If you love broccoli, then you have to try this Roasted Broccoli with Almonds! The sliced garlic, Asiago cheese, lemon and almonds add tons of flavor and texture to compliment the sweet and roasted broccoli.

overhead view of roasted broccoli on sheet pan

This post contains affiliate links. We published this roasted broccoli with almonds on December 8, 2016. I have updated the text and photos to share it with you again today. This flavorful side was inspired by a recipe featured in the cookbook The Gourmet Kitchen by chef Jennifer Farley, former owner of Savory Simple.

Why We Love This Recipe for Almond Roasted Broccoli

When we’re looking for the best way to prepare a simple broccoli side dish with a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, we turn to roasting! It is one of our go-to methods for turning a head of broccoli into a scrumptious side dish.

Ingredients For Garlic Roast Broccoli with Almonds

ingredients with labels for this recipe
  • Broccoli Florets: Broccoli, while commercially available all year round, is actually in season in mid to late summer and into the fall. When purchasing, be sure the broccoli crown is not limp. The crown should feel sturdy to the touch and free of any yellowing or black marks. We also recommend that only purchasing the crowns as this recipe calls solely for the florets, which means there will be less waste in disposing of the stems. Use any extra broccoli in our Broccoli Egg Bake recipe.
  • Olive Oil: To make this lower in saturated fat, we used good quality extra virgin olive oil when coating the florets.
  • Sliced Garlic: We used sliced garlic instead of chopped so that it doesn’t burn. It turns golden as it roasts, but will not be bitter and overcooked.
  • Salt and Ground Pepper: Note that we recommend using coarse kosher salt instead of table salt. However, you can use table salt, but you will want to cut the amount used in half.
  • Lemon: The brightness of fresh lemon juice helps balance the bitterness of the broccoli and pairs well with the caramelized natural sugars in the roasted broccoli. When purchasing a lemon from your local grocer, give the citrus fruit a slight squeeze. The juiciest lemons will always be the ones that have a little give when you squeeze. The reason being is that the softer the citrus, the less pith and therefore, more juice.
  • Asiago Cheese: Freshly grated Asiago Cheese is used to coat the roasted broccoli. We find that the delicately sweet, slightly sour flavor of this Italian mountain cheese pairs well with the flavors of this dish; if you are not a fan of Asiago or cannot locate it, feel free to substitute Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano.
  • Slivered Almonds: To garnish and to give the dish a slight crunch, slivered almonds are tossed in. If you have a nut allergy or unable to locate it, feel free to leave off. Pine nuts make a great alternative.

How To Make Roasted Broccoli

roasted broccoli steps 1 and 2

STEP 1: Prepare Broccoli

Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.

In a large bowl, toss the broccoli, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. 

STEP 2: Spread on Prepared Baking Sheet

Evenly spread broccoli mixture on the prepared large baking sheet and drizzle with extra olive oil.

roasted broccoli steps 3 and 4

STEP 3: Roast Broccoli

Place in oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until florets are crispy and caramelized, but still tender.

STEP 4: Garnish with Lemon, Asiago, and Lemon

Remove from oven and immediately squeeze the lemon over broccoli. Top with slivered almonds and Asiago cheese. Serve immediately.

overhead shot of roasted broccoli in circular white bowl

FAQ And Expert Tips For This Roast Broccoli Recipe

Why won’t my broccoli brown?

Generally, broccoli won’t brown and crisp because there is too much water on the crown.
Give your broccoli a good rinse when you bring it home from the grocer. Then towel dry prior to using in the dish. Be sure the crown is dry to the touch prior to step 1.

Another reason the broccoli may not be browning is the pan is too full. Be sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet as that will cause the broccoli to steam versus brown. There should be plenty of space between the florets to allow the heat to circulate and brown. If you notice your pan is too crowded, pull out another and oven bake it on two!

