Roasted Broccoli (2024)

This fast, easy Roasted Broccoli recipe is one of our favorite side dishes, especially with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Prediction: You’ll routinely, willingly, and with gusto inhale an entire pan of crispy oven-roasted broccoli like candy!

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Roasted Broccoli Recipe

• Crispy, Caramelized Deliciousness. Crispy outside and tender inside with savory and sweet notes, roasted broccoli will turn even the most ardent vegetable haters into believers! Roasted vegetables like Roasted Spaghetti Squash, Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Carrots, and even Roasted Beets will win over any critics.
• Easy to Make. Thanks to my easy chopping method, this is the best roasted broccoli recipe when you don’t have a lot of time for prep!
• Goes with Anything. From Baked Chicken Breast, to Blackened Salmon, to Lemon Pasta, roast broccoli pairs well with any of your favorite mains. Of all the Oven Roasted Vegetables out there, oven-roasted broccoli is definitely one of the most versatile.
• Delicious Leftovers. Roasted broccoli is delicious leftover and will pair well with meals all week long. Re-crisp in the oven, then add to salads, pastas, and more!

How to Make Roasted Broccoli

The Ingredients

• Broccoli. The star of the show! Don’t miss these other top-rated broccoli recipes like Sautéed Broccoli and Grilled Broccoli.
• Red Pepper Flakes. An optional addition that gives the roasted broccoli just the right kick of heat.
• Optional Toppings. Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon are our go-tos.

The Directions

1. Prepare. Cut away the outer layer of the broccoli stem and discard. Slice the inner portion into rectangular-shaped pieces. Cut the crowns into large, flat florets.

2. Season. Toss the broccoli pieces with oil, sugar, and spices.

3. Arrange. Place the broccoli in an even layer on a baking sheet. Give them lots of room!
4. Cook. Roast broccoli for 20 to 30 minutes at 425 degrees F until crisp-tender. Flip the broccoli pieces and rotate the pan partway through. ENJOY!

Recipe Variations

• Garlic. For roasted broccoli with garlic, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the broccoli with the other spices or toss with peeled, smashed garlic cloves and roast as directed. (This is also my favorite way to serve Roasted Broccolini!)
• Cheese. In the final few minutes of roasting, sprinkle grated cheese (cheddar would be tasty) over the top of the broccoli. It will melt into gooey perfection!
• Herbs. Try finishing oven-roasted broccoli with finely chopped parsley, thyme, basil, or rosemary.
• Everything Roasted Broccoli. Finish off your roasted broccoli with an everything bagel seasoning (like Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning).
• Soy Sauce. Drizzle roasted broccoli with a bit of soy sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds. You could also roast the broccoli in sesame oil rather than olive oil for more Asian flavor.
• Add More Veggies. Combine the broccoli with other vegetables that roast in a similar amount of time for a colorful mix of veggies (this Roasted Broccoli and Carrots is a favorite).
• Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli. To make broccoli in the air fryer, check out my Air Fryer Broccoli recipe.
• Roasted Frozen Broccoli. No fresh broccoli on hand? Don’t worry. You can learn how to make Roasted Frozen Broccoli in this post.

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate leftover broccoli in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat.Rewarm broccoli on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F. I do not recommend reheating roasted broccoli in the microwave, if possible, as it will become mushy. The oven will give you great results.

What to Serve with Roasted Broccoli

• Salmon. For a healthy, nutrient-dense meal, serve salmon and broccoli. Try Baked Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon, or Cedar Planked Salmon.
• Shrimp. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Baked Shrimp Scampi are stellar with broccoli.
• Chicken. For a kid-friendly dinner, serve chicken and broccoli. Try Baked Chicken Parmesan, Baked Chicken Thighs, or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
• Meat. Classic, hearty proteins like Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Air Fryer Steak, and Crockpot Pork Chops are scrumptious with roasted broccoli.
• Whole Grains. For a hearty side, combine roasted broccoli with brown rice, quinoa, or farro. Or use it to make a Roasted Vegetable Salad.

• Baking Sheet. I use this kitchen tool almost daily. It’s perfect for making pan-roasted broccoli.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife. Great for cutting broccoli with ease.
• Extra Large Cutting Board. Plenty of space to cut your broccoli.

Tips and Tricks

• Cut the Broccoli Florets Large. The larger the pieces of roasted broccoli you cut, the more surface area you have for caramelization. The ideal size for broccoli florets is about 1 ½ to 2-inches wide at the top and 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. The larger pieces do take longer to roast, but the trade-off of a fully caramelized inside and crispy outside floret is well worth it.
• Don’t Skimp on the Oil. 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. If your roasted broccoli comes out mushy, it is likely the pieces were too close together. Give it room for the air to circulate!
• Don’t Throw Away Those Broccoli Stems. Broccoli stems are delicious when roasted too. While the outsides of the broccoli stems are bitter, the inner core is delicious. It rivals the florets. Simply cut away the outside of the stems, then slice the inside part of the core into pieces and roast it right along with the florets.