How Long to Bake Broccoli

If you thought that boiling or steaming were the only ways to cook broccoli, then you are in for a treat when you try baking it. 

Cooking broccoli in the oven crisps up the florets and gives them an amazing depth of flavor that other methods don't quite achieve. And if you have any family members who don't really enjoy this versatile veggie, learning how to bake broccoli may be the key to gaining a few new fans!

Baking or roasting?

Many people wonder about the difference between baking and roasting, as the two words are generally used interchangeably. 

Technically there are differences, but both methods use dry heat to cook the food. The term baking is generally used for foods that don’t already have a solid structure, but develop one through cooking (for example, baked dough becomes bread!).

Roasting, on the other hand, is a means to cook foods that do already have a solid structure (a joint of meat, for example). So, for this recipe we are technically roasting, but the term 'baked broccoli' is often used regardless!

No matter which term you use, cooking broccoli in the oven produces crisp broccoli florets with a rich flavor that everyone will love!

How to bake broccoli

Whilst this side dish has a gourmet flavor, it needs just 5 minutes prep time and 20 minutes to cook. This recipe will serve 4 people.

1 bunch of broccoli florets, chopped 

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

3 cloves garlic, minced 

Sprinkle of salt and pepper 

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. 
2. In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets, olive oil, minced garlic and salt and pepper until well coated. 
3. Spread on a flat baking sheet (line with foil for easy clean up!) and roast for 20 minutes or until the florets are browned and crispy. 
4. Serve fresh out of the oven alongside your favorite dish. 

You can spice up this recipe by adding crushed red pepper flakes or even chopped chilies! If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?!) sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top of the florets once cooked. Alternatively toss the cheese with the other ingredients prior to baking. 

Another tasty variation is to add a little lemon juice, butter and a handful of pine nuts to the cooked broccoli. Absolutely divine! 

You can store leftover broccoli for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, either in an air-tight container or wrapped tightly in foil.

Looking for more tasty ways to prepare this versatile veggie? Then try this recipe for Garlic Butter Broccoli and Carrots