Serving Suggestions For Roast Broccoli and Menu Pairing

Roasted broccoli is such a versatile side dish recipe. The possibilities on how to enjoy it are endless!
1) Add to a buddha bowl or meal prep lunch.
2) Serve alongside crispy roasted chicken thighs, salmon, lentils or baked tofu.
3) Sub it in for raw broccoli in a vegan broccoli salad.
4) Mash up with sour cream and butter for a keto-approved broccoli mash.
5) Blend with milk and stock for a roasted broccoli soup

Make Ahead, Leftovers, Storage, Reheating

Make Ahead: Chop the broccoli and prep the garlic and cheese up to three days ahead. Keep the cut broccoli in a storage container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. Keep the garlic in a small resealable container. The cheese can be stored in a airtight container or a small plastic bag. Make sure it is dry before cooking it.

Leftovers and Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the leftover roast broccoli in the microwave on a microwave safe plate covered with parchment or a paper towel. Microwave on high for 40 seconds per serving. Alternatively reheat in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little oil or broth. Cook stirring occasionally until the broccoli is steaming hot all the way through. Add on more cheese and nuts to serve.

Variations To Try For Oven Roasted Broccoli

There are many different ways to flavor roasted broccoli. Skip the lemon, Asiago, and almonds and flavor with:
1) Herbs and balsamic vinegar
2) Drizzle on our delicious lemon tahini dressing.
3) Toss with homemade pesto
4) Add a little kick and sprinkle with red pepper flakes
5) Add Everything Bagel seasoning for a crunchy, onion-y garlic-y flavor

overhead shot of roasted broccoli in circular white bowl

6 More Healthy Recipes For Roasted Vegetables

  • Curry Roasted Cauliflower is an easy gluten-free free and vegan side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this is one full of flavor dish that you’ll want to add to your weekly dinner routine.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic is the perfect vegetarian side dish! Ready in just 45 minutes and made with just a handful of ingredients, this will quickly become a favorite way to enjoy these tiny little buds!
  • This super simple Roasted Parsnip recipe requires just 5 ingredients and is ready in just 30-minutes! Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and a paleo-friendly dish.
  • This Roasted Turnip recipe is great vegetable side dish that is paleo-friendly, vegan, and Whole30 approved!
  • Roasted Butternut Squash is full of bold flavors and only requires 10-minutes of hands-on prep. This robust side dish is gluten-free, vegan, and paleo and the perfect complement to so many courses.
  • Roasted Asparagus requires just 4 ingredients, is ready in under 20 minutes, and comes out perfectly crisp and tender every time.

More Broccoli Side Dish Recipes

Thanks so much for reading. If you are new here, you may want to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter for healthy recipes delivered right to your inbox. Or follow me on Instagram. If you make these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It is very appreciated. Happy Cooking! ~Katie 

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close up view of roasted broccoli on sheet pan

Roasted Broccoli with Almonds


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5 from 5 reviews

Description

If you love roasted broccoli, then you have to try this Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Almonds and Lemon! The sliced garlic, Asiago cheese and almonds add tons of flavor and texture to compliment the sweet and roasted broccoli.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds broccoli cut into small florets
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 23 cloves of garlic sliced thin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper (see note). Spread evenly on the pan, drizzling any excess oil on top, and roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the florets are crispy and caramelized, but still a little tender. Check the broccoli after 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Squeeze the lemon over the broccoli and top with the almonds and cheese. Serve hot.

Notes

TIP: Take a peek at the broccoli after 15 to 20 minutes; the roasting time will vary based on how small the broccoli florets are cut.

  • Make Ahead: Chop the broccoli and prep the garlic and cheese up to three days ahead. Keep the cut broccoli in a storage container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. Keep the garlic in a small resealable container. The cheese can be stored in a airtight container or a small plastic bag. Make sure it is dry before cooking it.

    Leftovers and Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Reheating: Reheat the leftover roast broccoli in the microwave on a microwave safe plate covered with parchment or a paper towel. Microwave on high for 40 seconds per serving. Alternatively reheat in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little oil or broth. Cook stirring occasionally until the broccoli is steaming hot all the way through. Add on more cheese and nuts to serve.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 125
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 243 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g