The Best Roasted Broccoli

By Weatherly Becker-GottliebJun 16, 2024Jump to Recipe

A quick, simple and healthy side dish that goes with just about anything.

Table of Contents

I like to make a well-balanced meal and sometimes the best option for balance is to add the vitamins and nutrients in a vegetable side. For a lot of meals, you want something that will complement the main dish but not overpower it, something that will pair well but not take over. So, what vegetable covers all of those bases? The obvious answer: broccoli.

Broccoli is one of those vegetables that is very versatile and full of health benefits. You can eat it raw, grilled, roasted, or sautéed, you can season it with spices and sauces, broccoli is the multi-treat vegetable that can always answer the question, “what should I do for a side?”. My favorite preparation method for broccoli is to roast it and this recipe truly gives you the best roasted broccoli, tender yet crunchy, lightly seasoned, and full of nutrients.

The light sweetness that gets brought out in the broccoli when roasted is matched so beautifully with the salt and pepper; it becomes soft and tender in the center while staying crisp on the outside, giving that inviting crunch you get with perfectly roasted broccoli. Quick and easy, full of flavor, this truly is the best roasted broccoli, proof that simplicity really can lead to perfection.

Is Roasted Broccoli Healthy?

Broccoli is low in calories but high in fiber – which aids with digestion and lowers cholesterol. It’s also high in vitamin C supporting your immune system, vitamin K which helps bone health and aids in calcium absorption, and potassium which helps reduce blood pressure.

Roasted broccoli is one hundred percent vegan as it cooks in extra virgin olive oil instead of animal fats like butter. It’s also completely gluten-free, making it the perfect healthy side for people with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

How do I select the perfect broccoli for my recipe?

The key to perfecting your roasted broccoli recipe is to use the best ingredients. I love to get my produce at farmers markets because they will give you the freshest produce, but your local grocery store will do just fine too.

When selecting the perfect broccoli crown, first take note of the color – fresh, ripe broccoli is a uniform vibrant green not varying in shade. If your broccoli is beginning to brown or yellow it is not the freshest. Secondly is texture, the stem should be firm and strong with no cracks or visible dryness. The florets should be tightly packed, if they look wilted then your broccoli has lost too much moisture and should not be used. Finally, and this goes for all produce, the smell – fresh broccoli does not have a strong odor. So, remember, find broccoli that is firm, vibrant, and packed tightly and you are ready to roast.

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces broccoli florets
Extra Virgin olive oil for drizzling
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheet.

Season

Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper on the baking sheet.

Roast

Cook until the broccoli is tender and the edges are crispy. Add red pepper flakes for heat, if you like.

Enjoy

Serve the roasted broccoli hot

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

To store leftover roasted broccoli allow it to cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.

How do I keep my roasted broccoli from getting mushy?

The key to keeping your broccoli crisp is not overcrowding your pan, if the pan is overcrowded the moisture that naturally emits from the broccoli while it cooks will end up steaming your broccoli instead of roasting it.

Do I need to include the chili flakes?

No, the chili flakes in this recipe are completely optional, they are there to add a little spice to your roasted broccoli but are not necessary.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted broccoli is the perfect side and can be served with almost anything. This recipe for roasted broccoli pairs well with Oven Fried Chicken or this Keto Steak. I also like to take my roasted broccoli and blend it with homemade macaroni and cheese to add a delicious crunch to the meal. The sky really is the limit when it comes to serving your roasted broccoli.

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