Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Our Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Broccoli will turn even the most skeptical broccoli lover into a fan. Fiber-packed broccoli is roasted just enough to get charred crispy bits but stay toothsome in the center. The bonus oven time at the end adds melty, sharp Parmesan cheese and aromatic garlic to all of the crevices—a flavor explosion in each bite. This is next-level deliciousness in veggie roasting. Keep reading for our expert tips on Parmesan selection, cooking technique and more. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• To save time, we used a package of prewashed fresh broccoli florets, eliminating the need to wash, cut and dry the broccoli before use. If you prefer, you can use a head of broccoli and cut it into florets. We don’t recommend using frozen broccoli, as it won’t crisp up as well.
• For the crispiest results, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal. While pre-grated Parmesan works in a pinch, it tends to be less crispy due to coatings that can make the cheese turn chewy instead of perfectly crisp.
• Using a larger sheet pan or two smaller ones is a good idea to give the broccoli enough room, as this helps prevent steaming, which can make it mushy.
• If you have any leftovers, you can add the roasted broccoli to your favorite wraps, sandwiches or grain bowls.

Nutrition Notes

• Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in sulfur-containing substances called glucosinolates. It’s these compounds that often make cruciferous veggies taste bitter. They are also responsible for the health benefits that come with eating them, such as their role in cancer prevention, blood pressure control and reducing inflammation. 
• Parmesan cheese is considered a hard cheese, which means it is higher in calcium, but lower in lactose than soft cheeses. This makes it a healthy option for many different dietary patterns. For those following a vegetarian eating pattern, it’s important to note that traditional Parmesan cheese is made with animal rennet, though many parmesan varieties are available without it. Be sure to double check the label before purchasing if you’re following a vegetarian diet.