If you’re ready to fall in love with a humble, underrated veggie, Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino is your ticket. This recipe transforms the oddly charming kohlrabi into golden, crispy-edged wedges smothered in bright lemon, plenty of savory garlic, and a shower of nutty Pecorino. Whether you’re a seasoned kohlrabi fan or just curious, this dish is a wildly satisfying blend of textures and flavors that will surprise and delight you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor Transformation: Roasting brings out kohlrabi’s nutty, sweet qualities and turns it into the most irresistible veggie bite.
- Bright, Fresh Finish: Garlic, lemon, and tangy Pecorino make every wedge burst with Mediterranean flair and zest.
- Easy and Unfussy: The prep is simple, cleanup is a breeze, and the ingredient list is short but powerful.
- Unexpected Crowd-Pleaser: Even folks who claim to dislike “weird” vegetables end up asking for seconds of Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe only asks for a handful of everyday ingredients, and yet each one brings its own magic to the table. From the earthy kohlrabi to zesty lemon and that rich, salty Pecorino, every element is chosen to make Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino the perfect balance of bold flavor and snackable comfort.
- Kohlrabi: Look for firm, bright bulbs—the star of the show turns buttery and golden in the oven.
- Olive oil: Adds lusciousness and helps those wedges brown up beautifully; even a tablespoon is enough.
- Garlic powder: Provides savory depth without overpowering the sweet kohlrabi flavor.
- Lemon: Both juice and zest wake up the whole dish with freshness and a little tang.
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese: Melts slightly onto the hot kohlrabi wedges, adding irresistible saltiness and savor.
- Green onions: A pop of color and mild bite—just sprinkle over right before serving for extra flavor and crunch.
Variations
Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino is incredibly flexible, so don’t be shy about switching things up! You can easily tweak the seasoning or toppings to suit your mood, or adjust based on what’s in the fridge.
- Herb Lovers: Add fresh chopped thyme, basil, or parsley after roasting for a green, aromatic hit.
- Add a Little Heat: Sprinkle chili flakes or black pepper over the wedges before roasting for a gentle kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese or try a dairy-free parmesan-style topping for a vegan-friendly take.
- Different Cheeses: Swap Pecorino for ricotta salata, Manchego, or your favorite hard cheese for a fun twist.
How to Make Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first, get your oven hot—set it to 425° F so it’s nice and ready when your kohlrabi hits the pan. Line a rimmed baking sheet (grab a dark pan if you want even deeper browning) and set it aside. This step sets you up for maximum crispiness later!
Step 2: Peel and Cut Kohlrabi
Trim the root ends off your kohlrabi bulbs, then use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin. Just follow the natural contours and “stripes”—there’s no need for perfect shapes! Then, cut each bulb into chunky 1″ wedges that will hold up in the oven and get crisp all over. If you have enormous kohlrabi, halve the wedges so everything roasts at the same rate.
Step 3: Toss with Oil and Garlic
Gather the wedges on your baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and dust generously with garlic powder. Toss everything until evenly coated, then spread the pieces out in a single layer, placing as many flat sides down as possible for best browning. Just this quick toss infuses every bite with flavor.
Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and roast for around 30 minutes. About halfway through, flip each wedge so the other side has a chance to turn golden and crispy. You’re looking for fork-tender, deeply caramelized kohlrabi—you’ll smell when they’re ready!
Step 5: Dress and Finish
Once they’re hot out of the oven, scoop the roasted kohlrabi onto a serving platter. Squeeze over fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with lemon zest, then shower on plenty of Pecorino Romano and the green onions. The cheese will melt just slightly, clinging to each golden wedge, and the flavors come alive with that final zing of lemon.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino
- Get that Even Browning: Use a dark baking sheet if you have one—the extra heat helps the kohlrabi get golden and crisp around the edges.
- Perfect Wedge Size: Try to cut all wedges as close in size as possible so they roast evenly without any under- or overcooked bits.
- Big on Lemon: Don’t skip the zest—it’s what gives Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino its signature brightness and really pops against the rich cheese.
