Ina Garten’s Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
Ina Garten’s Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan is a simple yet flavorful side dish that elevates humble broccoli with a perfect balance of zest, cheese, and roasted garlic. It’s easy to prepare and makes a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic
- Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed (about 3 tablespoons)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon
- Parmesan cheese, to taste
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Step 2: Cut the broccoli into florets.
- Step 3: In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the garlic cloves and drizzle with about 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then toss well to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a roasting tray.
- Step 5: Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the tips of some florets are browned.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and immediately toss with the lemon zest and juice, along with parmesan cheese to taste.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning as needed by adding more olive oil if dry, extra lemon juice for brightness, sea salt flakes for seasoning, or additional parmesan cheese to your liking.
Tips & Variations
- For extra garlic flavor, finely mince the garlic before tossing it with the broccoli instead of using whole cloves.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier taste.
- Try finishing with toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like parsley for added texture and freshness.
Storage
Store leftover roasted broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to retain its crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I roast frozen broccoli for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli for roasting, as frozen broccoli tends to release excess moisture and might not roast up crisp. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before roasting.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the broccoli a few hours ahead and reheat before serving. Add the lemon juice and Parmesan after reheating for the freshest flavor.
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Ina Garten’s Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ina Garten’s Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan is a simple yet flavorful side dish featuring crisp-tender broccoli florets roasted to perfection with garlic, then brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice, and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and sea salt flakes. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, citrusy, and cheesy notes, making it an ideal accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
Pantry Items
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
Dairy
- Parmesan cheese, to taste (freshly grated recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) to prepare for roasting the broccoli at a high temperature, which will help achieve a crisp-tender texture and browned tips.
- Prepare Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into florets of uniform size to ensure even roasting. Mince the garlic cloves finely to distribute its flavor well.
- Toss Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets with the minced garlic. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Roast Broccoli: Spread the broccoli mixture in a single layer on a roasting tray to allow even heat exposure. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the tips of some florets are nicely browned, indicating caramelization.
- Add Lemon and Parmesan: Remove the broccoli from the oven and immediately toss it with the zest and juice of one lemon, and Parmesan cheese to your liking. This adds bright citrus notes and a savory, cheesy finish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the seasoned broccoli and if it tastes too sharp or dry, add an additional drizzle of olive oil. Adjust lemon juice for more acidity if needed. Finally, sprinkle sea salt flakes to enhance the flavor and add more Parmesan if desired. Season to your personal preference before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes before roasting for a spicy kick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to spread the broccoli in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and prevent steaming.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet to retain crispness.
- Adjust lemon and salt quantities to suit your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Roasted broccoli, Ina Garten, garlic broccoli, lemon broccoli, Parmesan broccoli, easy side dish, healthy vegetable recipe

