Looking for a healthy and delicious side dish that’s easy to make? Try our roasted balsamic broccoli recipe, featuring tender broccoli florets, caramelized onions, and tangy balsamic vinegar.
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Roasting is one of my favorite ways to make veggies. There is nothing better than popping a raw veggie into the oven and getting out a flavorful and crisp-tasting vegetable.
This is also a great way to make broccoli more palatable. The heat from the oven will carmelize the naturally occurring sugars in broccoli to give it a sweetness without any added sugar.
Top it with tangy balsamic vinegar and onions and you have a scrumptious and irresistible side dish.
Elevate your broccoli game with this mouthwatering roasted balsamic broccoli recipe. Perfectly roasted with tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet onions this dairy and gluten-free recipe is the perfect complement to your meal. Try it for dinner tonight!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This roasted balsamic broccoli recipe is sure to please even the most anti-veggie person. Here are some reasons why with one bite everyone will fall in love with this recipe:
- It’s delicious.
- It’s easy to make.
- It’s nutritious.
The roasted broccoli is crispy and flavorful, and the combination of garlic, caramelized onions, and balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness that is not too powerful but pleasing to the taste buds.
With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
Broccoli is a vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or just want to add some flavor to your vegetables, this roasted balsamic broccoli recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
How to pick broccoli
Broccoli can be eaten raw, cooked, or steamed. It is a versatile vegetable that can be added to a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stir-fries, and casseroles.
To get the best-roasted broccoli you want you need to start with a good quality vegetable. Here is a list of what to look for so you get fresh, delicious broccoli crowns:
- Weighs more
- Firm and tightly packed florets
- Color
- No flowering
- Sweet scent
The heavier the broccoli the fresher it is. This is because it has a lot of water. So look for a heavier broccoli crown. The florets should also be firm and tightly packed.
The color of the broccoli will indicate its freshness. Bright green broccoli is what you want to look for. Avoid broccoli that is wilted, moldy, flowering, bruised, or has yellow or brown spots.
Look for broccoli that has a slightly sweet smell.
Following these tips will ensure you have the best-roasted broccoli recipe.
Nutritional benefits of roasted balsamic broccoli
Roasted balsamic broccoli is filled with nutrition thanks to broccoli, yellow onion, and balsamic vinegar.
Broccoli nutritional value
Broccoli is one vegetable that packs a punch of nutrition and tastes great. According to the USDA, broccoli nutrition facts, one raw cup provides a good source of fiber and is also low in calories, fat, and sugar.
Other essential nutrients provided by broccoli include vitamins and minerals including C, K1, folate, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, and iron.
Balsamic vinegar nutrition information
Balsamic vinegar is a flavorful condiment made from grapes. It is low in calories and fat. Though it does contain sugar and carbs it is lower than other dressings. Balsamic vinegar also contains essential minerals and is a good source of antioxidants that are associated with good health.
Sweet onion nutritional information
According to the USDA one onion (331 grams) contains 106 calories and less than 1 gram of fat. It also contains 25 grams of carbs and 3 grams of protein. Sweet onions are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and folate.
In addition to those essential nutrients, sweet onions also contain large amounts of the antioxidant quercetin. This compound may help reduce inflammation.
How do you cook broccoli?
Broccoli is a nutritious and versatile veggie that can be cooked in a number of ways. Including steaming, boiling, stir-frying, and my favorite roasting.
If you’re wondering how to make broccoli taste good roasting is a great way to get a quality taste with very little effort.
Roasting is one of the easiest ways to prepare this veggie. It also brings out the natural sweetness and creates a tasty charred flavor. This is why I think it is the best way to eat broccoli.
Ingredients to make roasted balsamic broccoli
Roasted balsamic broccoli is an easy recipe that requires just a few ingredients:
- Broccoli florets
- Sweet onion
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh garlic
Broccoli florets
The best way to roast broccoli is by chopping them into florets. An easy way to get florets is by using broccoli crowns. One medium broccoli crown will yield about 2 to 3 cups. That is what I used for this oven-roasted broccoli recipe and found it to be a good amount of florets.
