Oven-Roasted Broccoli: Your New Go-To Side Dish
When it comes to planning dinner, sometimes the simplest sides are the ones that steal the show. Whether you’re pairing it with slow-baked salmon, a hearty chicken teriyaki, or even topping off a homemade black bean burger, oven roasted broccoli is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep, a short cooking time, and flavors that really pop, this recipe is designed to be foolproof—and delicious—every single time.
Why I Love This Recipe
Roasting broccoli brings out a wonderful balance of charred, crispy edges and tender, caramelized centers. The high heat (425°F) transforms simple broccoli into a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Plus, its clean, straightforward seasoning lets the natural taste of the vegetable shine through. No complicated ingredients or techniques—just good food made easy.
For more quick-and-simple vegetable side dishes, try my green beans almondine, roasted broccolini with garlic breadcrumbs, or these blistered string beans next!
Ingredients
Keep it simple. This recipe celebrates the pure flavor of fresh broccoli:
- 1 large head of broccoli (or 2 smaller heads), cut into evenly sized florets (Tip: Trim the stems by slicing off a tiny bit from the bottom—discard the tough, woody end.)
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (Don’t be shy—each cup of broccoli florets benefits from at least 1 Tbsp of oil!)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Extras
- 2–3 cloves garlic, finely minced. (Toss with the broccoli for an extra punch of flavor.)
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a light sprinkle of lemon zest at the end. (For a burst of brightness that balances the roast.)
Directions
- Preheat an oven to 425°F. A hotter oven ensures that your broccoli roasts (not steams), giving you those coveted crispy edges.
- Prepare the broccoli. Wash and trim your broccoli, ensuring that the florets are cut into uniform sizes. If you prefer, work directly on a rimmed baking sheet (lining it with parchment paper can make cleanup easier).
- Season the broccoli. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If using garlic, add it now.
- Arrange the florets in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. Giving each piece a little breathing room is key to getting that perfect roast.
- First roast: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes.
- Toss and continue: Toss and continue:b Remove the pan and give the broccoli a gentle toss—this helps promote even cooking. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes.
- Optional, finishing touch: Once out of the oven, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a light sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Oven roasted broccoli is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside:
- Slow-baked salmon or roasted chicken
- Steak or homemade black bean burgers
- As a hearty addition to grain bowls or salads
For an Italian twist on your veggies, try my Sicilian Roasted Cauliflower recipe—a delightful medley of capers, golden raisins, and lemon!
Expert Tips!
- Uniformity is key: Cutting the florets to a similar size ensures even cooking—avoid having some pieces that are too small or too large.
- Space matters: Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting. Make sure the florets aren’t touching too much.
- Fresh over frozen: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh broccoli. Frozen broccoli can retain extra water and may not crisp up as nicely unless thoroughly defrosted and dried.
- Roasting vs. Baking: Remember, roasting is done at higher temperatures (over 400°F) to achieve that caramelization and crunch, unlike baking, which uses lower temperatures.
Roasted broccoli is a weekly staple in our household—simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. I hope this updated recipe becomes a go-to in your kitchen as well.
Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts, tweaks, or serving ideas. Leave a comment or review below, and happy cooking!
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Tender Oven-Roasted Broccoli with Crisp Edges
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 heads broccoli cut into florets (about ~5-6 cups)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F. Trim broccoli florets to ensure they're all about the same thickness. Some florets will remain whole (the smaller ones) while the larger florets may need to be cut in half or thirds.
- Place broccoli on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss to thoroughly coat. Make sure broccoli is in an even layer with a little space in between the florets.
- Roast for 15 minutes, then toss the broccoli and rotate the pan. Cook an additional 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, do not roast frozen broccoli. If you do, make sure that it has completely defrosted first, then dry with paper towels to absorb as much excess moisture as possible. Even so, nothing will roast as beautifully as fresh broccoli.
Let us know your thoughts!