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Oven Roasted Broccoli

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I’d always heard people rave about oven roasted broccoli—the way the florets crisp up at the edges and the flavor deepens with just a touch of heat. But for some reason, I stuck with the familiar routine of steamed broccoli, never quite motivated to switch things up—until I stumbled across a recipe from Aggie’s Kitchen.

It looked too good to resist, and once I gave this simple side dish a try (with a few personal tweaks to suit my own taste), I realized just how game-changing roasted broccoli can be. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet packed with savory goodness: perfectly charred tips, tender stems, and a flavor that turns a humble vegetable into a star side dish. Honestly, it’s such a tasty departure from the usual that I wouldn’t be surprised if this healthy side dish became a regular feature at our table.

Oven Roasted Broccoli | realmomkitchen.com
  • BROCCOLI
  • OLIVE OIL
  • SEA SALT OR KOSHER SALT
  • FRESH GROUND BLACK PEPPER
  • GARLIC

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, toss fresh broccoli florets with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and garlic to bring out those bold flavors. Spread the seasoned broccoli on a sheet pan in an even layer, then roast for about 20 minutes at 400°F, or until the edges are beautifully golden and the florets are tender with just the right amount of crisp.

For a little extra brightness, sprinkle the roasted broccoli with fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Or, for a savory upgrade, toss it with a handful of grated Parmesan cheese as soon as it comes out of the oven—the residual heat melts it just enough to create a delicate, cheesy crust.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw it first and pat it dry thoroughly to reduce excess moisture. Frozen broccoli may roast a little softer, but it still gets deliciously caramelized.

Do I need to peel the broccoli stems?
Not necessarily. If the stems are thick or woody, you can peel the outer layer and slice them into bite-sized pieces—they roast beautifully alongside the florets.

How do I keep the broccoli from burning?
Spread it in a single layer and roast at 400°F–425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch closely near the end—crispy edges are great, but burnt tips aren’t!

Is roasted broccoli healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Roasting enhances its natural sweetness while keeping nutrients intact—especially when using olive oil.

How long does roasted broccoli last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

Can I roast broccoli with other vegetables?
Definitely! Just choose veggies with similar roasting times—like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers—and cut them to similar sizes for even cooking.

What’s the best oil to use?
Olive oil is a classic choice, but avocado oil or grapeseed oil also works well for high-heat roasting.

Oven Roasted Broccoli | realmomkitchen.com

Oven Roasted Broccoli

Real Mom Kitchen

Oven-roasted broccoli is a quick and flavorful side dish that turns simple florets into crispy, caramelized bites with just olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. It takes about 25 minutes from prep to plate and can be easily customized with toppings like Parmesan, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this recipe serves about four and keeps well for a few days in the fridge.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 116 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head broccoli cut in florets
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • sea salt or kosher salt
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves minced

Instructions
 

  • Toss broccoli florets with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
  • Roast in 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until slightly crisped and browned.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 486mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 947IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword broccoli, roasted, vegetables
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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12 Comments

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  3. I am 50yrs old and I still don’t like broccoli in the general sense! I know it is one of the best things for you to eat and to tell the truth this is one of the best ways to eat it. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

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  6. I thought I commented on this already, but guess not! So happy you loved the broccoli, once I started roasting it I never cooked it another way again (unless in a stirfry!). My kids love it! I can’t wait to try the other ideas with the panko and the ginger. And I love to add red pepper flakes to mine (when I’m not sharing with the kids!)

  7. Looks tasty! I tend to fall into ruts with veggies, especially when Alex and Soph like the veggies one way for sure. This is really a tasty sounding alternative to my standard steamed broccoli.
    Thanks!

  8. Veronica, what looks like red pepper flakes is instead, I think, browned garlic.
    Instead of garlic, I often use grated ginger. Goes very well with the broccoli.

  9. It looks like you put red pepper flakes on your broccoli but I don’t see it in the ingredients. Do you suggest using it?

  10. Roasted broccoli is the best. I make this all the time except I add 1/3 c toasted panko before baking, and toss in 1/4 c cheddar or parmesean cheese durring the last 3 minutes of baking. Just long enough so the cheese can melt.
    I think people who hate broccoli only hate it because they’ve never had it roasted!!!