bits that everyone fights over.

Close up of roasted broccoli on a sheet pan with spices and salt all over.

Key Ingredients

These simple ingredients will make broccoli your weekly favorite. This is just an overview! Jump to the recipe card for full measurements.

Broccoli: If using frozen, no need to thaw; just add 2–3 minutes of cook time.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper add depth and a touch of heat. Sometimes, I’ll throw in my homemade lemon pepper seasoning for a little something extra!
Lemon Juice + Zest: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the parmesan.
Parmesan: Melts into a lacy, savory crust. Skip it or swap vegan parm for a dairy-free version.

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper holds seasoned broccoli florets, ready to become delicious roasted broccoli, set against an orange background.

Roasted broccoli florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly seasoned, with some charred edges, set against an orange background for a vibrant roasted broccoli presentation.

So Crispy

For even crispier baked lemon broccoli, put the baking pan in the oven while it preheats. This will heat the pan up so that when you lay the broccoli on it to bake, the broccoli will cook from underneath rather than just on top!

Roasted broccoli on a white plate with salt and spices surrounding them and a sheet pan off to the side. — Pro-tip: smash the broccoli florets in the final stage of baking to help them get ultra-crispy – full guide in our smashed broccoli recipe!

Close-up of roasted broccoli florets on a baking sheet, perfectly seasoned with grated cheese, black pepper, and salt.

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