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??
Great recipe as are all that I have made! I really would love to know the brand of the dishes used in this recipe and many of you others?
Loved it! I’ve been eating broccoli all my life but have never prepared it this way and it is delicious! My family ate the whole bowl of it!
I made this last night and it was phenomenal!!! I DO NOT like broccoli, but I decided to try this as I had just bought some from the grocery store for my husband ( I was just going to make enough for him and I would eat carrots with my dinner instead) and WOW. This was amazing! So easy to prepare, 25 min later it was a delicious side dish. And let me tell you again, I DO NOT like broccoli, but this recipe converted me! I won’t ever make it steamed or boiled again! Thanks so much for all of your wonderful recipes, I have made many and every single one they I have made tastes fantastic and we keep in rotation.
You’re converted now Sharon!!! N x
This is so good! I will never cook broccoli any other way. Easy too!
Wahoo, you’re totally converted now Ana! N x
This broccoli really is magic! I’ve never been able to make it taste so good until using your recipe, and I have to make sure to serve myself before my son, so I at least get a little! Thanks, Nagi for a great recipe and website!
Amazing ! Never going back to boring steamed broccoli again! My family finished it in record time , which is a first ! Nagi your fab recipes have saved my life in Dubai these past months . Thanks so much
I love this recipe. If I could give it more stars I would. I usually don’t even bother with the parmesan and it’s still spectacular.
I’ve renamed it crack broccoli 😂
Did it with frozen broccoli that I defrosted first. No lemon zest, but lots of lemon juice and parmesan.
Wife loved it!
Sounds great Steve! N x
I have no lemon, can I make it without?
Sure can Abby 🙂 N x
Hi Nagi – firstly just to let you know your recipes are saving my life at the moment, and I’ve cooked one every night for the last 3 weeks!! Thank you!! Also, could I use the same method with Broccolini?
I cannot wait to try this recipe tomorrow with a roast 🤤🤤 None of your other recipes have ever steered me wrong(in fact they’re the only reason I get compliments on food–because all my meals are your recipes!) And I’m certain this will be no exception!
Dozer caption: “Paws! You’re gonna need a bigger treat…”
You’ll love it Lozz!!! It’s totally addictive! N x
I am OBSESSED with this recipe. It is the best d#@n broccoli I’ve ever eaten. I could seriously eat a whole head or more by myself no problem. Thank you SO MUCH for this. I love it!!!!!
I really liked broccoli, now I Love it. Making this recipe just brought out so much flavor, I now make it this way every other time. Thanks for the great idea for roasting vegtables.
Oh yeah, Dozer is thinking “lower that sausage Mom!”
I could seriously eat a whole tray I love it that much!! N x
Nice! I’ve made a very similar recipe off the top of my head a few times.
My version has spring onion mixed through 🙂
Dozer’s caption, “Tis mine, tis mine I say!”
Sounds great Karen!!
I love this recipe! I am making it for Christmas for my family. Could I use frozen broccoli florets instead of buying so much fresh?
Hi Marianna, yes you can – just thaw it and patio dry before using ❤️
I am looking forward to trying this recipe. I refuse to eat brocoli as I find it absolutely disgusting and my husband loves it but never gets to eat it, so am looking forward to it. I may need to go back to the store and get more as I don’t have enough for the recipe. Could you substitute in half cauliflower?
Hi Michelle, you sure can – roast broccoli and roast cauliflower are my favourite!! Love to know if you’re converted afterwards!
Can I not add squeeze of lemon? Not sure?! Would it taste like lemon broccoli,?
Hi El, Just leave it out if you prefer!
WOW!!!
Just made this with new season asparagus, and you’re right it is magic…
Thanks for sharing your talent and your Dozer- I find myself going straight to his section 1st….
Yes!!! Loving asparagus at the moment ❤️
Well I have been steaming my broccoli and really enjoying it, so I’m excited to know that it can be even tastier! I wouldn’t have thought of lemon juice. I don’t eat cheese, I wonder if there is anything else I could add instead? Thanks!
I’d ry nutritional yeast. These are on for dinner with our steaks tomorrow night!
The best roasred broccoli ever!!!