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Home Broccoli recipes

Magic Broccoli

By:Nagi
Published:16 Jan '19Updated:13 Nov '20
305 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

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….

Close up overhead photo of Magic Broccoli - the best roasted broccoli ever, fresh out of the oven

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!!!

Magic Broccoli - the best roasted broccoli ever - on a white plate, ready for serving

How to make the tastiest broccoli of your life

Ready to see how easy this is? Not much more effort than steaming it!

  1. Two large broccoli heads (this will serve 4 as a side, or 2 if I’m present)

  2. Break into florets and halve larger ones

  3. Pile onto tray, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with finely sliced garlic, salt and pepper then toss

  4. Spread out on tray

  5. Roast for 20 – 25 minutes just until the edges are a bit browned and crisp (my favourite part!)

  6. Drizzle with lemon juice and zest and parmesan, toss then serve

How to make the best broccoli recipe ever - Magic Broccoli

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

More fabulous Broccoli recipes

  • Broccoli Gratin

  • Super Quick Broccoli Pasta

  • Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing

  • Broccoli Cheese Balls

  • Broccoli Fritters – plus Chicken Broccoli Fritters

  • Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup

  • Browse all Broccoli Recipes

 

Close up of fork and a piece of Magic Broccoli - the best roasted broccoli ever

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!!

Best broccoli recipe ever!
Watch how to make it

Magic Broccoli recipe video!

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Close up overhead photo of Magic Broccoli - the best roasted broccoli ever, fresh out of the oven

Magic Broccoli (Best roasted broccoli recipe ever!)

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Side, Vegetables
4.98 from 90 votes
Servings4
Tap or hover to scale
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Recipe video above. This is insanely simple to make but it's the best broccoli ever!  I call it "Magic Broccoli" because it IS magic how a little roasting and a drizzle of lemon juice and parmesan can transform broccoli!

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 220C/425F (standard) or 180C/350F (fan/convection).
  • Cut/break broccoli into florets and pile onto baking tray. (Note 2 re: stem)
  • 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.
  • 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:

1. Broccoli size - heads about 20 - 22cm / 8-9" wide. Sounds like alot, but the broccoli shrinks while baking.
2. Broccoli stem - the thick stem that most people just discard actually has terrific flavour, just like the small stem on each floret. Just peel the outer layer - vegetable peeler or stand it upright and use your knife - then chop and use in this recipe or another recipe. I stockpile things like this and end up using it in a Fridge Forage recipe that I do every week! Stir fries (cut into batons), finely dice and use in soups, fried rice, casseroles or even hide them in things like pasta sauces.
 

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 203gCalories: 151cal (8%)Carbohydrates: 15g (5%)Protein: 7g (14%)Fat: 8g (12%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Cholesterol: 1mgSodium: 406mg (18%)Potassium: 716mg (20%)Fiber: 5g (21%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 1435IU (29%)Vitamin C: 204.2mg (248%)Calcium: 139mg (14%)Iron: 1.7mg (9%)
Keywords: Best broccoli recipe, Roasted broccoli
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

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!

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??

Dozer jumping for sand Bayview January 2019

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Hi, I'm Nagi!

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305 Comments

  1. Lisa says

    October 25, 2015 at 12:32 am

    5 stars
    Soooo I just made this as a side for our lunch (didn’t even have the parmesan and was still fantastic) and my boyfriend saw what I was cooking in our oven and said, “What is this? Broccoli?!? My nightmare!”

    Yeah, that same guy, just ate the whole damn bowl. Needless to say, it rocked. And I’m so excited I can incorporate another veggie I love into our menu. 🙂

    Thanks for this great recipe!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      October 25, 2015 at 3:07 am

      OMG I love it!! I love hearing that broccoli haters are converted by this recipe! Ina Garten – she’s a legend. 🙂 N x

      Reply
  2. Tim in TN says

    October 5, 2015 at 10:26 am

    5 stars
    Loved it! So easy. Only change I made was to infuse my olive oil with garlic first. We like the subtle flavor. It was a huge hit, no leftovers. That alone says something. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      October 6, 2015 at 6:49 am

      OOOOH, you made yours FANCY with infused oil!!

      Reply
  3. Lela says

    September 3, 2015 at 3:31 pm

    5 stars
    OMG! The broccoli was amazing! I tried this out tonight and everyone loved it! Thank you so much! I’m one of those people who searching the internet looking for new recipes for the family. I love broccoli and this recipe just took it to a whole new level!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 4, 2015 at 8:04 am

      Oh YAY!! So glad you loved it Lela!

