Tender and green Oven Roasted Broccoli is a versatile, tasty, and year-round side dish that everyone will love! Made with a handful of simple ingredients to produce caramelized, golden, and crispy broccoli. Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian and easily made vegan!
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If you have never had roasted broccoli, you are missing out! Tossed with a simple blend of olive oil and salt and roasted at high heat before being tossed with lemon juice or balsamic and parmesan cheese, this is the best broccoli recipe.
High heat creates crispy edges, caramelized notes, and a naturally sweet flavor that even broccoli haters are known to enjoy. Adjust the seasonings and finishing elements if you desire (I share my suggestions below), but anyway you go, this recipe is sure to be a great way to enjoy one of America's most popular greens. For more favorite broccoli recipes, check out my broccoli salad, air fryer frozen broccoli, and broccoli slaw.
Why You'll Love Roasted Broccoli
- Simple Ingredients: Make this simple side dish any time of year, thanks to easy-to-find ingredients that are available at nearly any grocery store.
- No Fuss: This easy roasted broccoli recipe is ready in just a few simple steps and with no complicated cooking techniques. If you know how to chop broccoli and measure olive oil, you can make this recipe!
- Versatile: There's never a bad time for this perfect side dish! Serve it with nearly anything from burgers and salmon to pasta and casseroles.
- Flavorful & Nutritious: Even picky eaters will love the caramelized and sweet flavors of this healthy side dish and you'll be glad to know that they are getting their veggies in!
Ingredients
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the star of this roasted broccoli recipe! Use all florets, though you can also use broccoli stems if desired. Give the broccoli a good rinse before cutting and seasoning.
- Olive Oil: Preferably extra virgin. Adds richness and flavor to the roasted vegetables and also prevents them from sticking to the roasting pan.
- Salt: An essential component in this broccoli recipe! Salt enhances the flavor of the broccoli, bringing out delicious flavor like you may have never had before!
- Lemon Juice or Balsamic (Optional): Choose the finisher of your choice. Both acids accentuate the flavors of the broccoli, making the broccoli bright and flavorful. If using lemon, use fresh lemon juice for superior flavor. Add light and slightly less acidic citrus flavor by choosing Meyer lemons if they are available.
- Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Grated or shredded both work. Garnish the broccoli with cheese immediately after removing it from the oven. Omit this ingredient to make the recipe vegan and dairy-free.
How to Make Roasted Broccoli
For the complete recipe and measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Drizzle the olive oil on a large-rimmed baking sheet. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat. Season the broccoli with salt and pepper to taste. Note: I recommend being generous with the salt, as it adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Spread the broccoli out on the pan in an even layer, leaving space between all of the florets.
Step 4: Add the sheet of broccoli to the hot oven and roast for 18-22 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the broccoli is fork-tender, dark green, and golden brown around the edges.
Step 5: Drizzle the broccoli with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar if desired and garnish with parmesan cheese if using. Enjoy hot!
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Cut the Broccoli into Similar-Sized Pieces. This will ensure that the broccoli pieces roast evenly, preventing burning or undercooking.
- Space Out the Broccoli on the Baking Sheet. The broccoli needs plenty of room for them to easily roast and not get soggy as they do so. Always space the broccoli out on a single layer on the sheet pan and give at least a ½ inch, if not a full inch, between each of the florets for the best results.
- Optional Variations. Give the roast broccoli extra lemon flavor by tossing it with fresh lemon zest and juice before serving. Add some heat by seasoning it with red pepper flakes to taste
FAQs
Store leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It does not freeze well. Reheat broccoli in the microwave on medium heat for 45-second to 1-minute intervals, or until warmed through.
The reason why your roasted broccoli is mushy is likely due to overcrowding the broccoli on the baking pan. The broccoli needs to be spread out on the sheet so the vegetables have good air circulation; otherwise, the moisture that the veggies release as they cook will not evaporate, resulting in mushy or soggy broccoli.
Serve this easy broccoli recipe with nearly any main dish or lunch. It is particularly tasty alongside grilled steak or chicken thighs, turkey burgers, air fryer salmon, or panko chicken though it also makes a great accompaniment for sandwiches and wraps and is fantastic on salads.
Tools Needed to Make This Recipe
More Side Dish Recipes
- Brussels Sprouts Slaw
- Roasted Cauliflower and Cabbage Salad
- Caramelized Dutch Oven Sweet Potatoes
- Blistered Green Beans
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