Garlic Roasted Broccolini
You know those magical side dishes that somehow make everyone around the table say, “Wow, what is this?!” — well, this Garlic Roasted Broccolini is that dish for our family. It started as a last-minute idea to clear out the crisper drawer and became an instant favorite. I had a bunch of broccolini, some garlic cloves, and a lemon that needed using, so I roasted them all together with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasoning. The aroma alone had everyone lingering around the oven, and when I served it, the plates were practically licked clean.
What I love most is how quickly it comes together. There’s no complicated prep or exotic ingredients — just simple, fresh flavors that absolutely shine when roasted. The broccolini gets beautifully crisp on the edges while staying tender at the stem, and the garlic infuses everything with rich, savory depth. That bright burst of lemon at the end really brings it all to life.
My kids even asked for seconds — of broccolini! That’s a major mom win in my book. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a bowl of pasta, but it’s also great all on its own. I’ve made it for weeknights, dinner parties, and even packed it cold for lunch the next day. It never disappoints. It’s one of those recipes that feels effortless but tastes elevated — a small way to make an ordinary day feel a little more special.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?
Yes! Broccolini has a more tender stem and slightly sweeter flavor, but regular broccoli florets will work. Just cut them into smaller pieces for even roasting.
Do I have to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon if swapping.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Roasting mellows the bitterness of the broccolini, and kids often enjoy the crispy edges. Try letting them squeeze the lemon over the top for fun.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through. Just don’t overcrowd the basket.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer to maintain the crisp edges.
What You Need to Make Garlic Roasted Broccolini
2 bunches of broccolini, ends trimmed
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon (plus more wedges for serving)
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Tools Needed:
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Large mixing bowl
Zester (optional)
How to Make Garlic Roasted Broccolini
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the broccolini by trimming the tough ends and placing it in a large mixing bowl.
Add garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the bowl. Toss everything well to evenly coat the broccolini.
Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so it roasts instead of steams.
Roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the broccolini is tender and slightly charred on the edges.
Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Optional: Top with freshly grated Parmesan before serving for an extra savory kick.
Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Roasted Broccolini
Don’t skip the lemon zest. It brightens the whole dish and pairs perfectly with the garlic.
Use high heat. Roasting at 425°F ensures crispy, caramelized edges without overcooking.
Dry your broccolini well. Too much moisture leads to steaming instead of roasting.
Add cheese at the end. If you’re using Parmesan, sprinkle it on after baking so it doesn’t burn.
Make it spicy. A pinch of chili flakes adds just the right amount of kick if your family enjoys heat.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I served this alongside grilled chicken and my husband said it was the best veggie side I’ve ever made. Definitely going into our rotation!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really tasty! Next time I think I’ll add even more garlic and maybe a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for crunch.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy weeknights. I threw it together in five minutes and it tasted like something from a restaurant.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavor but I wish I had doubled the batch — it disappeared way too fast!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Even my toddler ate this and asked for more. That never happens with anything green. Thank you for the mom win!”
Printable Recipe
Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3
Garlic Roasted Broccolini
Garlic Roasted Broccolini is a simple, flavorful side dish featuring tender broccolini tossed with fresh garlic, olive oil, and lemon. Roasted to perfection, it has beautifully crispy edges and a vibrant, savory flavor. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing addition to any meal — and even picky eaters can’t resist it. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or healthy snacking.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of broccolini, ends trimmed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (plus more wedges for serving)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Tools Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Large mixing bowl
- Zester (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the broccolini by trimming the tough ends and placing it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the bowl. Toss everything well to evenly coat the broccolini.
- Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so it roasts instead of steams.
- Roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the broccolini is tender and slightly charred on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest.
- Optional: Top with freshly grated Parmesan before serving for an extra savory kick.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
Rhubarb Meringue Pie
Tangy Lemon Tartlets
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