Sweet onion
One ingredient that really compliments oven-roasted broccoli is the sweet onion. This veggie has a natural sweetness that helps to balance out the bitterness of the broccoli, and the caramelization of the onion’s sugars during roasting creates a deeper, richer sweetness that complements the broccoli’s flavor.
Balsamic vinegar
A few tablespoons balsamic vinegar will help make broccoli taste great. Roasted balsamic vinegar’s naturally occurring sugars caramelize when heated, creating a deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the bitterness of broccoli and sweet onion.
The vinegar’s acidity also helps to cut through the richness of the vegetables, creating a well-balanced and delicious dish.
Garlic
Another ingredient that makes this dish taste great is garlic. Garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish without creating an overwhelming intensity. The sweetness of the onion and balsamic vinegar helps to balance out the garlic’s strong flavor, while the garlic’s acidity helps to prevent the dish from being too sweet.
This makes for a great dish for those looking for a somewhat sweet side.
How to make roasted broccoli (step-by-step instructions)
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make this roasted balsamic broccoli.
1. Before you do anything else be sure to preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper* or a reusable baking mat*.
3. Prep your ingredients. Peel and chop the onion. Set aside. Wash and dry the broccoli crown. Then chop the broccoli into small florets.
5. Place the chopped broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl*.
6. Then top with garlic, onion,
and balsamic vinegar. Then mix well.
7. Pour the broccoli mixture onto the baking sheet. Then brush the broccoli with the remaining balsamic vinegar mixture.
8. Arrange the broccoli in a flat layer on the baking sheet.
9. Cook for 20 minutes. Then flip the broccoli over and cook for another 20 minutes.
10. Let it cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!
*Some of these links are affiliate links, this means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in our disclosure statement.
Tips for making great balsamic roasted broccoli
To create the most flavorful roasted broccoli balsamic, here are some tips and tricks to ensure a great dish:
- Use fresh broccoli
- Rinse and dry thoroughly
- Cut into even similarly sized florets similar in size
- Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar
- Coat the broccoli well with the balsamic mixture
- Use parchment paper or a reusable baking mat
- Don’t overcrowd the broccoli on the baking sheet
- Cook on high heat
- Flip the broccoli over while cooking
- Don’t overcook
Use fresh broccoli
The best-roasted broccoli recipes use fresh broccoli. This is because it delivers superior flavor and texture compared to frozen
Wash and dry the broccoli well
Thoroughly rinse and dry the broccoli. This will eliminate dirt, bacteria, and excess moisture that could lead to steaming. Steaming causes soggy tasteless broccoli.
Cut broccoli into equal size pieces
Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets. This leads to even cooking and crispy broccoli perfection.
Get a quality balsamic vinegar
Choose an organic, aged balsamic vinegar made from grape must without added sugar, preservatives, or sulfites. I love the Greek balsamic vinegar Vrisi 36* for its exceptional richness and its ability to beautifully caramelize the florets.
Coat the broccoli evenly
Coat the broccoli evenly with the balsamic mixture. It will create a delightful flavor palette while preventing any sticking to the baking sheet. For added convenience, consider using parchment paper* or a reusable baking mat*.
Don’t overcrowd the broccoli
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This allows the florets to crisp up to their full potential. Achieving blackened broccoli perfection requires ample space for even roasting.
Use high heat
Embrace high heat. It guarantees delectably blackened and charred broccoli. The hotter the oven, the more you’ll savor that irresistible blackened crunch.
Flip over halfway through cooking
Flip the broccoli over halfway through cooking. This enhances the flavor and ensures mouthwatering broccoli in every bite
Try not to overcook the broccoli
Don’t overcook the broccoli. Only cook this veggie until it reaches the desired balance of tenderness and crispiness. Overcooking may lead to mush.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to savoring a remarkable dish of balsamic vinegar broccoli—crispy, blackened, and bursting with delightful flavors.
