Oven Roasted Broccoli
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Oven Roasted Broccoli
This roasted broccoli is the ultimate simple side dish, transforming humble florets into a caramelized, savory delight with just olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and delivers perfectly tender-crisp results every time, making it an ideal healthy broccoli recipe for busy weeknights or a standout addition to your holiday table. I love how the high heat of the oven coaxes out a wonderful nutty sweetness you just can’t get from steaming.
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when broccoli meets a hot oven. I first fell for this method years ago while trying to create a more exciting vegetable side for a family gathering, and it quickly became a non-negotiable part of our meal rotation. The way the edges caramelize and crisp up while the inside stays tender is a textural dream. I often pair this oven roasted broccoli with my classic garlic mashed potatoes and a protein for a complete, comforting dinner, or I serve it alongside other vibrant dishes like these honey roasted carrots for a colorful Thanksgiving spread. It’s a dish that feels both simple and special.
What Makes This Roasted Broccoli Irresistible
- Unbeatable Flavor: Roasting unlocks a natural, nutty sweetness that steaming simply can’t achieve.
- Effortless Preparation: With just four simple ingredients and one pan, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward.
- Perfect Texture: You get the ideal balance of crispy, browned edges and a tender-crisp bite.
- Meal Prep Hero: It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic component for vegetable grain bowls throughout the week.
Simple Ingredients for Perfect Roasted Broccoli
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Fresh Broccoli: Look for vibrant green, firm heads with tightly closed florets for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps the broccoli crisp up beautifully and adds a fruity note.
- Kosher Salt: Its coarse grains adhere well to the broccoli and provide a clean, balanced salinity.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle, aromatic spice that complements the caramelized notes.
Roasted Broccoli
Learn how to make perfect roasted broccoli with this easy recipe. Tender-crisp florets with browned edges in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- mixing bowl
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds fresh broccoli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If desired, line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Wash the fresh broccoli thoroughly under cold running water. Carefully cut the florets from the tough stalks, aiming for pieces that are roughly 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size. Try to make the florets uniform so they cook evenly. Discard the stalks or save them for another use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut broccoli florets with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Toss the ingredients well with your hands or a large spoon until all the florets are lightly and evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Spread the seasoned broccoli in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet. It’s important to ensure there is a little space between each floret; overcrowding the sheet can cause the broccoli to steam instead of roast, leading to a less desirable texture.
- Roast the broccoli in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the florets are tender-crisp and exhibit nicely browned edges and tips. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your broccoli pieces.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts. Serve the perfectly roasted broccoli immediately as a warm and flavorful side dish.
Notes
Try to make the florets uniform so they cook evenly. Discard the stalks or save them for another use.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Broccoli
- Cheesy Roasted Broccoli: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Lemon Garlic Variation: Toss the florets with minced garlic and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice after roasting.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika with the olive oil.
My Pro Tips for Perfectly Roasted Broccoli
- Uniform Cutting: Cut the florets into similar sizes to ensure they all cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread the broccoli in a single layer with space between pieces to promote browning, not steaming.
- High Heat is Key: A 400°F oven is ideal for creating those deliciously crispy, caramelized edges we love.
- Season Liberally: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper, as it brings out the broccoli’s natural sweetness. This side is so versatile, it pairs wonderfully with everything from a hearty sweet potato casserole to simple hibachi veggies.
How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers
- Store: Place cooled roasted broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to restore crispness. The microwave will make it soft.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can wash and cut the broccoli florets up to 2 days in advance and store them in a sealed bag in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my roasted broccoli soggy?
Sogginess is usually caused by overcrowding the baking sheet. When the florets are too close together, they steam instead of roast. Be sure to spread them in a single layer with a little space between each piece for the best, crispiest results.
Should you soak broccoli before roasting?
No, you should not soak broccoli before roasting. It’s best to simply wash it and then thoroughly pat it dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Any excess water on the surface will create steam and prevent the florets from getting crispy.
What temperature is best for roasting broccoli?
A high oven temperature of 400°F (200°C) is ideal for roasting broccoli. This high heat is necessary to caramelize the natural sugars in the florets, giving you those delicious browned edges and a tender-crisp interior without burning the broccoli.
Can you eat the stalk of broccoli?
Yes, the broccoli stalk is perfectly edible and delicious! Simply peel the tough outer layer with a vegetable peeler, then slice or chop the tender inner core. You can roast it along with the florets; just cut it into smaller pieces so it cooks evenly.
More Easy Vegetable Side Recipes
Why This Roasted Broccoli Becomes a Favorite
With its incredible combo of crispy, caramelized edges and a tender bite, this roasted broccoli recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s the kind of simple, healthy side dish that effortlessly elevates any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday feast. I hope it brings as much joy and flavor to your table as it has to mine.
