This incredibly delicious Roasted Broccolini is a game-changer for your dinner table. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll transform this elegant vegetable into a caramelized, tender-crisp side dish that pairs with practically anything. The perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication makes this recipe ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: Just trim, toss with oil and seasonings, and roast—dinner’s ready in under 20 minutes!
Perfect Texture: Achieve that restaurant-quality combination of tender stalks and delightfully crispy florets every single time.
Versatile Pairing: This easy side dish complements everything from a simple pasta dinner to an elaborate holiday meal.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this dish lets you enjoy your vegetables without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Broccolini: The star of the show! Thinner and more tender than regular broccoli, with a slightly sweeter flavor. Look for vibrant green bunches with tight florets.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that beautiful caramelization and prevents sticking. Use good quality oil for the best flavor.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the broccolini. Flaky sea salt works wonderfully if you have it on hand.
Black Pepper: Adds that perfect hint of spice that balances the natural sweetness of roasted broccolini.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your roasted broccolini:

Lemon Lover’s Version: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some zest after roasting for bright, citrusy notes.
Garlic Infusion: Toss with 2-3 minced garlic cloves before roasting, or add sliced garlic halfway through cooking time.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese during the last 2 minutes of roasting.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes before roasting for a gentle heat that complements the vegetable’s sweetness.
Asian-Inspired: Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

How to Make Roasted Broccolini

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with foil if you want easier cleanup (though this is completely optional). Trim about 1-2 inches from the woody ends of your broccolini stalks. For any particularly thick stalks, split them lengthwise so all pieces cook evenly.

Step 2: Season the Broccolini

Arrange your trimmed broccolini in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to gently toss everything together, making sure each piece gets coated with oil and seasonings. Then spread them out again in a single layer.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast for 14-18 minutes. You’re looking for tender stalks and slightly crispy florets—those little charred bits are flavor gold! Keep an eye on thinner stalks as they may cook more quickly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd: Give your broccolini breathing room on the pan. Too crowded, and they’ll steam rather than roast, robbing you of those crispy edges.
Dry Thoroughly: If you wash your broccolini (which you should), make sure to dry it completely before roasting. Excess moisture means less caramelization.
Uniform Sizing: Take the time to split thicker stalks lengthwise—your future self will thank you when everything cooks evenly.
High Heat Is Your Friend: That 400°F temperature is non-negotiable for achieving the perfect texture contrast between tender stalks and crispy florets.
Flip Mid-Cook: For extra-even cooking, give the pan a quick turn halfway through roasting time, or flip the broccolini with tongs.

How to Serve

Roasted broccolini shines as a versatile side dish that elevates any meal:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve alongside a juicy steak or roasted chicken for a complete dinner
Pair with creamy risotto or pasta for an Italian-inspired meal
Add to grain bowls with your protein of choice for a nutritious lunch

Serving Suggestions:

Drizzle with high-quality olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving
Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh accent
Arrange on a platter for family-style dining that looks as good as it tastes

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled roasted broccolini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavor actually develops nicely overnight, though the texture will soften somewhat.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet with a touch of olive oil over medium heat until warmed through. This maintains some of that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to make the broccolini soggy.

Freezing

While you can freeze roasted broccolini for up to 3 months, I don’t recommend it for optimal texture. If you must freeze, consider blanching fresh broccolini instead: dip in boiling water for 1 minute, transfer to an ice bath, dry thoroughly, and freeze in airtight containers.

FAQs

What’s the difference between broccolini and regular broccoli?
Broccolini is actually a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan). It has longer, thinner stalks, smaller florets, and a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than regular broccoli. The entire vegetable is edible, and the stalks don’t require peeling like thicker broccoli stems might.

Why is my broccolini soggy instead of crispy?
There are typically three culprits for soggy broccolini: overcrowding the pan (which causes steaming instead of roasting), not drying the broccolini thoroughly before roasting, or using too low an oven temperature. Make sure you’re spreading the broccolini in a single layer with some space between pieces, and that your oven is properly preheated to 400°F.

Can I prep the broccolini ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can trim and split the broccolini up to a day in advance. Store it in a sealed container or bag in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast. Just make sure it’s completely dry before storing to prevent spoilage.

Is there a way to make this recipe without oil?
While the oil helps with caramelization and flavor, you can reduce the amount significantly. Try using an oil mister for lighter coverage, or substitute a tablespoon of vegetable broth mixed with a teaspoon of oil. For completely oil-free, you could try roasting with a light spray of vegetable broth, though the texture will be different.

Roasted broccolini is one of those magical dishes that proves simplicity often yields the most delicious results. With its tender stalks, crispy florets, and caramelized edges, this easy side dish transforms an everyday vegetable into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it alongside a weeknight dinner or as part of a holiday spread, this foolproof method delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Give it a try tonight—it might just become your new favorite way to eat your greens!