Roasting broccoli just until the edges begin to char and caramelize brings out the natural sweetness and earthy flavors of broccoli. Tender yet still crisp, this Easy Roasted Broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side for any dinner.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I love vegetables! While I also love a good seared steak or cedar planked salmon, I have to admit that the veggies are often my favorite part of a meal. But sometimes veggies seem to get neglected. I get it, vegetables can be tricky, and they are not always everyone’s favorite. They need to be treated right, cooked just right so that they really shine – and broccoli is definitely one of those vegetables.
Let’s be honest, nobody is going to go crazy over limp, bland steamed broccoli. But roasted broccoli, now that’s another story! This Easy Roasted Broccoli is tossed with a little olive oil, just a hint of garlic, and the bright, citrusy zest of a lemon before roasting until it is just tender, and starting to caramelize. And this broccoli, now this is something that everyone can love!
How Do You Make Roasted Broccoli?
This Easy Roasted Broccoli is super easy to make. It is perfect for any quick weeknight dinner. You can just toss everything together on a sheet pan and roast it in the oven while you get the rest of dinner ready.
Here are the steps:
- Chop the broccoli into florets: I like to use both the tops and the stems. The stems are actually my favorite part. Just make sure you cut them a little smaller than the florets so that everything cooks evenly.
- Toss everything together: Add the broccoli to a sheet pan, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle garlic powder, salt and pepper, and zest of one lemon over top. Toss everything together using your hands, taking care to coat all of the broccoli with oil. After tossed, spread the broccoli evenly out over the baking pan to allow the broccoli to properly brown and crisp.
- Roast in the oven: Finally, roast the broccoli in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes or just until the broccoli is just tender, but still slightly crisp and beginning to caramelize.
This Easy Roasted Broccoli is one of my favorite, go to ways to cook broccoli – honestly, it’s pretty much the only way I cook broccoli these days. It’s quick, healthy, and delicious, making it the perfect side for any dinner.
Looking for other quick and healthy weeknight sides? Here are some of my favorites:
- Easy Blistered Green Beans
- Grilled Rosemary Potato Wedges
- Roasted Delicata Squash and Onions with Apple Cider Reduction
What’s your favorite healthy side dish? Let me know in the comments below!
Easy Roasted Broccoli
Ingredients
- 14 oz broccoli
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- zest of one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°.
- Chop broccoli into even florets. Peel and chop stems along with florets, making them a little smaller so they will cook through.
- Spread broccoli on sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Toss everything together using your hands, taking care to coat all of the broccoli with oil. Spread evenly on the pan, allowing the broccoli to have some space between pieces to allow for browning.
- Roast the broccoli in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes or just until the stems are just tender, but still slightly crisp and the tips are beginning to caramelize.