Roasted broccoli is the best broccoli ever. It's a super easy to make side dish recipe that goes well with so many meals. This basic, oven roasted broccoli is tender in the middle and has lots of incredible crispy bits. It's irresistible!

Roasted broccoli on a baking sheet

This roasted broccoli recipe is a staple side dish recipe that you'll want to keep in your back pocket for easy mealtimes.

Why we love roasted broccoli

  • After spending a half hour in your oven, the tops of the broccoli turn crispy and their flavor is slightly nutty and totally amazing.
  • That crispiness contrasts perfectly with the soft broccoli stems.
  • They're ridiculously easy to prep which means that you can focus on cooking the rest of the meal rather than fussing over the side dish.
  • It's a versatile recipe. Most often, we season the broccoli simply with oil, salt, and pepper. But adding other spices (and there are plenty of ideas in the recipe below) keeps this recipe fresh and new.

Cut up broccoli in a bowl

How to roast broccoli

Making roasted broccoli is very simple, but there are a few things you'll want to know when making this recipe.

  1. Oil is what makes the crispy tops taste the best. It's why we use a generous amount of oil in this recipe. And it's also why we mix the broccoli and oil together in a bowl, rather than on the baking sheet. You want to make sure that the broccoli tops are completely covered in oil. When they are, they'll turn a darker green color.
  2. Use a large baking sheet. You want the broccoli to have lots of room on the pan so that it roasts rather than steams. If you only have smaller baking sheets, divide the broccoli between two rather than squishing it all into one.
  3. Make sure there are lots of brown spots on the broccoli. The more brown spots, the more flavor the broccoli will have. The biggest mistake I see when people make roasted broccoli is that they take it out of the oven too soon. Leave it in longer than you think you should and the broccoli will taste amazing.

How long to roast broccoli

When roasting broccoli at 425 degrees Fahrenheit you'll need to cook it for at least 30 minutes. I recommend flipping each piece over at the 20 minute mark so that it browns better on both sides.

A baking sheet with oven roasted broccoli on top

Roasted broccoli variations

The basic roasted broccoli recipe calls for oil, salt, and pepper. It's amazing how much flavor you get from those three simple ingredients. But it's fun to switch things up. Here are some other spices that go well with roasted broccoli:

  • Italian seasoning + chili flakes
  • Pesto – before going into the oven
  • Curry powder + raisins + almonds
  • Parmesan cheese + lemon zest
  • Garlic powder + cayenne pepper
  • Sesame oil + grated ginger + lime juice

A hand holding up a piece of roasted broccoli

What to serve with oven roasted broccoli

Keep dinner simple by serving this broccoli with an easy to make protein. Then add some Greek Lemon Potatoes, Smoky Roast Potatoes, or some basmati rice if you're feeling extra hungry. Here are our favorite mains to serve with this broccoli:

A serving bowl full of roasted broccoli

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A serving bowl full of roasted broccoli

Roasted Broccoli

  • Author: Kristen Stevens
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasted
  • Cuisine: American

★★★★★

4.5 from 2 reviews
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Description

Roasted broccoli is the best broccoli ever. It's a super easy to make side dish recipe that goes well with so many meals. This basic, oven roasted broccoli is tender in the middle and has lots of incredible crispy bits. It's irresistible!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon each: salt and pepper

Optional variations

  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning + ⅛ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons pesto
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder (+ a small handful of raisins and almonds once the broccoli is cooked)
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese + zest from 1 lemon
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder + a pinch of cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil + 1 teaspoon grated ginger (+ a squeeze of lime juice once the broccoli is cooked)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Place the broccoli in a bowl and add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and if using, any of the optional seasonings. Toss the broccoli well so that it is well coated in the oil. Transfer the broccoli to a large baking sheet. (see notes.)
  3. Roast the broccoli for 20 minutes. Turn the broccoli pieces over on the baking sheet then continue to roast for another 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is well browned and crispy at the ends.

Notes

Make sure to use a baking sheet that is at least 18″x13″. If yours are smaller, divide the broccoli between 2 baking sheets.

Pair with steamed basmati rice or cauliflower rice

Pair with steamed basmati rice or cauliflower rice

Perfect basmati rice in a pot.This juicy baked chicken thighs recipe hot out of the oven.

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Roasted broccoli on a baking sheet and the recipe title on the picture.