- Finishing Touch: Sprinkle the Pecorino and green onions on while the wedges are warm so the cheese slightly melts for best flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino
Garnishes
These golden wedges only need a final shower of lemon zest, extra Pecorino, and a handful of sliced green onions to make them pop. If you want to go all in, a sprinkle of flaky salt or a fresh grind of black pepper is delicious too. The contrast of citrus, cheese, and tender-crisp kohlrabi makes every bite shine.
Side Dishes
Pair Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino alongside a juicy roast chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty grain salad. It also loves to be the star in a spread with hummus, olives, and warm bread. These wedges are satisfying as a plant-rich snack just on their own, but play beautifully with almost any Mediterranean or spring-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the warm kohlrabi wedges high on a platter with lemon wedges tucked between for a rustic, shareable look. For a light lunch, top mixed greens with your roasted kohlrabi, add a drizzle of extra olive oil, and finish with a soft-cooked egg. Or make them finger-friendly as an appetizer by serving on small plates with toothpicks and an aioli for dipping—the flavors of Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino really shine any way you serve them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino keeps remarkably well! Just tuck extra wedges into an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay tasty for up to 3–4 days. The texture remains satisfyingly sturdy, never mushy.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze roasted kohlrabi, its best texture is fresh or reheated from the fridge. If you do freeze it, use a sturdy freezer-safe container, and know that the wedges will soften slightly once thawed—still fine for adding to soups or tossing into a veggie hash!
Reheating
Reheat your kohlrabi wedges in the microwave (they stay tender) or, for crisp edges, pop them back onto a baking sheet in a hot oven for a few minutes. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon and a pinch more Pecorino to perk up flavors just before serving.
FAQs
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Is it necessary to peel kohlrabi before roasting?
Yes, peeling kohlrabi is important since its outer skin is quite tough and fibrous. Removing the skin ensures each wedge roasts up tender and pleasant to eat, especially with the seasoning and crisp edges you want for Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino.
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Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino?
Absolutely! Parmesan is a fine substitute for Pecorino here and will offer a slightly milder, nutty flavor. Both cheeses create a gorgeous salty finish that pairs perfectly with the garlic and lemon in this dish.
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Can I make Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino ahead of time?
Definitely—just roast the kohlrabi as directed, cool, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat briefly and add a fresh squeeze of lemon and a little extra cheese to restore the lively flavors.
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What does kohlrabi taste like?
Kohlrabi has a mild, sweet flavor somewhere between broccoli stems and turnips, with a little nuttiness. Roasting brings out its natural sugars and creates a soft, almost creamy interior with crispy edges—especially tasty in this Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino recipe!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a veggie side dish that’ll really surprise you, give Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino a try. It’s easy, deeply flavorful, and just the sort of snackable dish that disappears quickly from the table. I hope you love every lemony, cheesy wedge as much as I do—be sure to share this with friends, because even skeptics can’t resist these golden beauties!
PrintRoasted Kohlrabi with Garlic, Lemon, and Pecorino Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delightful flavors of roasted kohlrabi with garlic, lemon, and pecorino. This simple yet flavorful dish makes a perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
Kohlrabi:
- 2 1/2 pounds (1,134 g.) kohlrabi
Seasoning:
- 1 – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Finishing Touches:
- 1 small lemon
- 1/3 cup (33 g.) grated pecorino romano or parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet.
- Prepare the Kohlrabi: Trim and peel the kohlrabi, then cut into wedges.
- Toss and Roast: Toss the kohlrabi with oil and garlic powder, then roast until tender and golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze lemon over the roasted kohlrabi, then top with lemon zest, cheese, and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 147.71 kcal
- Sugar: 7.91 g
- Sodium: 177.11 mg
- Fat: 5.94 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.92 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Information not available
- Trans Fat: 0.0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.29 g
- Fiber: 10.81 g
- Protein: 7.89 g
- Cholesterol: 8.58 mg