Ina Garten’s Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Roast

by: Genius Recipes

January18,2017

4.3

53 Ratings

  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Cook time 25 minutes
  • Serves 6

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Author Notes

In November 2008, Adam Roberts published a blog post with the headline “The Best Broccoli of Your Life”, about a recipe from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics. He promised that at least one person liked the broccoli more than steak. This post has since become the most popular in the history of his blog The Amateur Gourmet—one of the first food blogs and, until Roberts quieted the blog in 2015, one of the most beloved. Adapted slightly from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics (Clarkson Potter, 2008).
Genius Recipes

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

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Ina Garten’s Parmesan-RoastedBroccoli

Ingredients
  • 4 poundsbroccoli (note: if you like to slice and roast the stalks too, you won’t need to buy quite as much)
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 6 1/2 tablespoonsgood olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoonskosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoonsgrated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoonsfreshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoonspine nuts, toasted
  • 1/3 cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoonsjulienned fresh basil leaves (about 12 leaves)
Directions
  1. Heat the oven to 425° F.
  2. Cut the broccoli florets from the thick stalks, leaving an inch or two of stalk attached to the florets discarding the rest of the stalks Cut the larger pieces through the base of the head with a small knife, pulling the florets apart. You should have about 8 cups of florets. Place the broccoli florets on a sheet pan large enough to hold them in a single layer. Toss the garlic on the broccoli and drizzle with 5 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until crisp-tender and the tips of some of the florets are browned.
  3. Remove the broccoli from the oven and immediately toss with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon zest, lemon juice, pine nuts, Parmesan, and basil. Serve hot.

Tags:

  • American
  • Italian
  • Broccoli
  • Lemon Juice
  • Pine Nut
  • Parmesan
  • Sheet Pan
  • Weeknight Cooking
  • Roast
  • Christmas
  • Thanksgiving
  • Winter

Recipe by: Genius Recipes

Popular on Food52

40 Reviews

judy March 14, 2023

Been making broccoli the way essentially for decades. I don't throw away the stems, though--they get roasted right along with the florets. I pretty much use this flavor blend for any kind of broccoli I am cooking...Easy and lifts the flavors, while reducing the bitterness. But KEEP THE STEMS>>>

mgac March 11, 2023

I made this recipe years ago exactly as written which was awesome(!) the first time and it quickly became a fave in my household. Since then I've also included the stems (trimmed & cut in smaller pieces). But for those who like a little heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a game changer - yum!

mlledaffodil January 17, 2023

Would get 5 stars except for the unforgivable error: discard the stalks??!? The best part of broccoli is the tender stalk—please peel the fibrous outer layer then slice slightly thinner than florets (place around rim of sheet to allow for longer roast time). Or send me your stalks & you can have my florets!!

Melissa January 15, 2023

Ina should learn not to toss broccoli stems. So wasteful

Karen B. August 25, 2022

Wouldn't change anything about this recipe. Everyone I've made this for loved it!

Darian April 22, 2022

My family loved this - the teenager was disappointed there wasn't more! - and made converts of my broccoli hating daughter and husband. YES! Broccoli returns to the menu!

Olivia S. January 2, 2022

I made this once for a work potluck because I knew no one would be bringing a veggie and since then it is constantly requested! Only make this if you’re ready to make it all the time for every occasion! It’s always a huge hit at any party.

NancyJ November 13, 2021

With a headline like that…had to try it. 4 lbs of broccoli requires 2 sheet pans, for sure. I used Avocado oil spray for the oven roasting part and added the garlic after 10 minutes to be sure it wouldn’t burn. Maybe a little more cheese, but definitely best grating as directed - the larger pieces of cheese really help. Recipes like this make it easy to eat less meat.

JLH April 18, 2023

As long as you're eating grass fed beef, no need to eat less. It's only corn-fed beef that is inflammatory and unhealthy.

