Preheat your oven and pan: Place a large, rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) with the pan inside. A hot pan helps prevent steaming and encourages crisping.
Prep the sprouts: Trim the tough stem ends and remove any wilted outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise.
For very large sprouts, quarter them so they cook evenly.
Season in a bowl: In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder if using. Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Cheese them properly: Sprinkle in about half of the Parmesan and toss again. The cheese will cling to the oiled sprouts and help form those lacy, crispy bits.
Arrange on the hot pan: Carefully remove the preheated sheet pan and lightly coat it with nonstick spray or brush with oil.
Spread the sprouts in a single layer, cut-side down, without crowding.
Roast until golden: Roast for 15 minutes without stirring. Flip a couple of pieces to check color. They should be deeply browned on the cut side.
Toss and finish: Use a spatula to flip the sprouts.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top. Roast for another 7–10 minutes, until crisp and caramelized.
Add brightness: Remove from the oven and immediately toss with lemon juice and a little zest. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Add more Parmesan if you like.
Serve hot: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy while the edges are still crackly. They pair well with roasted meats, fish, or a simple grain bowl.