The Best Roasted Broccoli

Name: The BEST Roasted Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 large heads of broccoli, chopped into small florets, about 1 lb.; 3 tablespoons avocado oil or oil of your choosing; ¼ cup nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or ½ teaspoon each salt & garlic powder; ½ fresh lemon, zested and juiced (optional)

by Rachel Conners on Nov 12, 2019 (updated Jan 15, 2021) 11 comments »

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★★★★★ from 4 reviews

This is the BEST Roasted Broccoli! I make this recipe multiple times a week – it’s great on its own as a side dish, or tossed into pasta, a salad, or a bowl. This gluten-free and vegan recipe is made extra delicious with nutritional yeast.

I make this roasted broccoli recipe more than anything else in my kitchen. Like, at least three or four times a week. It’s safe to say we are absolutely obsessed and that this recipe is a true staple in my diet.

If you follow me on Instagram and watch my stories, you’ll have seen me make this recipe about 1000 times. I’ve shared the recipe on my stories and it was time to make this recipe a permanent blog staple. It’s my favorite way to get my veggies and it’s so dang simple.

This is the BEST Roasted Broccoli! I make this recipe multiple times a week - it's great on its own as a side dish, or tossed into pasta, a salad, or a bowl. This gluten-free and vegan recipe is made extra delicious with nutritional yeast.

Luckily, it’s just about the simplest recipe I’ve shared, too.

Let’s talk about what makes this roasted broccoli the BEST.

Nutritional Yeast: this is my secret weapon. I didn’t know much about nutritional yeast before transitioning to a primarily plant-based diet, but now it’s my ultimate staple for adding tons of rich, umami flavor to anything savory. It’s a form of deactivated yeast, which sounds odd, but it’s delicious – it adds an almost cheesy flavor. It also the broccoli and helps it get extra crunchy.

Lemon Zest & Juice: adding lemon zest brightens up the flavor -when I have lemons on hand, I always add a bit on top after the broccoli comes out of the oven. Lemon juice adds a ton of acidity, which is great if you love it like I do. Keep in mind, this adds liquid, which makes the broccoli a bit less crunchy! I prefer to squeeze it on right before eating.

Tips & Tricks for the BEST Roasted Broccoli

1) Cut the broccoli into small pieces to help maximize crispiness.

Also, make sure they’re not too crowded on the pan! Giving the broccoli pieces some breathing room helps them crisp up, instead of steam and get soggy. Use two baking pans if necessary.

2) The quick massage is important.

It’s simple but makes a difference. I like to give the broccoli a little massage after I’ve coated it in avocado oil, garlic salt, and nutritional yeast to mix it all together, as opposed to just tossing it together.. By massaging it all in by hand, you help completely coat each piece with oil, salt, and nutritional yeast. Getting the nutritional yeast into all the nooks and crannies makes this extra delicious.

3) Roast at a high temperature.

After the massage, you’ll roast the broccoli at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until it is golden brown and super crispy on the outside, while still tender on the inside. You could also go to 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Besides just being the best veggie side dish, it’s perfect for adding to other dishes too!

More Uses for Roasted Broccoli

Lighten up your pasta, like in this Arugula Pesto Pasta Bowl with Broccoli
It’s SO good added to this Vegan Caesar Salad – one of my favorite meals!
Pair it your favorite grain, more roasted vegetables, a protein of your choice, and Spinach Basil Pesto for a healthy Buddha bowl

I hope you love this roasted broccoli as much as I do! If you try making your broccoli like this, let me know what y0u think in the comments below!