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Crispy roasted broccoli on a sheet pan topped with lemon zest, feta and herbs.
Easy Mediterranean Recipes

Best Roasted Broccoli Recipe

This is the ultimate, foolproof Roasted Broccoli Recipe designed to deliver perfectly crispy, charred florets without any sogginess. Using a high-heat method (425°F) and simple prep tips, this side dish is fast, ready in just 20 minutes and features a bright, savory Mediterranean flavor profile based on extra-virgin olive oil, fresh garlic and lemon zest.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb broccoli cut into even florets
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
Optional Garnishes:
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper or dried oregano

Equipment

  • half Baking Sheet (Half-Sheet Pan)
  • 1 Mixing bowl Large
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • 1 Silicone Spatula or Tongs (for flipping)

Method
 

Preheat Oven:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Dry & Prep:
  1. Wash the broccoli, cut into uniform florets, and most importantly, pat them completely dry with a towel.
Toss:
  1. In a large bowl, toss the dried florets with the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper and lemon zest until evenly coated.
Spread:
  1. Transfer the seasoned broccoli to a large and unlined sheet pan, then spreading them into a single layer without overcrowding.
Roast:
  1. Roast for 15 minutes. Then give the pan a shake to flip the florets and return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes or until desired char is achieved.
Finish:
  1. Immediately remove from the pan and toss with optional lemon juice, feta, and/or Aleppo pepper. Finally, serve hot.
  2. Put your cursor in the instruction text and click on an ingredient to add it.

Notes

  • Crispiness is Key: The secret to crispy broccoli is ensuring the florets are completely dry before tossing with oil and avoiding overcrowding the pan.
  • Uniformity Matters: Cut all florets into similar sizes so they roast evenly. If your florets are very large, they may need an extra 5 minutes of roasting time.
  • Don't Skip the Stems: Peel the thick outer layer off the stems and cut the inner part into thin matchsticks (about 1/4 inch thick). Because they roast beautifully.
  • Salt Generously: Because broccoli is a large vegetable, it needs a good amount of salt to bring out its flavor. So, don't be afraid to season well!