Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

Introduction

Let me share with you one of my favorite ways to transform ordinary broccoli into a dish that even vegetable skeptics will love. This Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic is a game-changer – crispy edges, tender stalks, and an irresistible combination of bright lemon and savory garlic that’ll make you forget you’re eating something healthy. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless dinner preparations, and it’s become my go-to side dish for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh broccoli, cut into florets
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
• Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Pro tip: Choose broccoli with tight, dark green florets and firm stalks. If you can’t find fresh broccoli, frozen works too – just make sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly before roasting.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving those crispy, caramelized edges.
2. Wash the broccoli and dry it thoroughly – excess moisture will steam rather than roast your vegetables.
3. Cut the broccoli into evenly-sized florets, keeping some stem attached. Don’t toss those stems; they’re delicious when roasted!
4. Place the broccoli on a large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Add the sliced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.
6. Spread the broccoli in a single layer – overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of roasting.
7. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crispy and slightly charred.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately zest the lemon over the hot broccoli.
9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and toss to combine.

Cook Time and Serving Size

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 as a side dish

Recipe Notes

– Don’t skip drying the broccoli thoroughly after washing – this is essential for achieving crispiness.

– For extra crispy results, flip your baking sheet halfway through roasting.

– If your broccoli starts to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature to 400°F.

– Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

– For meal prep, you can cut the broccoli and slice the garlic up to 2 days in advance.

– If you’re adding Parmesan, sprinkle it on while the broccoli is still hot from the oven.

Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

Crispy edges, tender stalks, and an irresistible combination of bright lemon and savory garlic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds fresh broccoli cut into florets
• 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
• Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Wash the broccoli and dry it thoroughly.
• Cut the broccoli into evenly-sized florets, keeping some stem attached.
• Place the broccoli on a large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
• Add the sliced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.
• Spread the broccoli in a single layer.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crispy and slightly charred.
• Remove from the oven and immediately zest the lemon over the hot broccoli.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and toss to combine.