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You are here: Home / Recipes / How to Cook Broccoli in the Oven (The BEST Crispy Oven-roasted Broccoli)

How to Cook Broccoli in the Oven (The BEST Crispy Oven-roasted Broccoli)

09/13/21 | Healthy, Recipes, Side Dishes, Tips & Tricks

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How to Cook Broccoli in the Oven: your complete guide to making the best, crispiest oven-roasted broccoli.

Hey, friends. I have another simple side dish tutorial for you today, how to cook broccoli in the oven.

And I am SO excited about this one because if this isn’t how you’ve been oven-roasting your broccoli, your life will from here on forever be changed for the better.

Because this broccoli is the best broccoli.

We’re talking crispy, crunchy, toasty, roasty broccoli tops and creamy, dreamy broccoli stems.

We’re talking literally 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven.

And we’re talking broccoli so good that if you’re not careful, you’ll eat half of it off the baking tray before it ever makes its way to a plate.

Picture of crispy oven-roasted broccoli on a baking sheet.

If you’ve read some of my earlier side dish tutorials like How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave, How to Cut Butternut Squash, and How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave, you’ll know I usually keep these posts pretty short and sweet, but this one’s a bit longer because it’s full of tons of broccoli tips and tricks from how to prep broccoli in advance to how to get the crispiest roasted broccoli.

See Also: Asparagus in the Oven

But if you’re in a hurry, feel free to scroll right past to the recipe. 😉

Okay, let’s talk all about roasting broccoli in the oven.

How to Prepare Broccoli for Roasting

Prepping broccoli for roasting is easy. You just need to start with clean, dry(-ish), broccoli florets cut into bite-size pieces.

Why start with dry broccoli? Because wet broccoli heads will steam rather than crisp up, so for the crispiest broccoli, get it as dry as possible before roasting.

To dry your broccoli, you can leave it to dry on a towel on the counter for an hour, use a salad spinner, or wrap it in a towel and shake off as much liquid as possible.

How large of florets to cut your broccoli for roasting is up to you. I do find that smaller florets end up crispier, so I usually cut mine into small bite-size pieces.

Packaged pre-washed and cut broccoli works perfectly well for oven-roasting, and while I don’t love the extra cost or packaging, sometimes the convenience can be a real lifesaver. If using pre-cut florets, don’t be afraid to cut them into smaller chunks.

Image of crispy oven-roasted broccoli on a plate with baked ziti.

How to Get the Crispiest Broccoli

Everyone knows crispy broccoli is the best. To get the crispiest broccoli with toasted, almost burnt edges, this is what you’re going to want to do:

  • Start with dry broccoli (we already covered the why above).
  • Don’t crowd the broccoli. There should be enough space to lay the broccoli out in a single layer so all the edges can get crispy.
  • Smaller florets = crispier broccoli.
  • Flip if you really want to. Flipping your broccoli half-way through will give you slightly crispier broccoli, but I hate doing it unless I’m roasting large chunks because it takes forever. I find smaller florets already get really crispy without this step. But if you’re roasting larger florets, give it a go or use a spatula to stir the broccoli halfway through.

Those are all the tips and tricks I have for you today. Ready to roast some broccoli?

How to Cook Broccoli in the Oven

1. Start with clean, dry broccoli cut into small florets.

How to Cook Broccoli in the Oven Photo of chopped broccoli.

2. On the baking tray, combine broccoli and oil and use your hands to toss the broccoli so all sides are coated. For the crispiest broccoli, I recommend using the full 2 tablespoons, but if you are trying to cut back the amount of oil you cook with, you can get away with just 1 tablespoon. Arrange broccoli in a single layer.

How to Cook Broccoli in the Oven Photo of olive oil being drizzled over broccoli.

3. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (and/or other preferred spices). Bake at 450° for 12 to 20 minutes, until stems are fork-tender.

How to Cook Broccoli in the Oven Photo of oven-roasted broccoli.

