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Get It NowThis roasted broccolini recipe (sometimes called baby broccoli) is one of those side dishes you get at restaurants and get impressed because it looks all fancy — but in reality, learning how to cook broccolini is actually the simplest thing ever. It’s really not much different from any other type of roasted vegetables. In fact, it’s the same method I use for roasting broccoli!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Broccolini Recipe
- Sweet and tender stalks
- Just 2 ingredients, plus salt and pepper
- On the table in less than 20 minutes
- Packed with nutrients
- Easy side dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for oven roasted broccolini, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Broccolini – This veggie is in season year round, but its peak season is from October to April. Look for vibrant green stalks with small, tight florets. Trim 1-2 inches from the stems. If pieces are large or uneven in size, slice lengthwise down the stalk. Consistent thickness ensures that they will cook at a similar rate.
- Olive Oil – This adds flavor, promotes browning, and helps the seasonings stick. You can also use avocado oil or any heat-safe oil for cooking broccolini.
- Seasoning – I used simply salt and pepper. You can also experiment with garlic powder, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese.
VARIATION: Add garlic.
If you want roasted garlic broccolini, you can use the same method I use for my garlic green beans. Roast the broccolini on its own first until it’s close to done, then add sliced or minced garlic in the last few minutes. This avoids burning it. Another option is to simply sprinkle the broccolini with garlic powder before baking.
How To Cook Broccolini
This section shows how to make roasted broccolini, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Season. Arrange the veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet. (You can line it with foil if desired.) Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Move the pieces around together to coat better, then spread in a single layer again.
- Bake. Roast broccolini until tender and florets are crispy.
TIP: Don’t overcrowd the pan.
This can cause the broccolini to steam instead of roast, making it more mushy than crispy. Make sure each piece is touching the pan.
Other Ways To Cook Broccolini
I think roasting is the best way to cook broccolini because it’s so simple and hands off, but you can also cook it using other methods. All these broccolini recipes are easy to make:
- Sauteed broccolini – Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet, then add broccolini. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Air fryer broccolini – Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F. Toss the stalks with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.
- Grilled broccolini – Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place directly on the grill grates and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
Common Questions
- What is broccolini? Broccolini is a green vegetable that’s a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan). It has small florets and long, thin stalks. “Brocolini” in Italian means “baby broccoli”, which is why it sometimes gets that name.
- Broccolini vs. broccoli: What’s the difference? Broccolini is similar to broccoli but has smaller florets and thinner stalks. It also has a sweeter and milder taste, while regular broccoli has larger florets and a more robust flavor.
- Broccoli rabe vs. broccolini: What’s the difference? Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is more closely related to turnips than broccoli, with bitter leaves and small florets. On the other hand, broccolini is less leafy with florets that more closely resemble broccoli.
- How long to roast broccolini? Roast broccolini for about 14-18 minutes, until the stalks are tender and florets are crispy.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep leftover roasted broccolini in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Simply pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or quickly sauté it in a hot pan with a touch of oil until warm.
- Freeze: Blanch broccolini in boiling water for a minute to maintain its flavor and texture when freezing. Shock in ice water, then dry and freeze in zip lock bags for up to 3 months. When ready to roast, toss with olive oil and roast, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What To Serve With Roasted Broccolini
Like roasted asparagus, roasted broccolini recipes make a perfect side for any protein! Here are a few ideas:
- Chicken – Roast broccolini alongside chicken legs, juicy lemon garlic chicken, some spicy Cajun chicken, or one of my other chicken recipes instead.
- Steak – If you want a classic steakhouse meal meal, pair this side with a tender filet mignon with mashed cauliflower or mashed potatoes. You can also make a roasted beef tenderloin or tomahawk steak for a special occasion, or a quick and easy sirloin steak for weeknights.
- Pork – Serve roasted broccolini alongside smothered pork chops or a pork sirloin roast.
- Fish – Pair this side dish with your choice of baked haddock (pictured above), pan seared halibut, or flavorful pesto salmon for a healthy, elegant meal.
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
If you like this easy roasted broccolini recipe, here are some other roasted veggie recipes to try:
Tools For This Recipe
- Baking Sheet – One trick to the best roasted broccolini recipe? Not crowding your pans! Use an XL sheet pan or split up the broccolini into two pans.
Roasted Broccolini Recipe
Learn how to cook broccolini like a restaurant, in just 20 minutes! This roasted broccolini recipe is an easy side for steak, fish, or chicken.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil, if desired.
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Trim 1-2 inches from the stems of the broccolini. If some pieces are extra large, slice lengthwise down the stalk, so that they are all similar in thickness.
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Arrange the broccolini in a single layer on the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Move the pieces around together to coat better, then spread in a single layer again. (Don’t overcrowd the pan.)
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Roast broccolini for 14-18 minutes, until the stalks are tender and florets are crispy.
Did You Like It?
Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 2-3 thin stalks (or halved thicker ones), or 1/6 entire recipe
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂
16 Comments
EL
0Grrrrrreat !!!!
Lulu
0Made it with salmon and it’s the perfect combo. This broccolini recipe is my go-to now, it’s quick, simple, and yummy.
Howie
0I couldn’t figure out why my broccolini wasn’t browning well, but I finally realized it was because I was putting too many in at once. I tried again without overcrowding and TA-DA! Beautifully browned and flavorful. I usually use avocado oil.
Miranda
0This dish tastes so delicious and not to mention very healthy! I’ve made this few times now, cause it’s so easy to prepare.
Tonia
0I have to admit with you, it didn’t work so well for me when I did my first try. I made a mistake with the timings and I overcooked it.. 🙁 but I’m not the type to give up easily so I gave it another try and on my second try it was perfect. Love how easy it was to make this recipe and I finally have a new side dish for intimate gatherings at home aside from the overrated green beans we always make.
Kathleen (Kathy) Sandefer
0I lined my pan with foil. At 400 degrees, the trimmed and sliced broccolini was browning after only about 6 minutes, but was still too crisp. Is it ok for it to turn dark brown?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Kathleen, Yes it’s okay for your broccolini to get darker than shown in the images. You don’t want them to burn, but they can become more golden and tender and they will still be great. If they are burning way too early, then you probably have them on a rack that is too close to the heating element.
Tisha
0Roasting veggies really brings out such great flavor! Broccolini is a great side dish!
Katie
0My family went crazy for this!
Lauren Vavala
0I love simple side dishes like this. I don’t usually eat broccolini except sometimes in restaurants. I’m going to look for it in the store this weekend!
Elaine
0I just love how these cuties look – so inviting! And the best part is that they are very healthy!
Danielle
0It’s been a very long time since I last made broccolini at home. I should fix that ASAP though, considering I have this amazing recipe now.
Krissy Allori
0I love broccolini so much. I also love how roasting veggies really brings out their flavor. Yummy!
Lisalia
0I love your blog and love the recipes you share. Especially because my family is happy to eat these things too. Of course they’re not keto – but there’s so many healthy things to eat. Thanks for this easy side dish. So flavorful. Love the roasting method because it brings out a sweet flavor to the broccolini.
Robin
03 CUPS of olive oil?
Wholesome Yum A
0Good catch, Robin! It has been corrected. 🙂