Roasted Broccolini Recipe - Wholesome Yum (2024)

Roasted Broccolini Recipe - Wholesome Yum (1)

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In This Post

  • Why You’ll Love This Roasted Broccolini Recipe
  • How To Cook Broccolini
  • Other Ways To Cook Broccolini
  • Common Questions
  • Storage Instructions
  • What To Serve With Roasted Broccolini
  • More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
  • Tools For This Recipe
  • Roasted Broccolini RecipeRecipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

This 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
Roasted Broccolini Recipe - Wholesome Yum (2)

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.

Roasted Broccolini Recipe - Wholesome Yum (3)

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.

  1. 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.
  2. Bake. Roast broccolini until tender and florets are crispy.

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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.

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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 about14-18 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.
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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 recipesinstead.
  • 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:

  • 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.

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Recipe Card

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5 from 13 votes☝️ Click stars to rate or click here to leave a review!

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.

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 14 minutes

Total: 19 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 6 (adjust to scale recipe)

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Ingredients

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Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil, if desired.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.)

  4. Roast broccolini for 14-18 minutes, until the stalks are tender and florets are crispy.

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Related Easy Recipes

  • Bok Choy Recipe

  • Sauteed Broccoli

  • Cauliflower Soup

  • Roasted Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2-3 thin stalks (or halved thicker ones), or 1/6 entire recipe

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories91

Fat6.8g

Protein2.7g

Total Carbs5.4g

Net Carbs4.5g

Fiber0.9g

Sugar1.8g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Keywords:broccolini recipe, how to cook broccolini, roasted broccolini

Calories: 91 kcal

© 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. 🙂

Roasted Broccolini Recipe

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FAQs

Which is healthier broccoli or broccolini? ›

The verdict. Broccolini – by a hair's breadth! Nutritionally, the two brassicas are very similar. But the excellent vitamin A content of broccolini, together with the fact that it needs less prep and there's no waste, gives it the edge over broccoli for us.

How do you stop broccoli from burning when roasting? ›

The tender, fuzzy “tree” tips of roasted broccoli florets are the most delicious, but they are also quick to burn. Make sure the florets are well-coated with olive oil to keep this from happening. Don't Crowd the Pan. If the florets are too close, they will steam instead of roast.

Does broccolini have sulforaphane? ›

Broccolini also contains the antioxidant sulforaphane. Sulforaphane can: Neutralize toxins in your body. Reduce inflammation.

What is the difference between broccoli rabe and broccolini? ›

Broccoli rabe is leafier, thinner, and less floral than broccoli. The stems are long and tender and bush out in leafy clusters with small flowering heads, like broccolini. But, where broccolini is sweet and mild, broccoli rabe is bold and bitter. The flavor is almost like that of mustard greens mixed with horseradish.

Is broccolini anti inflammatory? ›

Broccolini is full of sulfur-containing compounds like sulforaphane, which is largely responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This veggie may also support heart health and blood sugar control.

Can you eat too much broccolini? ›

Broccoli is a healthy vegetable full of nutrients. However, eating too much broccoli can cause some side effects, such as: Gas and bloating: Broccoli is high in fiber, which can cause gas and bloating in some people. This is especially common if you eat broccoli raw or undercooked.

Why does my roasted broccoli taste bitter? ›

Hi Maxine, there can be several reasons why broccoli is bitter, the main one is that it is starting to 'bolt', this is when the plant starts to flower prematurely. Bolting can be caused by temperature fluctuations (hot and cold) or too much heat, broccoli are a cool weather crop.

Why is my roasted broccoli mushy? ›

Eventually, it'll be like mush (i.e. baby food), if you overcook it. You do know you can eat broccoli raw, right. Most people give it a quick stir fry or blanch it briefly, which results in a somewhat harder texture when being served.

Why is roasted broccoli so good? ›

Roasted broccoli is so easy to make, and the florets come out of the oven deliciously golden brown, crisp, and tender. I have a hard time not eating them all straight off the sheet pan, but they're also a fantastic addition to all sorts of recipes and a yummy side dish on their own.

What are the side effects of sulforaphane? ›

Sulforaphane and sulforaphane-rich broccoli extract products have been used safely for up to 6 months. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include heartburn and stomach upset. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Sulforaphane is commonly consumed in foods.

Why is broccolini so expensive? ›

Because of its newness and because it provides less quantity in a stalk, broccolini is typically more expensive than broccoli. Substitutes for broccolini are traditional broccoli, Chinese broccoli, broccoli rabe, cauliflower, and asparagus (because broccolini's sweeter flavor is similar to asparagus' sweeter notes).

What does sulforaphane do to your body? ›

Phytochemicals like sulforaphane are antioxidants that cancel out free radicals. Free radical are tiny particles that weaken and damage healthy cells. They form in your body because of pollution, UV rays, food additives and preservatives, and even through natural processes like digestion. It reduces inflammation.

Why is broccolini so much better than broccoli? ›

Chinese broccoli is usually found in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai recipes. Due to naturally occurring cross-breeding, broccolini offers familiar notes of broccoli, yet has a sweeter flavor similar to asparagus. Broccolini is also a much more tender and delicate vegetable than broccoli.

Why does broccolini taste better than broccoli? ›

Broccolini tastes milder and sweeter than broccoli. Because its stalks are thinner, broccolini require less prep work than broccoli (which tend to have woodier stalks). Broccolini lends itself to roasting, grilling, sauteing and steaming.

What is more nutritious broccoli or cauliflower? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

What is the healthiest vegetable? ›

Here are 14 of the most nutrient-dense veggies available.
  1. Spinach. This leafy green tops the chart as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. ...
  2. Carrots. Carrots are packed with vitamin A, delivering 119% of the DV in just 1 cup (128 g) . ...
  3. Broccoli. ...
  4. Garlic. ...
  5. Brussels sprouts. ...
  6. Kale. ...
  7. Green peas. ...
  8. Swiss chard.

Is broccolini easier to digest than broccoli? ›

However, broccoli stalks are high in FODMAP. Broccolini is the complete opposite. Broccolini florets are high FODMAP, while the stalks are low FODMAP! So to keep it short, if you're eating low FODMAP to improve digestion, the safe parts are broccoli florets and only the stalks of broccolini.

What is the healthiest form of broccoli? ›

Some people prefer broccoli florets, but you can eat the leaves and stems, too. The stalk contains the most fiber, while broccoli leaves are highest in cell-protecting antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and calcium.

What vegetable is healthier than broccoli? ›

Spinach. Spinach contains many of the same health benefits as broccoli and kale. But it's also rich in phytochemicals. These cause the body to release hormones that make you feel full, which can be helpful for people who want to lose weight.

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