Granny S. October 28, 2021

I have made it like this without basil. But our preferred way is with olive oil, garlic and sprinkled with a quick Lemon Pepper shake. It is also wonderful grilled on the Weber. Yum!

brushjl January 9, 2021

Delicious! Didn't change a thing. I don't worry a out bad breath during covid.

Shwillary January 4, 2021

i adore this recipe, and am always tweaking it depending on what i have on hand (it practically begs for a cauliflower swap!)
the tangy lemon with salty parm and sweet roasted garlic is a perfect enough combo - i actually don't think i've ever used it with basil, and only occasionally with nuts. it is a great recipe to keep simple and let those main ingredients really shine.

i do rotate the baking sheet halfway through and give the veggies a little stir - helps prevent over-charring or burning what is usually perfectly roasted garlic.

because this is a 2-dish max recipe, i typically toss the olive oil, broccoli, and garlic in the serving bowl beforehand (instead of straight on the cookie sheet as directed) to ensure every little bit gets a nice dose of oil to slick it up and roast with ease.
while everything is in the oven i add the lemon and parm to the serving bowl so it's ready when the broccoli and garlic come out nice and hot, give it a good shake, rattle, and you're ready to roll.

lazysprawl December 28, 2020

I omitted the lemons (don't like them on broccoli) and basil (didn't have any on hand) and this is still a great base recipe. Will try it with the basil next time.

Sasha November 22, 2020

I'm baffled by this recipe. I love just plain roasted broccoli, amd adding lemon, garlic, and parmesan seemed like a no Brainerd, but the result was a weird, almost chemical taste - I couldn't even finish it. Not sure what happened here

JV November 20, 2020

To be honest I was underwhelmed. It tasted like regular plain roasted broccoli, and the extra effort to prep all those flavorings didn’t seem to make a difference in taste with that much broccoli-not punchy at all - and the garlic burned. Maybe half the broccoli with the same amount of flavorings, and also silly to toast the pine nuts separately... just throw them in for the last few minutes of baking. For garlic that isn’t burned and more of a kick of flavor, I would add a grated/crushed clove raw out of the oven - the residual heat will tone it down a bit and it won’t taste like charcoal.

The trick in the video for cutting broccoli worked well though and I’ll keep using that to separate florets!

salena October 1, 2020

Delicious was to do broccoli. I usually steam it and then add butter. This was a nice change and deepened the flavor of the vegetable.

Jackie C. August 10, 2020

I love roasted everything! This broccoli 🥦 recipe is elevated to wow with the pine nuts and Parmesan. Highly recommended for any dinner!!

Tish M. January 16, 2020

This is a delicious recipe, and so far I have used the same ingredients with brussel sprouts, asparagus, and green beans, and all of the roasted vegetable were a hit including the leftovers tossed in a salad the next day.

gravityace November 10, 2019

This was wonderful the night I made it for dinner but it was even better as a cold leftover two days later. I substituted chopped walnuts...no pine nuts in the house and omitted the basil ...same reason. Still very delicious. Just had it for breakfast!

Janet M. May 15, 2019

I'm not sure I like broccoli more than steak, but I do prefer it to most deserts--a fact that never fails to baffle my grandchildren.

Ann April 8, 2019

I made this exactly as written and it was absolutely delicious. I used two cookie sheets and used a convection oven at a slightly lower temperature. Wouldn’t change a thing!

Ina Garten’s Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

Why does my roasted broccoli burn? ›

Don't Skimp on the Oil.

The tender, fuzzy “tree” tips of roasted broccoli florets are the most delicious, but they are also quick to burn. Make sure the florets are well-coated with olive oil to keep this from happening.

Is it better to boil or roast broccoli? ›

Roasted broccoli is easy to make and so much more flavorsome than boiled. My favorite part is the roasted sliced stem pieces. This easy roasted broccoli is easy to make and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

How long to blanch broccoli? ›

To blanch the broccoli, bring a pan of water to the boil. Have a bowl of iced water ready, along with a tray lined with kitchen paper. Cook the broccoli in the boiling water for 2-3 mins. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and plunge into the bowl of iced water, then leave for another 2-3 mins.

