The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Tastier Roasted Broccoli - The Spruce Eats

It’s hard to convince my family to eat broccoli. I’ve “dressed it up” in so many ways that at one point I actually considered putting tiny dresses on florets to see if that would convince them. Since I don’t have time for that nonsense, I’ve had to settle for tapping into my culinary bag of tricks to make my family understand how delicious broccoli can be. 

Ironically, I didn’t need to tap too deeply, since my 1-ingredient upgrade doesn’t require any sophisticated culinary techniques. Instead, all I needed was a simple packet of ranch dressing mix for an instant broccoli upgrade.

Roasting Is the Way To Go With Broccoli

I grew up on steamed broccoli. It was limp and lifeless and tasted as bad as it looked. I despised it. Luckily, at some point some genius decided to roast it and that changed the game forever. Roasting, it turns out, replaces its cabbagey funk with caramelized sweetness and a crisp-yet-tender texture. It’s the perfect redemption story.

My Roasting Tricks for Success

Are you ready to roast? It’s a simple technique, but my method has a special twist. When I roast vegetables I always preheat my baking sheet first. This kick-starts the cooking process, which quickens the cooking time and initiates the caramelization process. 

You’ll also want to use a large, rimmed baking sheet. This provides ample room for the broccoli to roast without steaming. As for the rim, it makes it easier to transfer the baking sheet to and from the oven and also provides a barrier to prevent broccoli from escaping when stirring. 

Finally, choose an aluminum pan, nothing non-stick: you’ll want that hot surface for crisping up your broccoli. Non-stick pans can’t deliver the same results.

It’s All In the Seasoning

You can absolutely roast broccoli with salt and pepper and some olive oil and call it a day. Most people will like and accept that. But if you’ve already lost your diner’s trust with past, failed broccoli-cooking attempts, you’ll need to pull out all the stops to redeem yourself.

Sara Haas

Enter: the ranch dressing seasoning packet. The packet is perfect because it comes pre-measured and ready to go. Just tear it open, add some olive oil and broccoli, and toss. That ranch seasoning will work its way into the little ridges of the broccoli and roast up to provide delicious bite after delicious bite. Your family and friends will always want you to make it this way.

Here’s How To Make It

Sara Haas

1. Place a large, rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack in the oven and preheat to 425 F.
2. Whisk 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil with half a packet of ranch dressing mix in the bottom of a large mixing bowl.
3. Add one (12-ounce) bag of broccoli florets and toss to combine, using your hands to work the mixture into all of the nooks and crannies. 
4. Spread the broccoli out into an even layer on the preheated baking sheet.
5. Roast for ten minutes, then stir and roast until tender and golden, about five more minutes.

Sara Haas

Serve the roasted broccoli hot as a delicious side dish or add to your favorite grain bowl. Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filler for tacos and burritos. It’s also a delicious snack as is or served with hummus or any of your favorite dips.

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The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Tastier Roasted Broccoli - The Spruce Eats
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