Best Roasted Broccoli Recipe - A Beautiful Plate (2024)

Roasted broccoli tossed with sliced toasted almonds, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice, and aged pecorino cheese.

Best Roasted Broccoli Recipe - A Beautiful Plate (1)

You guys. This roasted broccoli recipe. It is absurdly addictive! Quite possibly the best roasted broccoli you’ll ever make. Braceyourselves. I can easily consume a pound or two of broccoli in one sitting when it is prepared this way. Alarming, but true.

You allknow how much I lovemy vegetables. I can’t go without them,butthis is quite possibly the most tasty vegetable side dish on this blog.

These charred green beans and these fingerling potatoescome in at a close second. Oh, and these roasted sprouts and squash. Gah, don’t make me choose!

If it helps, Connor is equally as obsessed with this broccoli (it is one of his favorite things that I make) and it has gotten rave reviews from lots of family members and friends.

Best Roasted Broccoli Recipe - A Beautiful Plate (2)

Roasted Broccoli: Why You’ll Love It

If you’ve never roasted broccoli, you are missing out on the tastiest way to prepare it!

If you’ve hated broccoli up to this point(confession: I never experienced this phase of life), give this recipe and method a try. I have an inkling thatyou’ll become a broccoliconvert quite quickly.

It goes without saying thatmany vegetables taste better once caramelized and roasted in the oven. This isn’t ground breaking news, but broccoli is one of my all-time favorites.

Even more so than asparagus, carrots, and the other usual favorites. The broccoli florets get crispy and caramelized, and the normally flavorless stalkstransform into addictive bites of heaven. I mean, really, you could stop right there.

Once the roasted broccoli is mixed with toasted sliced almonds, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and aged pecorino cheese – ugh,so good.

Best Roasted Broccoli Recipe - A Beautiful Plate (3)

So, here’s the deal. I actually posted a version of this roasted broccoli recipe along time ago, but I’ve adjusted and improved the recipe andfelt it deserved new life!

New and improvedrecipe, new pictures, all good things. Most often, I like to move forward and share new recipes, but sometimes the old ones need some love and attention, you know?

Best Roasted Broccoli Recipe - A Beautiful Plate (4)

My new favorite way to prepare this dish is to slice the broccoli into ‘steaks’.

It gives the dish a better presentation, and the flat sides of the broccoli steaks allow the piecesto more evenly caramelize on the sheet pan.

To make things easier, the raw sliced almonds are added to the sheet pan halfway through cooking. This makes things really easy, and eliminates the need to toast them separately in a skillet.

Tips for Making The Best Roasted Broccoli:

If you’re having difficulty slicing the broccoliinto ‘steaks’- medium florets will also work.

Just make sure your broccoli pieces are consistent in size (if the pieces vary in size, they will cook unevenly) and they are spread into an even, thin layer.

Ideally when roasting, you want the vegetablesnot to touch each other on the sheet pan. Crowding will result in uneven cooking, less caramelization, and longer cook times.

Many home ovens have not been calibrated recently and can be off by as much as 50 degrees in temperature! I highly recommend investing in a cheap oven thermometer(affiliate link).

Why is my broccoli roasting too quickly?

If your oven runs hot, I recommend reducing the oven temperature byat least25 degrees and vice versa. The high roasting temperature, included below, produces extra crispy florets and extra caremelization (aka. flavor!).

It goes without being said that this recipe serves3 to 4 people (in ‘normal’ world), but don’t be surprised if you find yourself consumingall of it in one sitting! It isthatgood. Just read the reader reviews below if you don’t believe me!

Best Roasted Broccoli Recipe - A Beautiful Plate (5)

The Best Roasted Broccoli Recipe

4.7 stars (317 ratings)

PrintPinReviewSave

Yield: 3 - 4 Servings

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 20 minutes minutes

Total: 30 minutes minutes

Roasted broccoli tossed with sliced toasted almonds, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice, and aged pecorino cheese. You won’t be able to stop eating this delicious broccoli side dish! Vegetarian and naturally gluten free.

