Crispy Baked Broccoli

This easy baked broccoli will quickly become your new favorite healthy side dish. Baking, or roasting, broccoli brings out a whole different flavor with delicious browned bits and just the right amount of caramelization. We also love this Parmesan Roasted Broccoli and Garlic Grilled Broccoli for warmer months.

Baking broccoli is a game changer when it comes to this healthy green veggie. When broccoli is baked in the oven, it takes on a different flavor than when it is steamed, sauteed, or pan-fried.

In my opinion, it's a million times better. The edges get brown and crispy, the broccoli gets tender without getting mushy, and the taste becomes mild and almost nutty. It's amazingly good and changes people's minds about broccoli. My kids gobble it up. 

The other amazing thing about this crispy baked broccoli recipe is that you get tons of flavor without needing a lot of ingredients.

All you need is broccoli, garlic, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. And it all cooks in about 20 minutes. Then the fun starts! You can add in all sorts of extras to add even more flavor to this recipe.

Herbs and spices, cheese, and dipping sauce are all ways to level up this broccoli recipe.

How to Bake Broccoli

Baking broccoli in the oven is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare this popular veggie. Here's what you need to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. 
2. Prepare your broccoli. If you are starting with a whole head of broccoli, cut it into similar size florets. If you are starting with a bag of fresh florets, chop any particularly large pieces in half. You want the broccoli florets to be around the same size so they cook evenly. Personally, I use smaller florets so they cook faster and get even crisper.
3. Make sure your broccoli is dry! Any moisture will prevent browning and we really want the brown crispy edges.
4. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a couple of minced garlic cloves.
5. Lay the broccoli out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Leave some space between florets to ensure they brown instead of steam
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan 1-2 times or flip the broccoli. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the edges are browned and crispy. 

A few other common questions about how to bake broccoli:

Can I roast broccoli at different temperatures? 

Many times you might be cooking something else in the oven and want to bake the broccoli at the same time. You can adjust the temperature as low as 350 degrees and as high as 450 degrees and still get a great outcome. Here are some quick guidelines for cooking broccoli at other temperatures,

• 350 degrees: 24-28 minutes
• 375 degrees: 20-25 minutes
• 400 degrees: 18-22 minutes
• 425 degrees: 15-20 minutes
• 450 degrees: 12-15 minutes

Can I use frozen broccoli?

It is best to use fresh broccoli for this recipe. Frozen broccoli has a large amount of moisture and it is very hard to get it to brown. You can use it, but it won't come out brown and crispy like fresh broccoli. You will also need to increase the baking time. 

How do I make burnt broccoli?

Baking and roasting vegetables has gotten popular and many people LOVE broccoli when it is just about burnt. You'll see what the craze is about when you find yourself searching for the small, almost burnt broccoli bits on the baking sheet.

If you like your broccoli practically burnt, make sure to cut it into smaller florets and make sure it is super dry. Then cook it until it is almost burnt and blackened. Watch it closely and take it out right before it really burns.

Baked Broccoli Recipe Ideas

There are so many different ways to make this simple roasted broccoli. Here are some of the most popular:

• After the broccoli has finished cooking, add the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Then add fresh grated Parmesan cheese all over the top.
• When tossing the broccoli with the olive oil, add 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar as well.
• Make things spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the broccoli before roasting it.
• Make baked cheddar broccoli by adding shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 2-3 minutes of baking. 
• Add cherry tomatoes to the sheet pan and finish everything with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Slice up a couple pieces of center cut bacon and add that to the roasting pan with the broccoli. Finish with Parmesan cheese.
• Spice things up with your favorite herbs or spices - Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, grill seasoning, Old Bay, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• When the broccoli comes out of the oven, add some Everything Bagel Seasoning - it's so good!

What to serve with Oven Baked Broccoli?

Pretty much everything goes with this broccoli. It works great as a side dish with anything from roasted chicken to seafood to beef. It also tastes great served on pasta dishes, rice dishes, and grain bowls. you may also want to make a double or triple batch since the leftovers are great to have in the fridge. I add roasted broccoli to scrambled eggs, salads, quesadillas, salads, and more. It's super versatile and works in so many dishes. Here are some ways that we use baked broccoli in recipes:

• Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken, Broccoli, and Potatoes: Make it a meal with this easy weeknight sheet pan meal with crispy roasted potatoes and perfectly cooked chicken.
• Serve it alongside this Cajun Salmon with brown rice or sweet potatoes.
• Use it as a side dish with this Balsamic Flank Steak with Roasted Tomatoes.

Ways to Use Roasted Broccoli

• Frittatas and quiches are a great use for leftover baked broccoli. Add your favorite cheese, chopped broccoli, and you have a delicious breakfast or lunch dish.
• Quesadillas with roasted broccoli, cheese, and salsa are a favorite in our home and something the kids gobble up.
• Meal prep is easy with this broccoli recipe. Serve it over your favorite whole grain with rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, and this homemade ranch dressing.
• Toss it with warm or cold pasta and your favorite light salad dressing. Add extra veggies or greens.
• Make broccoli bowls with farro and creamy tahini dressing.