4. And that’s it! Serve alongside something delicious (like Homemade Carnitas, Oven-roasted Tri-tip, Baked Ziti, or Salsa Chicken) before your broccoli gets cold, and try not to hog all the crispiest bits. 😉

FAQ

Can I prep broccoli in advance for roasting?

Absolutely. Prepping a big batch of broccoli in advance is a great way to make sure that you have an easy vegetable side available at all times. Wash and cut your broccoli and then dry completely.

Store broccoli in a loosely covered (not air-tight) container or half-closed bag with a folded dry paper towel to help absorb moisture. Properly prepped broccoli will keep for 3 to 4 days, up to a week if you’re lucky.

When you’re ready to serve the broccoli, all you have to do is transfer it to a baking sheet, toss with oil and seasoning, and bake. 

Does roasted broccoli make good leftovers?

Yes and no. Roasted broccoli is best right out of the oven when it’s still hot and crispy. Once cooled and reheated, it still maintains all that delicious roasted broccoli flavor, but it becomes quite soft and no longer has all those little crispy bits. I’ll happily eat leftover reheated roasted broccoli, but I’d rather just prep a big batch of precut, prewashed broccoli at the beginning of the week and roast it fresh every meal. 

Can I roast frozen broccoli?

Yes. I find that frozen broccoli doesn’t come out crispy the way fresh broccoli does, but it still roasts up beautiful and delicious. Follow the recipe as written when cooking frozen broccoli. No changes are needed.

How can I get really dark, almost burnt broccoli?

Okay, if you’re like me and prefer broccoli that’s basically been charred within an inch of its life, here’s a little extra tip for you.

After prepping your broccoli on the pan with olive oil and seasoning, give it a light spray all over with a cooking spray like PAM. The extra oil will really help everything crisp up extra well. 

Bake for an additional 5 minutes or so over the recommended cooking time, until the florets are as charred as you want them, keeping a close eye on the broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking time. 

More Easy Vegetable Sides

  • Roasted Green Beans
  • Roasted Zucchini
  • Microwave Corn on the Cob
  • Microwave Baked Potato
  • Microwave Sweet Potato
Crispy oven-roasted broccoli on a baking sheet.

How to Cook Broccoli in the Oven (The BEST Crispy Oven-roasted Broccoli)

How to cook broccoli in the oven: your complete guide to making the best, crispiest oven-roasted broccoli.
4.95 from 19 votes
Print Pin
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings (Hover or Click to Change Yield): 4 servings
Calories: 68kcal
Author: Tracy

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of broccoli
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F.
  • Start with clean, dry broccoli and cut it into small bite-size florets.
  • On a baking sheet, combine broccoli and oil and use your hands to toss the broccoli so all sides are coated. Arrange broccoli in a single layer.
  • Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (and/or other preferred spices). Bake for 12 to 20 minutes, until stems are fork-tender.
  • Serve and enjoy immediately.
Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag @BakingMischief or hashtag it #BakingMischief.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using them. There is absolutely no additional cost to you.

Comments | 25 comments

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Comments

  1. Amy Becker says

    March 24, 2025 at 6:38 pm

    5 stars
    crispy and delicious!

    Reply
  2. Missy says

    August 4, 2023 at 12:59 pm

    Never microwave broccoli. The scientists at Tufts don’t know why, but it is only vegetable harmed in the microwave. All other veggies retain nutrients better when nuked with little water, if any.

    Reply
  3. Kathy says

    February 5, 2023 at 3:59 pm

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner tonight. Was not expecting it to shrink!!! It was so good though, but I thought it needed “something” so I sprinkled some Wegman’s lemon rosemary seasoning and holy cow! Took it to another level. Thanks for a great recipe that I will be making frequently.

    Reply
  4. Linda says

    July 30, 2021 at 5:20 pm

    5 stars
    We really enjoy roasted veggies and this is now added to the list. I added a splash of sesame oil to the EVOO and tossed in some 1/2” pieces of scallion. For the final minute in the oven, I sprinkled sesame seeds over all of it. Wish I’d made a larger batch! Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
  5. Tanyia says

    June 4, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    5 stars
    Love it! Mine were super crispy, but they are delish!