If you are looking to save time in the recipe you can use pre-cut broccoli florets. This recipe can also be made ahead of time. After roasting the broccoli be sure to let it cool completely and follow the steps below in the “How To Store Broccoli” section.
Additions/substitutions/variations
If you find yourself lacking an ingredient, seeking ways to beef up this recipe (pun intended), or simply curious about the other possibilities with balsamic roasted broccoli and onions, this section is for you!
Keep reading to discover a range of additions, substitutions, and variations available for this roasted broccoli recipe.
Additions available for roasted balsamic broccoli
In addition to the basic ingredients, you can also add the following to amp up the flavor of your recipe for roasted broccoli.
- Balsamic glaze: After roasting top your broccoli with a little balsamic drizzle. This cooked-down paste adds a little extra sweetness making it a broccoli balsamic glaze.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the balsamic mixture before roasting or sprinkle them on top for a salty, umami flavor.
- Pine nuts: This ingredient will add a nutty, crunchy texture to the dish. Sprinkle them on top of the broccoli after roasting.
- Parmesan cheese substitute*: Sprinkle this on top of the broccoli after roasting for an additional salty and nutty flavor.
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, and/or basil): Incorporate these herbs before or after roasting to infuse additional flavors. Thyme offers a subtle earthiness, rosemary imparts a pine-like fragrance, and basil adds a hint of sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes: Add a kick of spice by sprinkling red pepper flakes on the broccoli before roasting.
- Black pepper: For a subtle heat and peppery bite, include black pepper in your dish to complement the earthy taste of broccoli and balance the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
- Cumin: This spice has a warm and smoky flavor that adds a hint of charred and toasted notes to the broccoli.
- Honey: For me, this dish is sweet enough on its own. However, honey balsamic broccoli is popular. All you need to do is add a drizzle after cooking.
Creative swaps: substitutions for roasted balsamic broccoli
If you’re missing or are short on an ingredient, here are some suggestions and alternatives on what to swap in instead of using broccoli crowns, sweet onions, garlic, and balsamic vinegar.
Substitutions for broccoli
In place of using a broccoli crown, you can use a whole bunch of broccoli. Just remove the stem so you are only left with florets.
If you cannot find broccoli some veggies to use in its place include:
- Cauliflower has a similar texture to broccoli. It also creates a delicious flavor when roasted.
- Brussels sprouts create a nutty flavor and crunchy goodness.
- Carrots cut into bite-size pieces are a great substitute for broccoli. When roasted they create a sweet and caramelized flavor.
- Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and kale. It has a similar flavor to broccoli, but it is thinner and has a slightly sweeter taste.
When making substitutions, it is important to consider the flavor and texture of the ingredients. For example, if you are substituting carrots or cauliflower, you must adjust the cooking time because these vegetables take longer to cook than broccoli.
Replacements for sweet onion
If sweet onions are hard to come by you can use any one of the following in this recipe:
- Vidalia onion
- White onion
- Yellow onion
- Scallions (4 to 6 scallions chopped into pieces)
- Leeks (one medium-sized leek)
- Shallot (2-3 shallots)
In place of fresh garlic feel free to use a 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. This has a more concentrated flavor so you may need to adjust the other ingredients to balance out the strong flavor of garlic powder. You may want to use a smaller amount and see how it tastes.
Balsamic vinegar swaps
In place of balsamic vinegar, you can use:
- Red wine vinegar is similar to balsamic but less sweet.
- Balsamic glaze is a thicker sweeter version of balsamic vinegar.
- Sherry Vinegar is similar in flavor but has a milder taste than balsamic.
While substitutions are great to use, please know that any changes to the recipe will alter the flavor and texture. So you may need to adjust some of the other ingredients. Cooking times may also be altered depending on the size and shape of the ingredients.
Variations of roasted balsamic broccoli
If you want to get a little creative with your roasted balsamic broccoli here are some additional recipe variations that incorporate various seasonings and ingredients.
