This is still the best damn broccoli ever. Roasted broccoli with crispy golden edges, finished with a drizzle of lemon juice, zest and a sprinkle of parmesan. It’s so good, yet so easy, it’s like magic….
This Roasted Broccoli is the best broccoli recipe ever
4 1/2 years ago when I first shared this broccoli recipe, I stated that this was the best damn broccoli I had ever had in my life. And that still holds true.
Sure, I’ve had fancier. Great chefs can work magic on the humble broccoli and turn it into a real fancy dish.
But the thing that makes this particular recipe the best broccoli recipe ever is that it’s so quick and easy and yet so good!
Roasting is the key here. Roasted broccoli has flavour that is puts plain steamed broccoli to shame!! It sweetens it, you get caramelisation, crunchy edges and it sucks up the flavour of the lemon juice.
And when you finish it off with a little parmesan…. OMG. It’s just so damn good!!!
How to make the tastiest broccoli of your life
Ready to see how easy this is? Not much more effort than steaming it!
Two large broccoli heads (this will serve 4 as a side, or 2 if I’m present)
Break into florets and halve larger ones
Pile onto tray, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with finely sliced garlic, salt and pepper then toss
Spread out on tray
Roast for 20 – 25 minutes just until the edges are a bit browned and crisp (my favourite part!)
Drizzle with lemon juice and zest and parmesan, toss then serve
I don’t take credit for this Magic Broccoli. It is based on an Ina Garten recipe – though hers has more oil, pine nuts and basil. Terrific, but quite rich and a bit more fiddly than I’d make for day to day purposes (I make Magic Broccoli a lot!)
So this recipe is a simplified and healthier version. I find that if you use too much oil when roasting broccoli, the florets soak it up like a sponge. So what should be a pretty healthy broccoli side becomes excessively rich and oily.
Trust me, you do not need tons of oil to roast broccoli. Especially not when we finish it off with lemon and parmesan!
So easy.
SO DAMN DELICIOUS.
It’s like….magic! ~ Nagi x
Health benefits of broccoli
Broccoli is a powerhouse of goodness! It’s rich with Vitamin C and K, high in fibre (good for your digestive system), and other minerals and antioxidants that promotes good health. There’s also been studies that suggest that broccoli helps with cancer prevention – though it’s not conclusive.
In summary: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse and Magic Broccoli makes it easy to eat LOADS of it!!
Watch how to make it
Magic Broccoli recipe video!
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Magic Broccoli (Best roasted broccoli recipe ever!)
Ingredients
- 2 medium to large heads of broccoli , about 1 kg / 2 lb
- 2 garlic cloves , finely sliced or minced
- 2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
- Black pepper
- Zest of half a lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese , plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C/425°F (200°C fan).
- Cut/break broccoli into florets and pile onto baking tray. (Note 2 re: stem)
- Toss – Drizzle all over with extra virgin olive oil, scatter with garlic, salt and pepper. Toss with fingers or tongs, then spread out over tray in a single layer (or toss in large bowl or ziplock bag).
- Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the tips of the florets are slightly browned and crispy. The broccoli should be "tender crisp", meaning just cooked through, not soft and floppy.
- Finish – Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle over the lemon juice, zest, and parmesan. Toss quickly, transfer to serving plate and garnish with a bit more parmesan. Serve warm!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Magic Broccoli originally shared in 2014. Updated with new photos, new video, all new words in post. No change to recipe – I wouldn’t dare!
More fabulous Broccoli recipes
Browse all Broccoli Recipes
Life of Dozer
I know I’ve already shared this photo on my blog, but I only put it up on Instagram this morning. I asked people to caption the photo – and some of the responses were so good, I had to share!!
Caption This responses:
“Catch me mum 🐶” (To which I responded: “I’d be flattened – then in hospital!”😂)
“Dozer for President” (At which I grinned just thinking what a great world it would be with giant “Dozer for President” banners all over the world…)
“If Jaws was a dog….”
“Houston, we have lift off!🚀🚀”
“Me – when someone hands me a plate of Asian food” (To which I responded: Me too!!)
And you? Any suggestions??
Jenn S, says
I made this and it’s freaking awesome! Thanks 🙂
Nagi says
I’m so pleased you enjoyed this Jenn! Thanks for letting me know! N x
Rafia says
I tied it and it was amazing! Love the zesty flavor with the broccoli
Nagi says
That’s so great to hear Rafia! Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed it! N x
Njoyaz says
Can I cook this, keep at room temp, warm in a micro and serve?
