Roasted Broccoli Recipe (2024)

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Best oven roasted broccoli recipe ever with lemon and garlic, crispy at the edges, perfectly tender in the center and of course vegan. Bursting with flavor from a mix of spices and brightened up by a fresh squeeze of citrus this recipe is a must try.

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Oven Roasted Broccoli

From all the broccoli that I’ve cooked in my life this is still the top rated recipe to date. Quick and easy, ready to eat in less than 30 minutes and oh so delicious and good for you! Feel free to mix half broccoli florets and cauliflower following this exact recipe. Did I mention that it’s also vegan?!

Oh yeah, even the optional walnut parmesan is, which you should totally make as well and keep a stash of it on hand at all times. Magical sprinkling dust!

This broccoli is best served hot, straight out of the oven. I would not recommend making it in advance nor freezing it, after all it would take just as long to reheat it anyways.

Serve on its own with some cashew queso for dipping, or in a Buddha bowl paired with:

  • this Vegan Chicken
  • Mushrooms and Potatoes
  • Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
  • Pineapple Fried Rice
  • Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
  • Scalloped Potatoes.
  • Mashed Potato Salad.

Any leftovers can be refrigerated for later and used in a new dish like this vegan frittata, easy focaccia, a stir-fry, vegan ramen or alongside these divine baked sweet potatoes or our vegan potato salad with dill. No food left behind club!

Broccoli Cooking Tips

  1. Make sure to start with FRESH broccoli NOT frozen, to achieve the perfect tender center and crispy tips.
  2. Give it space in the pan, do not overcrowd the florets! Overcrowding creates steam and interferes with the browning process.
  3. Use HIGH heat! I roast mine at 425″F and it’s usually ready in under 25 minutes depending on the size of the florets.
  4. If you must work with “Frozen Broccoli” you should do it at the higher temperature of 450″F for 15-18 minutes then transfer to the broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp up the edges if need be.
  5. Can I Roast it Without Oil? – Yes you can! Simply replace the oil with a splash of veggie stock, water or a drizzle of tahini/ sesame butter so the seasonings stick. However, just know that you won’t be achieving those extra crispy edges I bragged about earlier, but it will still be super tasty and healthy. Best to use the air fryer for an oil-free version@425″F and check at the 12 minute mark as timing varies from model to model.

Recipe Variations

  • Make it Italian Style and finish with a drizzle of sweet and tangy balsamic glaze like I did with these balsamic tomatoes.
  • Go for a Mediterranean Flair with a squeeze of lemon, some crumbled vegan feta + flavorful fresh herbs like oregano and dill.
  • Give it an Asian spin with a drizzle of peanut sauce and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds.

how to make roasted broccoli

Roasted Broccoli Recipe (6)

5 from 7 votes

Vegan Roasted Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic

The best oven roasted broccoli recipe ever with lemon and garlic, crispy at the edges and perfectly tender in the center. Vegan recipe!

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:20 minutes mins

Total Time:25 minutes mins

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425”F.

  • In a large baking tray toss together the broccoli florets with the olive oil, sea salt, pepper flakes, garlic and onion powders. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs then spread in one layer preferably without touching each other.

  • Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the florets are tender (but not mushy) when pierced with a knife. Toss once half way through cooking.

  • Serve promptly with a good squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkling of walnut parmesan over the top.

Video

Notes

  • It's very important that the broccoli / cauliflower is dry if you want to achieve the crispy edges. Rinse in advance and give it plenty of time to dry out completely.
  • To make this recipe WFPB & Plantricious compliant make sure to omit all oil and roast with a little splash of water, veggie stock or a couple of teaspoons of tahini.
  • Give the broccoli space in the pan, do not overcrowd the florets! Overcrowding creates steam and interferes with the browning process. If you must work with " frozen broccoli" you should roast it at a higher temperature of at least 450"F for 15-18 minutes then transfer to the broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp up.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 366mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 705IU | Vitamin C: 115.5mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1.2mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: plant based, roasted broccoli, vegan,

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 90kcal

Author: Florentina

Roasted Broccoli Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it healthy to eat roasted broccoli? ›

It's a great side dish recipe to keep in your back pocket, and goes with just about anything. Roasted broccoli is a healthy side dish with major crowd appeal. Broccoli contains a lot of good-for-you fiber, vitamin C, and a surprising amount of protein, too.

