Learn how to make roasted broccoli with garlic and cheese with this easy recipe. It's a healthy, delicious side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines roasted broccoli with bits of crispy garlic and salty Pecorino Romano cheese for a simple delicious addition to your table.
Why You'll Love This Dish
While roasted broccoli is an easy side dish, when you add grated romano cheese, the dish gets a burst of flavor from the cheese. The cheese doesn't pull the way cheddar or mozzarella would, it adds a ton of flavor to the finished dish.
Make sure to scoop up all the browned bits of garlic and cheese from the sheet pan—those are the best part!
Roasted broccoli with garlic and cheese is a quick and easy recipe that takes less than 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy nights or quick weekend dinners. The broccoli has crispy edges while the garlic is crispy and golden, adding a sweet, nutty flavor. Tossed with romano or parmesan cheese, the broccoli becomes extra delicious with its salty, cheesy finish.
Use this recipe for everyday meals or special occasions!
Romano vs. Parmesan Cheese
Romano cheese has a sharper, saltier flavor than parmesan and is made from sheep's milk. It has a more intense taste. Parmesan, made from cow's milk, has a milder, nutty flavor.
“Pecorino” means sheep’s milk cheese in Italian, and “Romano” means it's from Rome or the surrounding regions.
Both Romano and parmesan are used in Italian cooking. Romano cheese is used in dishes where you want a strong, salty flavor. It's great for grating over pasta, soups, and risotto. You'll also find it in Caesar salads and lasagnas sprinkled on pizza or bread for extra flavor.
Locatelli cheese is a high-quality brand of Pecorino Romano. You can pick it up near the deli at Publix here in Florida or any Italian grocery store.
I've added a few tablespoons of Locatelli to the mixing bowl to enhance the taste of the broccoli. Parmesan will also work well in this recipe.
Fresh Vegetables
Get fresh broccoli, not frozen, and fresh garlic.
Trim the broccoli and cut the florets into 1-inch pieces. You can chop the broccoli stems too and add them to the bowl. Cut each piece roughly the same size so the broccoli browns evenly.
Peel the garlic and roughly chop it so it gets crispy.
What You Need
- 1 bunch fresh broccoli (about 1 ½ pounds), rinsed and trimmed
- 1 head of garlic, separate cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese
- pinch kosher salt (the cheese is salty!)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Recipe
- Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets and stems and chopped garlic with olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated cheese until evenly coated.
- Spread the broccoli in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and taste. Season with a little salt, additional cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve warm.
Top Tips
Don't overcrowd the pan: Spread the broccoli in a single layer with space between pieces. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of roasting.
Do not turn the broccoli: As tempting as it may seem, there is no need to toss it.
Don't skip the stems: Peel and chop them for roasting – they're tender when cooked.
High heat is key: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) helps the broccoli caramelize and develop a rich, nutty flavor.
Is Roasted Broccoli Nutritious?
Roasted broccoli and garlic is a great recipe to support your immune system, are a tremendous source of fiber, and have a low caloric content.
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable and an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and folate.
In the Allium (onion) family, garlic is a natural antibiotic rich in vitamins C and B6 and manganese.
The secret behind the cancer-fighting properties of cruciferous veggies lies in their unique compounds called glucosinolates.
When these vegetables are chopped, chewed, or digested, glucosinolates are broken down into biologically active compounds that have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote their destruction.
What Goes With Roasted Broccoli?
Pair broccoli and garlic with your favorite protein or veggies.
- Pan-Seared Chuck Steak
- Oven Roasted Mahi Mahi
- Lemon Basil Roasted Chicken
- Small Lamb Chops
- Seared White Fish
- Chuck Roast
- Florida Blackened Swordfish
- Roasted Snapper with Old Bay
And for dessert, check out our Authentic Key Lime Pie! We're in the Florida Keys and every meal with key lime pie, or at least that's what everyone thinks!
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat it in a skillet with a bit of oil or unsalted butter.
FAQ
Broccoli has long stalks that are often overlooked. Trim and discard the rough ends, slice the stems, and pull off any leaves—they taste just like broccoli and are just as healthy! You can also save the stems in the freezer for soups and stir-fries.
Roasted Broccoli makes a great side dish for chicken, beef, or fish. You can toss roasted broccoli and garlic with cooked pasta with a little extra-virgin olive oil and red pepper flakes for a quick weeknight meal. It is also a great salad topper!
At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, broccoli is tender in about 15-20 minutes, depending on how big each piece is. The most important thing is to cut each piece roughly the same size so they brown evenly.
What Goes with Roasted Garlic Broccoli and Cheese
- Fish and Mashed Potatoes
- Broiled Yellowtail Snapper Recipe
- Pan-Fried Yellowtail Snapper
- Pan Seared Chuck Steak Recipe
- Coconut Oil Shrimp
- Florida Keys Stone Crabs with Mustard Sauce
- Lemon Basil Roasted Chicken
For more delicious broccoli recipes, visit Best Ways to Cook Broccoli.
Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh broccoli (about 1 ½ pounds), rinsed and trimmed
- 1 head of garlic, separate cloves and peel. Leave whole or roughly chop
- ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano (Locatelli) or Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
- pinch kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400°F (200°C).Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets and stems and chopped garlic with olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated cheese until evenly coated.
- Spread the broccoli in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and taste. Season with a little salt, additional cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve warm.
