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??
Nagi, Havingthe health benefits box above the recipeis a good idea. Had an issue with edema last summer, caused by too much sodium in my system. Was hospitalized now on the right track, watch my salt intake closely. The health benefit box is an excellent idea.
I’m sorry to hear that Barbara. Glad to hear you’re ok now! I’m glad you find the health benefits box useful! N x
Vroommm! (comment for Dozer). Or “Damn, I want that sausage!”
Yes to broccoli…we all need more!
Ba ha ha! I love it!!! N x
Other additions to this recipe are pine nuts and basil. YUM!
Hi Nagi! I have tried a similar recipe to this and it is definitely our go to recipe, but of course I will try yours! One addition that some people might like is chopped Basil. That it yummy too, with all the lemony flavor and parmesan. YUM!
YES. It’s so SO good! The original Ina Garten recipe on which this is based uses basil 🙂 N x
I love roasted broccoli, but never thought of doing it like this. I would omit the lemon zest and probably use garlic powder instead of raw, just to suit our tastes. We usually don’t fancy-up our veggies, but this one is simple and should be very tasty. I like including a little nutrition information like you did this time.
YUM! Powder is great too, I’ve used it. I tend to keep my veggies pretty simple too. Don’t want oily / flavour loaded sides! N x
I like the health benefits section. Nice addition. I do that on all my recipe posts and my readers have given me positive feedback. I’m also a nurse so I’m drawn to that sort of thing.
Besides that, it takes the focus off of calories alone. Too many people just count calories but calories don’t tell the whole story.
It’s really all about the nutritional benefits of those calories. I would rather eat a higher caloric food jammed packed with nutrition over a lower calorie food with little nutritional value.
I just lost time browsing your site Mary Ann! What a beautiful and INFORMATIVE blog you’ve created. And the props! I’m so jealous of your tea related collections! PS The Moroccan Mint tea – that’s perfect for a Moroccan feast I’ve got coming up, thanks! N xx
Thank you Nagi! That means a lot coming from you. And yes, my tea paraphernalia is out of control.
Really grateful for the health benefits box😉😉Really helps, I admire your effort to improve! God bless,a kiss to Dozer
Kiss happily received! Any excuse to pass one on 😂
Hi Nagi, I’m not a huge fan of vegetables and I’m always looking for ways to prepare them to make them tastier. Thank you for doing this! I can’t wait to try the Broccoli! Keep up the great work! Love your recipes and make them often!
I absolutely promise you will love this!! Tastes nothing like bland steamed broccoli, I swear! 🙂 N x
Morning Nagi!
This is a great recipe. I go one further though. I hate wasting, so I peel the stems, cut them up and roasted those as well.
A lot of people don’t realize the tenderness of the stems once peeled. I don’t know what is my favourite the stems or the tops.
Ah yes, I should tell people to peel the stalk! That’s what I do too 🙂 Thanks Charlie! N x
Ditto! We don’t core cauliflower or cabbage, either–except for when shredding cabbage for coleslaw–we only trim the dry part on the cut end, and cook the whole thing, because we like it. And we often peel the woody bits on asparagus stems, since those parts are tender also when peeled.
Love the health benefit box, what a great idea! AND, I love ALL your recipes!!
Thanks Debi! Glad you think it’s a good idea! N x
Hi Nagi,
Looks awesome! Any recipes which help to eat more veggies is top notch in my book 😊
I like the health benefits, great idea 👍
Many thanks,
Dee
YES. I hear you Dee! N x
Nagi, this is a terrific recipe. I love the health benefits box. I think more people are concerned about nutrition and having this information is appreciated.
Thanks Donna! Such great feedback on it, I’m going to work on adding it to more recipes going forward – even going backwards! 🙂 N x
For me, not beats “Dozer for President” 🙂
That would be ‘prayers answered’ ..
Ba ha ha! Can you imagine :0 What a world it would be! N x
Hi Nagi! I love roasted broccoli and this recipe looks amazing! I’m a registered dietitian and I think the nutrition info is great. Let me know if you need any help with that. Liz
Hi Liz! I literally just wrote to another reader saying that I might hire someone to write me a short summary of all the main vegetables I use!! Is this something you do for clients? Or is that a strange request?? 🙂 N x
Hi Nagi! Yes, it is something that I do. Not a strange request at all! Why don’t you email me and we can “chat” that way? Thanks, Liz
Hi Nagi! Just following up to see if you want any help with the nutrition info for your recipes. You can email me, if you like.
FREE (Willy) DOZER! 😂
I LOVE IT!!!
I love broccoli but this recipe takes it to another level! And I really appreciate the ‘health benefits’ box, brilliant idea, thank you Nagi
I’m glad you like it Helen!! I know this sounds really strange but I’m thinking of “hiring” a registered nutritionist to write a little health benefits box for all the main vegetables I use so I can just pop it into the recipes when I use it. Do you think that’s a strange idea?? I’d feel so much more comfortable using a professional! N x
I think that’s a brilliant idea, it will help people realise that they can enjoy delicious food and still eat a healthy diet. I find that children and teenagers in the UK are becoming much more aware of the nutrional, health benefits of fresh food. My 16 grandson enjoys cooking (and eating!) healthy, nutritious meals and I have found our roles are reversing, he is now the teacher and I am the student!
Absolutely correct!!! The BEST damn broccoli EVER!!! I make a full sheet pan at a time. Such a huge hit in my family. The Lemon is a must. I add a little coarse sea salt too! Yummmmm
I’m so glad you love is just as much as I do Pam! ❤️
Welp, my children told me years ago that i was the only mom who could mess up a box of macaroni and cheese. I’ve never been a good cook, and I’ve been discouraged so many times, but the last few months i have made it imperative that i be able to cook a healthy meal for my kids to enjoy… thank you for this magic recipe! It was simple, fast, and amazing! And most importantly, my children loved it.
Wahoo! If the kids love it then it’s a big win! Go Frances!!
I liked it. It’s crispy.
Awesome!
This will go well with the Weber Roast Lamb, potatoes & carrots
Many Thanks Nagi
Have a Great Christmas