If you’re looking to bring something green and gorgeous to your Thanksgiving table, this Thanksgiving Broccoli Side Dish is it. It’s a cozy mix of roasted broccoli, creamy cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs that adds both freshness and indulgence to your plate. The edges caramelize just enough in the oven, giving it that irresistible texture that pairs beautifully with any holiday main.

This isn’t your everyday broccoli. With garlic, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of parmesan, each bite is savory and bright. Whether you’re serving turkey, ham, or going meatless, this side dish balances out the richness with a touch of green that actually gets eaten (and loved) at the feast.

What Makes This Thanksgiving Broccoli Side Dish Special?

Broccoli gets a major holiday glow-up in this recipe. Instead of steaming or microwaving, roasting it brings out a nutty, crisp-tender charm. The added garlic and lemon zest brighten it up, and a topping of cheese and crispy breadcrumbs creates that gratin-like feel without all the heavy cream. It also happens to be vegetarian, quick to prep, and easy to scale.

Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Broccoli Side Dish

4 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Optional: red pepper flakes for a mild kick

How To Make the Thanksgiving Broccoli Side Dish

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets.

Step 2: Season and Toss

In a large bowl, toss the broccoli with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Roast for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the edges are crisp and the broccoli is tender with golden spots.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the roasted broccoli with parmesan and breadcrumbs. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the crumbs are golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and watch it disappear.

How to Serve and Store Your Thanksgiving Broccoli Side Dish

This dish is best served hot out of the oven, where the breadcrumbs are crisp and the cheese is melty. It makes a fantastic companion to turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. For a vegetarian meal, pair it with wild rice or creamy squash.

If you’re prepping ahead, roast the broccoli and store it (without toppings) in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven, then add the cheese and breadcrumbs for that fresh-from-the-oven crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but make sure it’s completely thawed and well-drained. The texture won’t be quite as crisp, but it will still be tasty.

What can I use instead of parmesan?

Try shredded asiago, romano, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How do I keep the broccoli from getting soggy?

Dry it thoroughly before roasting and make sure it’s in a single layer on the sheet pan.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Surprisingly, yes! The cheese and crispy topping make it super approachable for picky eaters.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting.

Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this broccoli twist, you’ll enjoy digging into these too:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts that pair beautifully with veggie sides.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables for more cozy fall colors.
Giant Zucchini Parmesan when you want something veggie-forward and cheesy.
Funeral Potatoes if creamy, comforting sides are your vibe.
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole for a unique crowd-pleasing bake.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you plan your holiday menu.

And let me know in the comments how you made it your own! Did you spice it up with chili flakes? Try a different cheese blend? I love seeing how these dishes evolve in your kitchens.

Have questions or tips? Drop them below—let’s inspire each other to create the best Thanksgiving tables ever.

More of my daily recipes live over on Pinterest @NinaDishes. See what’s cooking next!

Thanksgiving Broccoli Side Dish

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Thanksgiving Broccoli Side Dish brings crisp-tender roasted broccoli to your holiday table, with savory garlic, lemon zest, parmesan, and golden breadcrumbs. It’s a simple, delicious, and festive green side dish perfect for balancing out hearty mains.

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 garlic cloves minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

Optional red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets.

3. In a large bowl, toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread on baking sheet in a single layer.

4. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until broccoli is tender and edges are golden.

5. Remove from oven, sprinkle with parmesan and breadcrumbs, and return to oven for 5 more minutes until golden.

6. Serve warm with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.