Parmesan cheese is a popular topping in roasted veggies. If you can’t have dairy opt for a cheese substitute to turn your recipe into a savory parmesan-roasted broccoli.
Roasted broccoli lemon can be made when you add a dash of lemon juice. This ingredient will add a fresh acidic and citrusy flavor that will enhance the dish.
The addition of olive oil is another variation that can be used in this recipe. A tablespoon of olive oil will add a rich, nutty flavor. It will also balance out the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and the bitterness of the broccoli.
What to serve with roasted balsamic broccoli
Broccoli side dish recipes are often very versatile, and roasted balsamic broccoli is no exception. This delicious dish can be served alongside a sandwich, salad, soup, or main course. Here are some suggestions on what to enjoy with this versatile vegetable:
- Soup: Tomato soup, lentil soup, or chicken soup pairs well with this dish.
- Salad: Add roasted balsamic broccoli to any salad for an extra burst of flavor.
- Sandwich: Enhance your grilled chicken, turkey, or ham sandwich with this tasty veggie.
- Chicken (roasted, grilled, or baked): The sweetness of the balsamic vinegar and the crunch of the broccoli perfectly complement the savory flavor of the chicken.
- Fish (salmon, cod, or tilapia): The bold flavors of balsamic vinegar and broccoli enhance the delicate flavor of fish.
- Gluten-free pasta: Add roasted balsamic broccoli to your favorite gluten-free pasta dishes for added freshness, crunch, and a touch of sweetness and acidity from the balsamic vinegar.
- Beef (steak, roast beef, or ground): This side dish balances out the richness of beef dishes while adding a touch of freshness.
- Pork (pork chops, pork roast, or bacon): The recipe pairs wonderfully with pork, cutting through the richness and providing a hint of sweetness.
These combinations are sure to create a flavorful meal.
How to store broccoli
Fresh broccoli recipes like roasted balsamic broccoli can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. This section goes over how to keep broccoli fresh and tasting great.
Here are the deets on how to store broccoli in the fridge. It is probably the best way to store broccoli.
First, let the broccoli cool completely. Then put it in a snug airtight container. It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
If you are wondering, “Can I freeze broccoli?” The answer is yes! Although to ensure its freshness you want to flash-freeze it.
Start by letting the broccoli cool down. Then you want to take the baking sheet with the broccoli on it and place it in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours. Once it’s frozen solid put it in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Once you are ready to eat the frozen broccoli let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat it according to the directions below.
How to reheat broccoli
If you wind up with any leftovers here are a few ways how to reheat your oven-cooked broccoli florets:
- Microwave
- Oven/toaster oven
- Skillet
- Air fryer
Microwaving will take the least amount of time. Place the broccoli in a microwavable dish and heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until warmed up.
To reheat cooked broccoli in the oven or toaster oven first preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then heat for 10 to 15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Heat a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 to 3 minutes stirring occasionally until it is heated and crisp.
The air fryer can also be used to reheat this roasted balsamic recipe. Just program it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then place the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
This recipe also tastes great even straight out of the fridge. So feel free to eat your leftovers cold, at room temperature or add some greens and make a roasted broccoli balsamic salad.
Balsamic broccoli common and FAQS
Broccoli does not need to be boiled before roasting. Boiling can make the broccoli too tender and mushy. Instead, roast the broccoli directly in the oven. This will cook the broccoli evenly and maintain its natural texture, resulting in crispy edges and tender florets.
If you prefer your broccoli to be more tender, before roasting broccoli you can blanch it in boiling water for a minute or two. This will partially cook the broccoli and reduce the roasting time.
Roasted broccoli should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Some reasons it could turn out soggy and mushy include the following:
Overcrowding: Too much broccoli on the baking sheet creates steam and leaves the broccoli soggy.
Too much oil: Using too much oil causes steaming and mushy broccoli. Only use a light coating of oil.
Not preheating the oven: Forgetting to preheat the oven will prevent proper cooking and lead to soft broccoli.
Roasting at too low of a temperature: Keep the oven at between 400 to 425 °F to prevent broccoli from becoming mush.