How to blanch broccoli without ice? ›

Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil on high. Cut broccoli into small florets. Add broccoli to boiling water and cook until crisp-tender, 1–2 min. Drain in colander and rinse with cold water to stop broccoli from cooking.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating broccoli? ›

Cruciferous Vegetables

Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.

What is the best temperature to roast vegetables? ›

The perfect temperature– 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature for most roasted vegetables. It allows for a crispy, perfectly browned exterior and a fork tender interior. But it will vary based on the types of veggies and oil used. If your veggies are not browning enough, try increasing the temperature.

Is roasted broccoli still healthy? ›

Roasted broccoli is a healthy side dish with major crowd appeal. Broccoli contains a lot of good-for-you fiber, vitamin C, and a surprising amount of protein, too. Who knew? If you've been in a rut with side dishes lately, or you're tired of steamed broccoli, you're going to love this simple side.

Should I steam my broccoli before roasting? ›

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F / 218°C.
  2. Cut broccoli into even florets, leaving a couple inches of the stalk intact. ...
  3. Optional step (steam broccoli): This extra step is not necessary, but if you want to speed up the cooking process or get extra tender stalks, steam the broccoli before roasting.
Sep 23, 2020

Why is roasted broccoli so good? ›

Roasted broccoli is so easy to make, and the florets come out of the oven deliciously golden brown, crisp, and tender. I have a hard time not eating them all straight off the sheet pan, but they're also a fantastic addition to all sorts of recipes and a yummy side dish on their own.

Do you add salt to water when blanching broccoli? ›

Bring 4 quarts water and 2 teaspoons salt to a rapid boil. Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. Carefully lower the broccoli florets into the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and just barely tender.

Can dogs eat broccoli? ›

Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Dogs can eat the vegetable both cooked and raw, as long as there are no seasonings or oils added. However, this vegetable should always be given in very small quantities, especially because the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.

What happens if you don't blanch broccoli before freezing? ›

Since blanching preserves nutrition, color, texture, and taste, I highly recommend blanching broccoli before freezing it. However, you can still freeze broccoli without blanching it first. Just cut it into florets and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Seal, removing as much air as possible, and label.

What do you do if a recipe asks you to blanch the broccoli? ›

To blanch broccoli, start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, submerge chopped broccoli florets into the pot. It does not take long to blanch broccoli – only about 30-60 seconds, so keep an eye out for when the color changes from dull green to bright green.

Why is my broccoli always soggy? ›

If it is soggy, you are overcooking it. Try shorter cook times or elevate it above the water to steam. Choose fresh broccoli and put in boiling water for just over 3 minutes or so. Make sure it's still green when you are taking it out as most people overcook it.

Do you have to use ice water when blanching? ›

Blanching is scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time. It is typically followed by quick, thorough cooling in very cold or ice water. Blanching stops enzyme actions which otherwise cause loss of flavor, color and texture.

How to stop roast vegetables from burning? ›

Swich tip: the smaller the vegetable pieces, the higher the oven temperature needs to be. This may sound counter-intuitive. But here's why: smaller vegetables take less time to cook throughout. On the other hand, harder and bigger vegetables are better cooked at 350-400 to prevent the vegetables from burning.

How to keep broccoli from burning? ›

Cook the broccoli uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes, COVER it, and continue cooking for about 6 more minutes (8 minutes total). Lift the lid occasionally (every 1 to 2 minutes) to stir the broccoli and prevent burning. You want the florets to lightly char, which adds depth of flavor to the veggie.

How to roast veggies without burning them? ›

**Use the Right Temperature:** The ideal roasting temperature for most vegetables is between 375°F to 425°F (190°C to 220°C). Higher temperatures can cause burning on the outside before the inside is cooked.

Why do my vegetables burn in the oven? ›

The oven may not be working correctly and is going to a higher temperature. Get an oven thermometer and check that the temperature inside the oven is the same as what you set it to be. You should also make sure that you're watching the time!

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