This Roasted Broccoli Toast elevates the humble green vegetable into a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. The magic happens when fresh broccoli florets are roasted until they develop crispy edges and a nutty, caramelized flavor that transforms this often-overlooked vegetable into something truly special. Piled high on crusty, toasted bread and enhanced with creamy ricotta cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, this toast creates a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors. The roasted broccoli becomes sweet and slightly smoky while maintaining a tender bite, making it the perfect topping for thick slices of your favorite bread. This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring – it can be absolutely delicious and satisfying.
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 4 thick slices of crusty bread (sourdough, whole grain, or ciabatta)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
- Fresh lemon zest for garnish
Preparing the Broccoli
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets, making sure they’re not too small as they’ll shrink slightly during roasting. Pat the florets completely dry with paper towels – this step is important for achieving crispy edges.
Place the broccoli florets on a large baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, then toss everything together with your hands to ensure each piece is well-coated.
Roasting to Perfection
Spread the seasoned broccoli in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure the pieces aren’t overcrowded. Overcrowding will cause the broccoli to steam rather than roast, preventing those delicious crispy edges from forming.
Roast for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crispy while the stems remain tender. The broccoli should have some charred spots – this adds incredible flavor to the final dish.
Preparing the Toast Base
While the broccoli roasts, toast your bread slices until they’re golden brown and crispy. You can use a toaster, or for even better results, brush the bread lightly with olive oil and toast it in a pan or under the broiler until golden.
In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your creamy base that helps the roasted broccoli stick to the toast and adds richness to each bite.
Assembly and Finishing Touches
Remove the roasted broccoli from the oven and immediately drizzle with lemon juice while it’s still hot. The acid will brighten the flavors and add a fresh contrast to the rich, roasted taste.
Spread each slice of toast generously with the seasoned ricotta cheese. Pile the warm roasted broccoli on top of the ricotta, distributing it evenly among the four pieces of toast.
Final Garnishes
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the assembled toasts. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, and add the grated Parmesan cheese for extra savory depth.
If using pine nuts, lightly toast them in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until golden, then sprinkle them over the toasts for added crunch and richness.
Serving and Variations
Finish each toast with a light grating of fresh lemon zest for brightness and serve immediately while the broccoli is still warm. The contrast between the warm, crispy vegetables and the cool, creamy ricotta is part of what makes this dish so appealing.
For variations, try adding a fried egg on top for extra protein, or substitute the ricotta with mashed avocado for a different creamy base. A drizzle of balsamic glaze instead of lemon juice can add sweet and tangy notes that complement the roasted broccoli beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The roasted broccoli can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. While it’s best served warm, leftover roasted broccoli is also delicious at room temperature. Simply reheat it gently in a pan before assembling the toasts for the best texture and flavor.
