I transformed one of my favorite vegetables—roasted broccoli—into a Parmesan-style bake by topping it with marinara and melted mozzarella. If the classic eggplant Parmesan works, why not apply the same idea to broccoli? The result is crisp-tender, savory, and satisfying.
Roasted Broccoli Parmesan
This dish is surprisingly hearty. I enjoyed two pieces as a meatless main for a filling lunch, but it also makes an excellent side to pasta, grilled meats, or a simple salad. The combination of roasted broccoli, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella makes it a crowd-pleaser for both vegetable lovers and skeptics.

More Side Dish Ideas
- Grilled prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
- Easy garlic knots
- Parmesan-crusted delicata squash
Roasted Broccoli Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 medium bunch (about 20 oz) broccoli, including stems
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Trim about 1 inch off the broccoli stems and discard. Slice the broccoli stalks in half lengthwise so you end up with four larger stem pieces in addition to the florets.
- Arrange the broccoli and smashed garlic cloves on a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Drizzle both sides of the broccoli florets and stems with olive oil and season with kosher salt.
- Roast cut-side up for about 10 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to brown. Turn the broccoli and garlic, then roast an additional 10 minutes until tender, browned, and slightly crisp.
- Remove the pan from the oven and spoon the marinara sauce over the broccoli. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake until the sauce is hot and the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes more. Serve warm.
Tips and Variations
For a crispier finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh basil before serving for extra flavor. To keep this dish dairy-free, substitute a plant-based mozzarella and skip the Parmesan topping. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a touch of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Roasted Broccoli Parmesan as a vegetarian main with a side of crusty bread, over cooked grains like quinoa or farro, or as a flavorful vegetable side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through to help preserve texture, or microwave in short bursts, covering the dish to retain moisture. If the broccoli softens after refrigeration, a quick oven crisp at 400°F for 5–7 minutes will help restore some bite.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 1 piece — Calories: 168 kcal; Carbohydrates: 13 g; Protein: 9 g; Fat: 10.5 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Cholesterol: 11 mg; Sodium: 397 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 2 g.
Last Step:
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Roasted Broccoli Parmesan