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??
I make this ALL THE TIME. Sometimes, it is all I make and I eat it standing in the kitchen straight from the bowl. I have used lemon, blood orange, and lime juice/zest depending on what was in the fruit bowl, and I think I actually preferred the orange beat! I have also added roasted panko to the final toss, and it’s delicious that way as well. I literally never leave the store without broccoli anymore. Best ever.
Sounds divine Liz! I’m so glad you love it, I could eat a whole tray of this myself 😂
This is so delicious!! My husband and I gobbled it up instantly. This is a clear new favorite in our household. Thank you!
Wahoo!!!
What main dish have people found this broccoli goes amazingly with…Any suggestions for an awesome combo?
Hi Robbie, this goes with anything! Chicken dishes, roasts, the possibilities are endless!
Never would have imagined eating just a big bowl of broccoli for lunch, but here I am.
A little extra lemon juice doesn’t go astray!
When I finely slice or mince the garlic it burned. So, I just smashed it a tiny bit and left the cloves whole. It resulted in edible garlic which my husband loves.
So I just made this recipe, plated it, browsed the web while snacking on it, and within minutes it was all gone… Unbelievable.
How good it it Lu?! I absolutely love broccoli this way ❤️
So yummy!!! Love the addition of lemon juice, it truly made it magic!
Wahoo! I’m so glad you loved it Nala
Basil nuts in the other recipe??
Oops! Will have this changed, thanks for picking it up!
Hi Nagi,
I am sooooo grateful for your recipes! Thank you for sharing your talent. I made your “Magic Broccoli” and it’s absolutely incredible. I have cravings for it now! Last night I made it with broccoli AND brussel sprouts because I didn’t have enough broccoli and it was really good!! This recipe is a keeper for sure. I love the simplicity of your recipes – your work is inspiring! Thanks again, very much~
Thanks so much for the awesome feedback Teresa!!
I would never steam my broccoli. That is how to make the very WORST broccoli every cooked. I parboil mine, and it is pretty darned good. I’ll try it this way, but you should try parboiling it in a huge pot of boiling water, just a little bit at a time, for about three minutes, until you can stick a fork through the stem — which is, after all, the tastiest part. Steam? Never.
I much prefer to roast it, I find the flavour after roasting totally addictive!
Never thought broccoli could taste this mind blowing, my only mistake was not buying more broccoli to cook with!
You won’t look back now! 😂
If my mom had broccoli this good while I was growing up, she would not have found mushed up broccoli hidden underneath our seat cushions. Just sayin 😁 let’s keep that between us btw
😂😂😂 Oh the memories or eliminated our dreaded foods!! I cleverly spat mine out into my napkin, put it down the from of my pants, excused myself and flushed it down the toilet…. Voila!! LOL
HAHAHA! I love this!
My husband wanted me to tell you that this recipe is fabulous.
I liked it too. Makes eating broccoli enjoyable. Thanks.
I’m so glad to hear it Lee!
Blast! Blast! Blast!
I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t make enough to have with leftover roast lamb.
The flavors are truly awesome.
Thanks Nagi.
I never make enough of this, it’s just so easy to eat! I’m so happy you enjoyed it ❤️
Nagi, I don’t “do” instagram, but here’s my quote: “C’mon, throw the ball, Here I am!!”
Great broccoli, doing the bread tomorrow.
Magical is best description, no leftovers here!
Another fabulous looking recipe! Can’t wait to try this tonight.
And as always – love the Dozer photos 🙂 Gorgeous!
Have a great weekend! Alex x
Hi Nagi,
You have the best web site for recipes- great and complete descriptions, fantastic pictures and helpful videos. I agree with your idea to include nutritional info. KUDOS!!
Thanks so much for the feedback Sharon ❤️
Absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Tasted just as good as cold leftovers in a salad 2 days later. You are clever Nagi 🙂
Yes! perfect for leftovers too! ❤️
Hi, YET another brillioant yet simple recipe, well appreciated by all. Bravo
I’m so glad you love it Jacqueline!!