Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Whatever side dish you had planned for your dinner tonight, forget it. You want, no you NEED to make this easy roasted broccoli!

This is seriously the best way I have ever eaten broccoli, ever! And I like my broccoli. This easy and delicious side dish should really be labeled “The Best Broccoli of Your Life”.

Roasting broccoli brings out this awesome flavor that otherwise is totally hidden. And when you add a little roasted garlic to the mix and top it with freshly grated lemon zest and real parmesan cheese, you have a stellar side dish made with actual real ingredients!

What you’ll love about this recipe

• Quick and easy. Just 5 minutes of prep and into the oven it goes.
• Big flavor, simple ingredients. Lemon zest, garlic, and parmesan turn humble broccoli into something crave-worthy.
• Kid-approved. Roasting brings out the sweetness—no soggy steamed broccoli here!
• Flexible. Serve it with pasta, grilled meat, or tuck it into grain bowls.

Helping kids love broccoli

Roasting broccoli transforms its flavor—bringing out a natural sweetness and crisping the edges in a way that many kids find way more appealing than steamed versions. Don’t worry about the dark spots—those crispy bits are where the magic happens!

Encourage your kids to explore their food like curious scientists. Instead of asking if they like it, prompt them to describe it: Is it crunchy? What flavors do they notice? How is this different from other broccoli they’ve tried? Shifting the focus from “Do you like it?” to “What do you notice?” helps build a sense of curiosity instead of resistance.

Want more fun, low-pressure ways to explore veggies together? Check out my Veggie Adventures activity books for simple, hands-on ideas that help kids become more confident and curious eaters.

Check out my activity guide for more information on how to explore the sense of taste with kids!

Making the oven roasted broccoli

Here is a brief overview of making this recipe. For the full set of directions, please scroll down to the recipe card below.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment.
2. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
4. Finish with lemon and parmesan. Zest the lemon over the hot broccoli, give it a good squeeze of juice, and sprinkle with parmesan before serving.

Tips for the best roasted broccoli

• You can make this roasted broccoli with more garlic or without any, depending on your garlic preference.
• Cut the broccoli into smaller, thinner pieces to allow more of the broccoli to be covered in oil and exposed to the heat of the oven – this makes them sweeter and crispier.
• Make sure the broccoli is DRY before you coat it with olive oil.
• Toss the broccoli with the olive oil with your fingers, making sure that as much as the broccoli gets well covered with oil.
• Don’t use too much oil or your broccoli won’t crisp, it will turn out soggy.
• This recipe is easy to double or triple. Just remember to keep the broccoli in a single layer so it cooks evenly. Use two baking sheets if needed.

How kids can help in the kitchen

The best way to get your kids interested in actually eating the broccoli? Have them help you in the kitchen!

Here is how your kids can help!

• Have your child help you wash and dry the broccoli
• Older children can practice their knife skills by slicing the broccoli into smaller pieces.
• Have children help you measure the olive oil and toss the broccoli florets to coat it and season with salt and pepper.
• Kids can also help grate parmesan cheese and zest and juice the lemon.

For more information on having your kids help you in the kitchen, please read How to Cook and Bake with Your Kids.