Roasted broccoli turned up in my life late. For years I was boiling it, wondering why no one got excited. Then a food writer friend served this at a dinner and I ate half the tray standing at the counter. The breadcrumbs are doing a lot here: they get toasty and catch the garlic and Parmesan in a way that straight-roasted broccoli never quite manages. Good as a side, good cold out of the fridge the next day.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Roasted Broccoli and Garlic
Cut size matters
Keep the florets to a similar size so they cook evenly. Too large and the centres stay firm while the breadcrumbs burn. Flat-cut florets with some surface area get crispier than thick, round ones.
Fresh crumbs versus panko
Fresh breadcrumbs give a more golden, compact crust. Panko gives a lighter, more open texture. Both work. Toss them in the olive oil with the broccoli before spreading on the tray so they coat evenly. 
Crispy Oven-Roasted Broccoli and Garlic
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Tender broccoli florets get extra crispy in the oven with garlic and bread crumbs. A simple side dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 medium (200 g) Broccoli
- 2-3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 4 tbsp Fresh bread crumbs
- Salt
- 1/4 tsp Freshly ground Pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, olive oil, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, and pepper; toss until coated.
- Spread the broccoli florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 392°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- Toss the florets and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Transfer the florets to a serving dish, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispy broccoli, pre-roast the florets for 5 minutes before adding the bread crumbs and garlic.
- If you don’t have fresh bread crumbs, use panko bread crumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
- Store leftover roasted broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 5
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use panko instead of fresh breadcrumbs?
Panko works well and actually gets even crispier. Use the same amount and keep an eye on it during the last few minutes since panko can brown faster than fresh breadcrumbs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
392 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 200 degrees Celsius. This is hot enough to crisp the breadcrumbs and brown the edges of the broccoli without burning the garlic.
Can I make this without Parmesan to keep it dairy free?
Yes. The broccoli, breadcrumbs, garlic, and olive oil are flavorful on their own. Add a squeeze of lemon juice after roasting for extra brightness in place of the cheese.
