Roasted Broccoli with Toasted Pine Nuts
Tender broccoli florets roasted until caramelized and crispy at the edges, seasoned with paprika and sea salt, then topped with golden toasted pine nuts. The high-heat roasting transforms the broccoli into a flavorful side dish with nutty, smoky notes. Perfect alongside grilled meats, pasta dishes, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The contrast between the crispy broccoli edges and creamy pine nuts creates an elegant yet simple vegetable dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets with some stem
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 t ground paprika
- 1 t sea salt
- 3 tbsp pine nuts
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- 2
Toss the broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl with the olive oil until the florets are evenly coated with oil
- 3
Transfer the florets to the prepared baking sheet and season with salt and paprika
- 4
Roast the broccoli florets for 30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the florets are brown on the edges and tender throughout
- 5
While the florets are in the oven, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown, using a wooden spoon to stir constantly so that they do not burn
- 6
Serve the roasted broccoli topped with the toasted pine nuts
Tips
Cut broccoli florets into similar sizes for even roasting and include some stem for added texture and flavor.
Watch pine nuts carefully when toasting as they can burn quickly - stir constantly and remove from heat once golden.
For extra crispy broccoli, increase oven temperature to 425°F and reduce cooking time by 5 minutes.
Good to Know
Store leftover roasted broccoli in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Broccoli can be cut into florets up to 1 day ahead. Toast pine nuts up to 3 days ahead and store in airtight container.
Best served immediately while broccoli is crispy and pine nuts are warm. Can be served at room temperature.
Common Mistakes
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to avoid steaming the broccoli instead of roasting.
Watch pine nuts carefully to avoid burning - they go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Pat broccoli dry before tossing with oil to prevent soggy results.
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Fresh broccoli works best for roasting as frozen broccoli contains more moisture and won't get as crispy. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat very dry first.
What can I substitute for pine nuts?
Sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or pumpkin seeds work well as alternatives. Toast them the same way until golden brown for best flavor.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Roasted broccoli will keep for up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore some of the original crispness.