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.

Is it better to boil or roast broccoli? ›

Cooking broccoli in this way retains most of its colour, nutritional value along with that crunch that results in a delicious side dish that even my youngest and pickiest eater enjoys. Boiling or over-cooking the broccoli florets turns the texture into mush and also draw away much of its cancer-fighting goodness.

What is the best cooking method for 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.

What should I season broccoli with? ›

Oven Roasted Broccoli Serving Suggestions
  1. Toss it with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
  2. Sprinkle it with lemon zest and toss it with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
  3. Drizzle it with sesame oil and tamari or soy sauce and sprinkle it with toasted sesame seeds.

Does roasting broccoli destroy vitamin C? ›

In conclusion, the current study clearly shows that nutrient and health-promoting compounds in broccoli are significantly affected by domestic cooking. All cooking treatments, except steaming, caused great losses of chlorophyll and vitamin C.

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.

Why is my roasted broccoli soggy? ›

Obviously you have to wash the broccoli first, but the problem is that broccoli really tends to hold water in all of those little florets. However, the drier the broccoli, the crispier it will get when you roast it; wet broccoli steams. Since crispy is what you're going for here, you need to dry the broccoli.

Why does my roasted broccoli taste bitter? ›

Why is Broccoli Bitter? Broccoli contains several compounds which some people perceive as bitter. Proper growing, storage, and cooking can replace that bitter flavor with an earthy, almost sweet taste. Broccoli is best grown when the temperatures are cool and there is less sunlight.

What is the healthiest way to eat broccoli? ›

Serving broccoli raw is an excellent option, since it retains these nutrients and the enzyme that forms isothiocyanate compounds. Before serving on a relish tray or salad, quickly blanching and cooling allows you to get even a bit more of these compounds.

Can dogs eat broccoli? ›

Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Dogs can eat the vegetable both cooked and raw, as long as there are no seasonings or oils added. However, this vegetable should always be given in very small quantities, especially because the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.

Is it okay to eat old broccoli? ›

If there are yellow or brown spots, it's a sign that it's past its prime. If you see any mold, such as white or black fuzzy patches, it's definitely spoiled. Smell: If the broccoli has a strong odor or an off smell, throw it out.

Is roasted broccoli still healthy? ›

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

How do you keep broccoli crispy when cooking? ›

To keep broccoli crisp, don't overcook it. I prefer to either steam it or wok fry it to keep it from overcooking. It doesn't take very long in a wok, maybe a few minutes, and steaming takes about 5.

What do you soak broccoli in before cooking? ›

Nope, not those commercial produce washes; the USDA actually advises against using those. Instead, use a pantry staple: vinegar. Fill a large bowl with 2 ⅔ cups cold or warm water and ⅓ cup white vinegar. Allow it to soak for 2 minutes, then dump the broccoli into a colander.

Does broccoli lose its nutrients when roasted? ›

Most of the minerals in broccoli are retained during cooking because they stand up to heat and water better than vitamins. If you steam, stir-fry or roast your broccoli, you'll get 100 percent of its minerals, according to the USDA. When broccoli is boiled, it loses 5 percent to 10 percent of the total minerals.

Is it OK to eat cooked broccoli everyday? ›

Regularly incorporating broccoli into your daily diet can contribute to stronger bones and potentially lower the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis. Broccoli can be a beneficial inclusion in the diet of those seeking to manage their weight.

Are roasted vegetables better for you? ›

One of my favorite ways to prepare vegetables is to roast the veggies. Roast vegetables at high temperatures such as 400-425 degrees for crisp textures. These veggies will maintain their heart-healthy fiber and vitamins and minerals for fighting disease.

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