      Reply
  4. Kim domingue says

    August 24, 2015 at 6:00 am

    5 stars
    My daughter and I just made this today! Funny thing though, I was making a sauce for the fish at the same time and got my recipes confused and ended up adding soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to the broccoli recipe. Oh. My. God. It was so good that the fish almost got ignored! So, here’s to being scatterbrained! Lol! Will try it next time as per your recipe.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      August 25, 2015 at 7:03 am

      Ba ha ha!! That happens to me ALL the time! Especially because I usually have 3 recipes on the go at the same time when I’m creating things!! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Leslie says

    July 21, 2015 at 11:15 am

    5 stars
    I made this tonight and OMG…it was so delicious! My family wouldn’t shut up about it and they fought over the last few straggler pieces that were left. This recipe is DEFINITELY a keeper! 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      July 21, 2015 at 6:34 pm

      SO GLAD you loved it! Ina Garten is a legend!!! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Matilda says

    June 18, 2015 at 9:26 am

    5 stars
    Literally the best broccoli recipe ever invented in the history of man. I feel like such an accomplished cook.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      June 18, 2015 at 10:39 am

      I know, right? I had just this for dinner the other night. SO. GOOD!! 🙂 Thanks for coming back to let me know you loved it!!

      Reply
  7. Kristen @ The Endless Meal says

    April 19, 2015 at 5:01 am

    5 stars
    The Magic Broccoli you were telling me about! I’ve got some broccolini in the fridge that I’m going to turn into Magic Broccolini for a dinner party tomorrow night. 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      April 19, 2015 at 5:36 pm

      Yes!! It is Magic…..Barefoot Contessa is a goddess!

      Reply
  8. Misty says

    February 18, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    5 stars
    OMG this stuff was AWESOME! I forgot the lemon though, BUT i sprayed some lime juice on it, just as good. I know it needed the zest but i will definitely remember the lemon next time. I was eating this like candy!!!! I also added some sharp cheddar cheese on it too.. sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo goooooooooooooood! THANK YOU!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      February 18, 2015 at 5:00 pm

      I know I know!! I eat it like candy too! Who would have thought BROCCOLI could be so addictive??!! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Annie D says

    January 27, 2015 at 8:39 am

    I am sooooo glad you used ‘profanity’ in this post! I made this broccoli last night and have been dreaming/thinking/needing it ever since!!! Only problem??? I deleted all of my history. I searched for this forever…until, I googled ‘roasted broccoli profanity’ and I came back (thank god) to this amaIng post!!!!!!
    I could eat this like popcorn!! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 27, 2015 at 8:45 am

      Ha ha ha!! That just cracks me up no end that you found this using the word “profanity”!!! OMG, I am literally laughing out loud!! 🙂

      Reply
  10. helene says

    January 6, 2015 at 12:57 am

    you should try roasted cabbage…omg. we scatter onion around the cabbage wedges and lay bacon over each wedge. i make a pig of myself every time. the leaves that turn black taste like roasted marshmallows.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 6, 2015 at 8:53 am

      HELENE! That is a BRILLIANT idea! I am definitely trying it! Keep an eye out for it coming soon….I have to credit you! This is a brilliant idea!

      Reply
  11. Jo says

    September 19, 2014 at 11:56 pm

    5 stars
    I have been making this for years….I agree the best broccoli ever. But, try it with some pine nuts, so delish.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 20, 2014 at 7:16 am

      Agree- really is super delicious! Just don’t always have pine nuts on stock cause they’re really expensive in Australia!!

      Reply
  12. Amallia @DesireToEat says

    September 11, 2014 at 3:45 am

    Just the right moment I see now your post, I just thinking what I’m going to do with my broccoli florets. I’ll try your “secret” by roasting the broccoli, drizzle it with lemon and spread with grated parmesan cheese. You’re right about French fries get stuck on our thighs 🙂 haha

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 11, 2014 at 7:37 am

      Hope you do try it Amallia! It really is sensational 🙂

      Reply
  13. Farah @ The Cooking Jar says

    September 10, 2014 at 7:53 am

    5 stars
    Loving the name, Nagi. It’s MAGIC! And no, I don’t mind the swearing at all. I’ll have to try roasted broccoli one day, never had it before! And yes, yes pine nuts are crazy expensive.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 10, 2014 at 11:11 am

      I know, right?!! Reserved for special occasions or when I find them on sale!

      Reply
  14. lyubomira says

    September 9, 2014 at 4:31 am

    5 stars
    So easy, they look crisp and delicious! Thank you for another simple and quick recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 9, 2014 at 12:35 pm

      And thank you for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Matt Robinson says

    September 9, 2014 at 1:51 am

    Nothing better than roasted broccoli, and I love how this is flavored!!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 9, 2014 at 12:35 pm

      Simple is always best, right? 🙂 Plus even the KIDS love this one!

      Reply
  16. Muna Kenny says

    September 8, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    5 stars
    First of all I have to say that you’re amazing for being so active on publishing new posts regularly! I enjoy coming to your blog and finding more than one new delicious, mouth watering recipe. Second, I love broccoli and looking at the ingredients I can tell that it this is a very tasty recipe.

    Great clicks Nagi 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 9, 2014 at 12:36 pm

      Thanks Muna! I appreciate your kind words. And you know how much I enjoy discovering new recipes on YOUR blog! You are a great source of inspiration to me.

      Reply
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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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