Nagi says
This is best served fresh 🙂 But yes you can reheat in the microwave!
Beth Ellen Eckert says
what about using frozen brocolli?
Nagi says
I think it might be too wet for this, sorry to say! 🙂
Vikas says
Simply Amazing…Loved it.. Thanks
Nagi says
🙌🏻 I’m so glad you enjoyed this Vikas, thanks for letting me know! N x
Hevin says
What about minced garlic instead of garlic clove?
Nagi says
That will work fine too 🙂
Rita says
Would like to make this and bring to a thanksgiving dinner. Can i reheat it without killing it
Nagi says
I really feel this one is best made fresh Rita, sorry to say!
Pam says
You are absolutely correct as this is the best damn broccoli EVER!!! My husband and daughter kill this meal when I make it. I’m now doing 3 crowns at a time and often that’s not enough!!!! Thank you for this delicious yet healthy recipe!!!!
Nagi says
I LOVE HEARING THAT!!!
Catalina Underwood says
So simple yet sooooooo delicious!!! Thank you.
Nagi says
That’s so wonderful to hear!! Thanks for letting me know Catalina – N x ❤️
Terri says
I have my husband on a low carb diet and this will be perfect with our baked cod and salad with homemade blue cheese dressing! I have never baked broccoli so it will be fun. Thanks for the recipe!
Nagi says
I hope he loves it Terri! 🙂 PS He is so lucky to have you, that meal sounds amazing!
Helen Chang says
I’m excited to try this Broccoli recipe but I have a question. I’ve tried roasting broccoli before but they always turn out mushy and not crisp. I was wondering if I shouldn’t try to bake them right after washing them? Could it be the moisture that’s causing them to “steam” in the oven instead of bake properly? Do I need to let them dry before oil and seasoning?
Nagi says
Hi Helen! Definitely don’t bake them if very wet especially water in the florets because yes that would cause them to steam! Cut into florets and shake well by the handful before proceeding with the recipe 🙂
Lisa Kelly says
This was absolutely delish. I threw in some cauliflower as well and loved the flavours.
Nagi says
Oooh! Glad you enjoyed this one Lisa! PS Isn’t it too hot to have the OVEN on???
Lisa Kelly says
Hahaha, the joys of evaporative cooling. I guess I forget sometimes that it’s hot outside in my little climate controlled bubble. That is until I step into my studio for a few hours with a newborn baby and have to still have the heaters on, even in 35 degree weather…..arghhhhh!!!!
Adrienne says
Wow! This is good! I did add onion before roasting as onion and garlic are married in my books… no more steamed broc for me. Thanks!
Nagi says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Adrienne! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂 N x
Michelle says
Not a fan of the lemon taste with my broccoli, must try again without the lemon.
Nagi says
Hope you do Michelle! I adore the lemon flavour in this 🙂 N x
Robert Monette says
I want to make meatballs like I had when I was a kid in Rutland Vermont . Half our city was Italian I used to go to zag a lies Restaurant , which is long gone
Charlene says
I have made this quite often but without the lemon juice. I will try that next. However, I do put the broccoli in a plastic bag and toss with the olive oil. I also cut the stems and bake them with the florets. My husband thinks they are great and they do contain a lot of your vitamins.
Elizabeth F. says
I do the same….toss in a plastic bag and I also eat the stems along with the florets. Yum
Amy says
This was fantastic! I had the oven at 420 for potatoes, but threw in the broccoli anyway and kept a close eye. It was done after about 8 minutes and perfect! My 8 yr old loves that it’s called “magic broccoli”. Thanks so much for sharing!
Nagi says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Amy, thank you for letting me know!!
Carol Hayes says
Looking forward to the recipe book … Recipes look easy and tasty
Nagi says
Hope you got it Carol! 🙂
Katie says
Can you use frozen brocolli? Do I need to thaw it first?
Nagi says
Hi Katie! Frozen works just fine, it will take 10 minutes or so longer though. No need to defrost!
Annie Johnson says
I HATE BROCCOLI! I mean it, I’ve never liked it, I gag it down because I know iIshould, but I REALLY don’t like it. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but this is DELICIOUS!!!! I LOVE IT! Don’t tell anyone but I ate the whole bowl! Is that wrong?
Nagi says
YEE HAAA!!! Broccoli hater CONVERTED!!! 🙂