Ingredients

  • lbs broccoli crowns roughly 2 heads
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves finely grated with a microplane or pressed
  • large pinch dried red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons raw sliced almonds, with or without skin
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2-3 tablespoons freshly grated aged pecorino cheese
  • zest of half a lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C) with a rack in the center postion. Oven TemperatureNote: I use a separate oven thermometer to ensure that my oven is calibrated properly.The high temperature ensures even and deep caramelization (and extra crispy, flavorful florets!).If your oven runs hot (you can check this by using an oven thermometer)or you prefer less crispy florets, reduce the oventemperature to 425°F-450°F (220°C-232°C) and adjust the cooking time as necessary.

  • Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.Trim any dry, tough ends of the broccoli crowns, leaving roughly 2-inches of stalk attached.Slice the broccoli into ½-inch-thick steaks, starting in the center of each broccoli crown and working out to the edges, reserving any small or medium florets that fall off for roasting. Slice any large remaining florets in half lengthwise. Note: If you’re having difficulty slicing the broccoliinto ‘steaks’- medium florets will also work, but you will most likely need to reduce the temperature and roasting time to ensure that they do not burn. Try to make your broccoli pieces consistent in size, as this will help them roast evenly.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, grated or pressed garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes.Add thebroccoli steaks and toss gently until evenly coated. Arrange the broccoli, cut-side down, on the lined sheet pan, setting them apart slightly. Sprinkle with salt.

  • Roast the broccoli for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, flip the broccoli, and sprinkle the almond slices evenly across the sheet pan. Roast for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is evenly caramelized and fork tender, and the almond slices are toasted and golden.

  • Transfer the broccoli to a platter, toss gently with the lemon juice and top with the grated pecorino cheese. Garnish with fresh lemon zest. Serve hot or at room temperature (it also tastes great cold). Leftover broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Video

Tips for Success:

  • If you’re having difficulty slicing the broccoliinto ‘steaks’- medium florets will also work, but you may need to reduce the oven temperature and roasting time to ensure that they do not burn. Make sure your broccoli pieces are consistent in size (if the pieces vary in size, they will cook unevenly) and they are spread into an even, thin layer. Ideally when roasting, you want the vegetablesnotto touch each other on the sheet pan. Crowding will result in uneven cooking, less caramelization, and longer cook times.
  • Many home ovens have not been calibrated recently and can be off by as much as 50 degrees in temperature! I highly recommend investing in acheap oven thermometer. If your oven runs hot, I recommend reducing the oven temperature byat least 25 degrees and vice versa, and watching it carefully. The high roasting temperature, included below, produces extra crispy florets and extra caremelization (aka. flavor!).

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 182kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 307mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g

Author: Laura / A Beautiful Plate

Course: Vegetable Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Note to Readers:Thisbroccoli recipe was originally published as ‘crack broccoli’ in 2015. It was updated and re-named in 2018. The use of slang was in poor taste and is not a reflection of my values or this site. I sincerely apologize to any readers or visitors that were hurt or offended, and am appreciative of yourcritical feedback. Thank you for listening!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my privacy policy for more information.

Best Roasted Broccoli Recipe - A Beautiful Plate (2024)

FAQs

How do you stop broccoli from burning when roasting? ›

The tender, fuzzy “tree” tips of roasted broccoli florets are the most delicious, but they are also quick to burn. Make sure the florets are well-coated with olive oil to keep this from happening. Don't Crowd the Pan. If the florets are too close, they will steam instead of roast.

Should broccoli be washed before roasting? ›

Wash AND dry your veggies.

After you wash your head of broccoli, make sure to dry it off before you toss it with the oil. A little moisture is ok, but if it's too wet when it goes in the oven, it won't get brown and crisp.

