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Roasted Broccoli Rabe on a white plate next to a checkered towel | roasted broccoli rabe | The Radiant Root

Roasted Brocoli Rabe (recipe card)

This easy roasted broccoli rabe recipe consists of just 3 ingredients and offers a delicious dairy, nut, and gluten-free dish that can be enjoyed as part of a meal or snack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: AIP, dairy-free, gluten-free, Italian, keto, Mediterranean, night shade free, no added sugar, nut-free, paleo, whole30
Keyword: 30 minute snack, AIP, antioxidants, appetizers, comfort food, cozy, dairy-free, dinner, easy recipe, easy side, easy snack, garlic, healthy eating, keto, Mediterranean, whole30 compliant
Servings: 4 6 stems
Calories: 66kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch Broccoli rabe
  • 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic peeled and pressed

Instructions

  • Prepare the broccoli rabe by rinsing it under cold running water, drying it with a pat, and setting it aside. Next, peel the garlic using a garlic peeler and use a garlic press to mash it. Then, set the mashed garlic aside.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Take a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper or a reusable roasting mat.
  • In a large bowl add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 3 cloves of peeled mashed garlic. Mix the ingredients together. Then set the bowl aside.
  • Separate the broccoli rabe bunch into separate stalks.
  • Using kitchen scissors or a sharp paring knife cut one inch off the bottom of one stalk. Continue until all the pieces of broccoli rabe are trimmed.
  • Take the trimmed broccoli rabe pieces and lay them in a flat layer on the covered baking sheet.
  • Dip a basting brush into the olive and garlic mixture and brush onto each of the broccoli rabe pieces until they are well covered and no longer have dry parts.
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven and let roast broccoli rabe until it crisps and browns. This should be about 10-15 minutes.
  • Let cool for 4 minutes and enjoy.

Video

Notes

This section gives an overview of recipe tips, additions, substitutions, and variations, as well as nutritional content and how to store and reheat leftovers.

 

Recipe tips 

 
For a perfectly crispy and flavorful roasted broccoli rabe:
 
  • Preheat the oven to the specified temperature for ideal crispness.
  • Trim off the tough ends from broccoli rabe stems for tender roasting.
  • Use a garlic press* to release garlic's natural oils for enhanced flavor.
  • Evenly coat the broccoli rabe with the olive oil and garlic mixture.
  • Avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet to prevent steaming.
  • Keep a close eye on the oven; it crisps quickly in 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve promptly to enjoy hot, crispy broccoli rabe.
 
Follow these tips for the best-roasted broccoli rabe.
 

Recipe additions/substitutions/variations

 
This section will go over recipe additions, substitutions, and variations for roasted broccoli rabe.
 
Additions
 
Here are some ideas for recipe additions.
 
  • A dash of salt and pepper before roasting
  • Sprinkle of red pepper flakes before or after roasting
  • Drizzle of lemon juice and/or lemon zest after cooking
  • A pinch of vegan parmesan or Pecorino Romano
  • Top with a serving of toasted nuts or seeds
  • Add some cherry tomatoes before roasting
  • Balsamic reduction after cooking
  • Crispy bacon on top
  • A small handful of golden raisins
  • Extra whole garlic cloves
  • Pineapple chunks before roasting
  • Crispy shallots
  • Caramelized onions
 
Please know that any recipe add-ons will affect the overall flavor, texture, and nutritional content.
 
Substitutions
 
You can adapt this recipe in several ways:
 
Using frozen broccoli rabe: If fresh broccoli rabe is unavailable, you can use frozen broccoli rabe, but make sure to thaw and drain it before using it in the recipe.
 
Broccoli rabe substitutes: If broccoli rabe is not available, consider alternatives like turnip greens, mustard greens, escarole, Chinese broccoli, dandelion greens, collard greens, or broccolini.
 
Garlic Substitutes: Instead of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or garlic paste. Adjust quantities to your taste (1 clove = 1/8 tsp garlic powder or 1/2 tsp garlic paste).
 
Oil substitutes: Swap olive oil for avocado, coconut, almond, or walnut oil, each gives its own unique flavor to the dish.
 
Remember, any substitutions may affect the dish's taste, texture, and nutritional content, so choose accordingly to achieve your desired outcome.
 
Variations
 
Recipe variations include the following: 
 
Stalk size: You can choose to keep the broccoli rabe stalks whole or chop them into smaller pieces before brushing on the olive and garlic mixture.
 
Garlic choices: You have options like using a garlic press* for easy preparation, mincing garlic for a milder flavor, or even roasting whole garlic cloves for a unique taste.
 
Recipe variations: You can explore variations like 
 
  • Pesto-covered broccoli rabe
  • Mediterranean-flavored seasoning with herbs and olives
  • Broccoli rabe wrapped with prosciutto
 
Feel free to experiment with these variations or create your own to suit your taste preferences. Keep in mind that any changes will impact the dish's flavor, texture, and nutrition.
 

How to store leftovers

 
Here are the details on what to do with leftovers: 
 
Store any leftover roasted broccoli rabe in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for 3 to 7 days.
 
Note that the crispness of the broccoli rabe may diminish during storage. However, the delicious flavors will still be present in the dish.
 

How to reheat leftovers

 
When reheating leftover roasted broccoli rabe, you have several options:
 
  • Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5 to 10 minutes on a baking sheet.
  • Air Fryer: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes in the air fryer basket, preheating if needed.
  • Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish with a lid on medium for 1 to 2 minutes, this cooking method may not maintain its crispiness.
  • Grill/Grill Pan: Grill on medium-high heat for a few minutes until hot and slightly charred, adding a smoky flavor.
  • Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet or pan, heat over medium-high heat with a bit of oil, and stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through.
 
Please note that reheating may result in a slight reduction in crispiness, but methods like using the oven, stovetop, or grill can help partially restore it.
 

Nutritional information

 
Nutrition information is estimated using Nutrifox nutrition label maker*
 

Nutrition

Serving: 6stems | Calories: 66kcal
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