Garlic Roasted Broccoli: A Simple Side Dish

As someone who’s been cooking for two for years and sharing recipes here from my kitchen, I know how important it is to have a few simple, reliable side dishes you can turn to again and again. When dinnertime rolls around, you need something that’s no fuss but still feels like a thoughtful part of the meal. That’s exactly where this garlic roasted broccoli recipe comes in.

It’s easy, quick, and has just enough character to hold its own on the plate—without stealing the spotlight. Best of all, it solves one of the most common dinner dilemmas: what to serve as a side for a well-rounded meal?

Jump to:

• Getting Started
• Ingredient Recommendations
• Finishing Touches
• Pairings
• Leftovers
• Recipe

Getting Started

The trick to seamlessly fitting this side dish into your evening routine is remembering to start the oven and prep your broccoli before you dive into the rest of the meal. Once the broccoli’s in, it roasts quietly while you finish everything else. 

I typically use two broccoli crowns. That’s enough for two generous servings. If you like to be precise, a kitchen scale works great. Otherwise, don’t worry about exact measurements. This is one of those recipes that leaves room for flexibility, whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a small gathering.

Start by washing, drying, trimming, and chopping your broccoli into bite-sized pieces. I aim for even-ish pieces so they cook at the same rate, but don’t stress over perfect cuts. Line a baking sheet with foil or a reusable silicone mat for easy cleanup.

While most recipes call for roasting on the top rack, I prefer using the second rack from the top in my oven. It gives the broccoli a beautiful golden edge without risking serious burn.

And don’t shy away from the charred bits—they’re the best part! It’s not burnt; it’s caramelized. That little bit of crisp on the edges adds texture and deep flavor.

Garlic Roasted Broccoli Ingredient Recommendations

Broccoli: Fresh, whole crowns work best. They’ll keep in the fridge unwashed for several days. I like to grab a couple sets on my shopping trips and I’m set for multiple meals.

Olive oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is all you need to bring out the natural flavor of the broccoli and help it crisp up in the oven.

Garlic Roasted Broccoli Finishing Touches

If your main dish isn’t quite ready when the broccoli is, that’s fine. Just pull the broccoli out when it’s perfectly roasted, turn off the oven, and pop the tray back in for a couple of minutes right before serving to warm it back up.

Garlic Roasted Broccoli Pairings

This side dish is very versatile. I love serving it alongside pasta dishes like:

• Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe
• Pecorino Romano Pasta with Chicken
• Chicken Alfredo Recipe
• Rigatoni with Meatballs
• Ravioli with Meat Sauce
• After-Hours Tortellini

Garlic Roasted Broccoli Leftovers

This broccoli is best fresh out of the oven, but if you do end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to reheat, skip the microwave and use an air fryer if you have one—it brings back that crisp like magic.

Garlic roasted broccoli might not sound like much, but once you try it this way, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my weeknight routine. It’s easy, it’s healthy, and it’s the kind of recipe that quietly makes the whole meal feel more complete.

Let me know in the comments what you like to pair it with, or if you’ve added your own twist!

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