For more tips on how to get the best balsamic broccoli check out the “Tips & Tricks” section above.
Equipment used in this recipe*
- Baking sheet
- Garlic peeler
- Paring knife
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Reusable roasting mat
*Some of these links are affiliate links, this means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in our disclosure statement.
More roasted veggie recipes
- Purple cauliflower steaks
- Roasted Broccoli Rabe
- Roasted Balsamic Broccoli
- “Cheesy” Asparagus
- Roasted Acorn Squash with Cinnamon
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Roasted Balsamic Broccoli (recipe card)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cup broccoli florets (1 medium broccoli crown)
- 1 small sweet onion peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and diced
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a reusable roasting mat.
- Wash and pat dry the broccoli crown. Then chop the broccoli into floret pieces and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl add the broccoli, onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar. Then mix well.
- Pour the broccoli mixture on to the baking sheet and spread out the broccoli so it's laid out evenly in a flat layer.
- Using a basting brush take the remaining balsamic vinegar in the bowl and brush it on the broccoli.
- Place the broccoli in the oven and cook for 20 minutes. Then flip the broccoli over and cook for a nother 20 minutes Let cool 10 minutes and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Recipe tips and tricks
Finding out tips and tricks is helpful for getting the best-roasted broccoli recipes. Check out these tips to get a great roasted balsamic broccoli.- Use fresh broccoli
- Wash and dry the broccoli to remove excess water
- Cut broccoli into uniform pieces
- Get an organic, aged balsamic vinegar made from grape must with no added sugar, preservatives, or sulfites. I recommend the Greek balsamic vinegar Vrisi 36*
- Cover the broccoli evenly with the balsamic mixture
- Use parchment paper* or a reusable baking mat*
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet with broccoli
- Cook on high heat (425 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Flip the florets over halfway through cooking
- Cook until crisp and tender
Additions, substitutions, and variations
If you are looking for ways to make this recipe your own, keep reading for additions, substitutions, and variations.Recipe additions
In addition to the basic ingredients, you can also add herbs, spices, and other vegetables to amp up the flavor of your roasted broccoli recipe. These include:- Balsamic glaze/honey/maple syrup drizzle
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Pine nuts
- Parmesan cheese substitute*
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, and/or basil)
- Red pepper flakes
- Black pepper
- Cumin
Substitutions for the recipe
If you cannot find broccoli crowns, you can use a full broccoli and cut off the stems. Alternatively, to save time you can also buy pre-cut broccoli florets. Here are also some swaps if you have trouble finding a particular ingredient:- Broccoli: cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccolini
- Sweet onion: Vidalia, white, yellow, scallions, leeks, or shallots
- Garlic: garlic powder
- Balsamic vinegar: red wine vinegar, balsamic glaze, sherry vinegar
- 4 to 6 scallions chopped into pieces
- 1 medium-sized leek chopped
- 2 to 3 shallots peeled and chopped
Variations of the recipes
Here are some additional variations to add additional flavors to your roasted balsamic broccoli:- Make a savory parmesan-roasted broccoli by topping it with a dairy-free cheese substitute if you can’t have dairy.
- Add a dash of lemon juice to create a roasted broccoli lemon variation, which will give a fresh, acidic, and citrusy flavor to the dish.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of olive oil to add a rich, nutty flavor and balance out the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and the bitterness of the broccoli.
How to store leftovers
To store broccoli in the fridge, let it cool completely and place it in a snug airtight container. It will last up to 3 days. To freeze broccoli, flash-freeze it by placing it on a baking sheet in the freezer for 2-3 hours. Then place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.How to reheat leftovers
Here are some ways to reheat leftover roasted balsamic broccoli:- Microwave: Place the broccoli in a microwavable dish and heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until warmed up.
- Oven/toaster oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warm and crispy.
- Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated and crisp.
- Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutritional information
*Nutritional information is estimated using Nutrifox nutrition label maker**Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links, this means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Radiant Root is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Learn more in our disclosure statement.
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