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      July 17, 2020 at 6:43 am

      Thrilled to hear it, Tanyia!!

      Reply
  6. Teresa says

    May 4, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    I like my broccoli really charred & so I turned it after 11 minutes & baked it another 8 minutes. It was SOOO good!

    Reply
  7. Laura M says

    April 6, 2020 at 2:56 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe! I use the chopped garlic that comes in the large jar instead of garlic powder and then grate some parmesan over the hot broccoli before serving — yum!!

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      April 7, 2020 at 9:37 am

      Thanks, Laura!! Looooove the parmesan idea!

      Reply
  8. Kimberly says

    September 9, 2019 at 9:57 am

    The roasted broccoli makes a great appetizer while you are working on dinner.

    Reply
  9. Priscilla says

    July 25, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious delicious delicious and so simple!! Thanks for introducing me to a new way of cooking broccoli. This recipe shall now be on my roster. This together with your chicken teriyaki recipe and rice make a meal that is so much tastier and healthier than takeout. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      July 26, 2019 at 7:53 pm

      Yay! I’m always so happy when I can convince someone new to cook their broccoli this way! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sherry says

    May 10, 2019 at 3:40 pm

    Can you use frozen broccoli florets?

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      May 13, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      Hi, Sherry, should work fine. The texture might be a little different, and you will probably have to extend the cooking time a bit. If you try it, please let me know how it turns out.

      Reply
  11. Becky says

    April 11, 2019 at 1:46 pm

    For easy cleanup can I use a non-stick pad or parchment paper? Or does it need to go directly onto the pan to get it crispy? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      April 22, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      Hi, Becky. Sorry this response is so late! I missed your comment. I’d do foil or a bare tray. Non-stick pads don’t brown food well, and a lot of parchment paper is only oven-safe up to 420°F (and also doesn’t seem to brown food as well). Hope that helps!

      Reply
      • Maya says

        April 29, 2019 at 11:37 pm

        Do you use top heat or bottom and top? And does it need to be placed up near the fire?

      • Tracy says

        May 1, 2019 at 4:10 pm

        Hi, Maya, I’m using a standard oven that (from what I understand) heats from the bottom. I recommend experimenting with placement. Start on the center rack and if the broccoli isn’t charred enough, move it down next time. Since all ovens are a little different, you have to play with it a bit to see what works best with yours. Hope that helps!

  12. Lwood says

    March 10, 2019 at 6:19 am

    5 stars
    Thanks, how simple, DRY is best!!

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      March 11, 2019 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  13. Karen Durante says

    February 23, 2019 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    I found your country rib recipe via a web search and decided to make roasted broccoli with it. My picky-ish husband said, “That was a great meal and the broccoli is the best dish yet for 2019!” I also added Trader Joe’s 21 Salute seasoning and drizzled it with the balsamic glaze when it came out of the oven. It was restaurant quality. Thank you for the recipe – it is now a side dish standard.

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      February 26, 2019 at 4:10 pm

      Thanks, Karen! So glad you and the hubs enjoyed the broccoli. Love the idea of adding a balsamic glaze!

      Reply
  14. Jenn says

    February 9, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    5 stars
    This dish is so delicious. It barely made it to the table.

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      February 9, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      LOL. Same thing happens in my house. So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
    • DonAy says

      August 1, 2021 at 4:21 pm

      4 stars
      Totally enjoyed the crispy baked Broccoli and also added fresh cauliflower and slices of zucchini.
      DonAy

      Reply
4.95 from 19 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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Welcome!


Hi, I'm Tracy! Welcome to Baking Mischief, where we realize that not everyone is cooking every night for a family of four. We have delicious sweet and savory recipes, mostly scaled for one or two, and we love our pop culture around here, so keep an eye out for film, book, and TV-inspired treats as well! Read more»
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