
Can I make an argument for something simpler, on Thanksgiving- or in the holiday season in general? I think often we overcomplicate holiday food, filling our plates (literally and figuratively) with dishes that take hours to make, and where there is certainly a time and a place for a great casserole, I think it’s also ok to remember– it doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. This roasted broccoli is a great example!

Think of this recipe as your classic roasted broccoli, just a little elevated- tossed in garlic and paprika for a little smokiness before roasting until crispy and tossed with some fresh lemon zest, sweet and spicy hot honey and briny feta- this dish is honestly good any time of the year, but I especially love it’s simplicity to make as a side around the holiday season.

If I can make a bid for you to use a great feta– it truly makes the difference here. I’m talking a sheep’s milk feta IN the brine. Yes, it’s a little annoying to remove from the brine and crumble– but I promise, the flavor is worth it!
Crispy Roasted Broccoli with hot honey, lemon & feta
Serves 4-6 as a side
2 heads broccoli, chopped into florets
avocado or olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
sea salt, to taste
zest of 1 lemon
Homemade hot honey:*
1/3 cup honey
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss broccoli with a generous drizzle of oil, a sprinkle of salt, garlic powder and paprika.
- Roast for 15 minutes. Toss and roast another 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- While broccoli is roasting, combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan and heat on very low heat until just simmering. Turn off heat and let sit.
- Toss broccoli with lemon zest, drizzle with hot honey (as much as you desire) and top with crumbled feta.
Chef’s note: Don’t skimp on the feta– get the good stuff, in the brine!
*Feel free to use 1/4 cup of your favorite hot honey, here.


Crispy Roasted Broccoli with hot honey, lemon & feta
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 heads broccoli, chopped into florets
avocado or olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
sea salt, to taste
zest of 1 lemon
Homemade hot honey:*
1/3 cup honey
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss broccoli with a generous drizzle of oil, a sprinkle of salt, garlic powder and paprika.
- Roast for 15 minutes. Toss and roast another 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- While broccoli is roasting, combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan and heat on very low heat until just simmering. Turn off heat and let sit.
- Toss broccoli with lemon zest, drizzle with hot honey (as much as you desire) and top with crumbled feta.
Notes
- Feel free to use 1/4 cup of your favorite hot honey.
- Don’t skimp on the feta– get the good stuff, in the brine! Yes, it’s a little annoying to remove from the brine and crumble– but I promise, the flavor is worth it!

I am VERY tired so I might be missing this but when are you meant to use the lemon zest?
Good catch– I missed adding it to the last step- I updated it! xo Kris