Roasted Broccoli

Ingredients

1-2 heads of broccoli (about 1 pound)
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of half a lemon (optional)
2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. Prepare the Broccoli

Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into florets. Make sure the broccoli florets are similar in size to ensure even cooking. Try next time: peel and slice the stems as they're supposed to be delicious when roasted.

3. Season the Broccoli

Place the broccoli florets in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the broccoli and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Toss again to distribute the seasonings.

4. Roast the Broccoli

Spread the broccoli out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure the florets have some space between them to ensure they roast rather than steam. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork. Toss the broccoli halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove the roasted broccoli from the oven. If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and toss to coat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

• You can add other seasonings like smoked paprika or cumin for a different flavor profile.
• Crispier Texture: For even crispier broccoli, you can increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C), but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.