Which cooking technique gives the best results when cooking broccoli? ›

Steaming broccoli is quick and easy, and it's considered one of the healthiest ways to prepare the vegetable. Instead of submerging the florets and stem into boiling water or roasting them in the oven, the broccoli is placed in a steamer basket over simmering water and covered with a lid.

Why does Chinese restaurant broccoli taste so good? ›

Even adults don't enjoy eating their vegetables sometimes. The high water content in some veggies renders them a bit bland on their own, so many people would prefer to make them palatable by adding various ingredients.

How do Chinese restaurants get broccoli so crispy? ›

The Chinese broccoli needs to cook as fast as possible, so that the nutrients and color don't have as much opportunity to leach out into the water. It's best to start with as much boiling water as you can. Restaurants serve amazingly green and crunchy Chinese broccoli because they use huge amounts of boiling water.

Why does my roasted broccoli taste bitter? ›

Hi Maxine, there can be several reasons why broccoli is bitter, the main one is that it is starting to 'bolt', this is when the plant starts to flower prematurely. Bolting can be caused by temperature fluctuations (hot and cold) or too much heat, broccoli are a cool weather crop.

Is roasted broccoli still healthy? ›

Yes! Baked broccoli is super healthy and full of fiber, vitamin C, and even protein.

Why is roasted broccoli so good? ›

After just 15 minutes in the oven, the florets come out crisp and browned at the edges with tender stems. Roasted broccoli makes a great weeknight side served on its own, but this cooking method also works well if you're adding it to a grain bowl or simple pasta dish.

Is it better to roast or steam broccoli? ›

In this regards, it is likely that broccoli cooked by steaming will be better fit for human consumption than other cooking methods. In conclusion, the current study clearly shows that nutrient and health-promoting compounds in broccoli are significantly affected by domestic cooking.

What do you soak broccoli in before cooking? ›

Soak Broccoli In Water. Not sure if you've gotten all the dirt and contaminants off? No problem. Submerge broccoli in a bowl, making sure water covers every floret and let it sit for 2 to 4 minutes.

How do you make roasted broccoli not smell? ›

Preheating the baking sheet ensures the broccoli is hit with high heat right from the start, from all sides. Setting the oven to such a high heat browns the broccoli and cooks it through quickly, allowing nutty and sweet flavors to develop, not stinky, sulfurous ones.

What seasonings can you put on broccoli? ›

Any combination of garlic, salt, pepper and any classic herbs, (basil, rosemary, sage, parsley, tarragon, thyme, etc.,) is a surefire way to treat these veggies right.

How to give broccoli more flavor? ›

Garlic and butter help make broccoli taste irresistible. Simply sautee the broccoli in a pan with just a little butter, some onions and grated garlic and voila! Add a drizzle of lemon if desired.

What is the healthiest way to eat broccoli? ›

Cooking (Or Not Cooking) Broccoli To Protect Its Nutritional Riches : The Salt Cooking broccoli too long destroys the beneficial enzyme that breaks down chemicals into cancer fighters. The best way to eat it is raw or steamed for just two to three minutes, a nutrition expert says.

Why do restaurant vegetables taste so good? ›

However, my spouse, who is a chef, told me that the reason that vegetables you get in restaurants taste so good is that they prep them before serving by adding butter. If you don't want any butter on your veggies when you eat out, specify that you want them steamed, or no butter.

How do restaurants keep broccoli green? ›

Immediately drain it in a colander, and serve. If you aren't serving it immediately, or if it's going into a salad to be served cold, dip it into an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and ensures that the broccoli stays that gorgeous green color.

How do restaurants make their vegetables so good? ›

The answer to this wonder can be summed up in just 2 words: Bacon Fat. It's true. Many restaurants roast or pan-fry their vegetable side dishes in bacon, butter, or other animal fat – or a mixture of these.

Why do you soak broccoli in salt water? ›

Immediatley before cooking, soak your broccoli, head down, in cold, salted water (1 tsp salt to 8 cups water) for 5 minutes. Any critters will float to the top where you can rescue them or allow them to suffer a salty death.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6208

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.