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How long do you cook broccoli for in the oven?
The short answer is 15 to 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
That said, the exact oven time for broccoli depends on how you like it, how big your florets are, and whether you’re roasting fresh or frozen broccoli.
If you’ve been wondering how long to cook broccoli in the oven so it comes out tender-crisp with crispy edges instead of soggy or burnt, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long you cook broccoli in the oven, plus the temperatures, prep steps, and little tricks that make roasted broccoli taste amazing every single time.
Let’s get roasting.
How Long Do You Cook Broccoli for in the Oven?
When you cook broccoli in the oven at 425°F, it typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Here’s a quick breakdown so you know how long to cook broccoli in the oven for the result you want:
1. 15 Minutes for Tender-Crisp Broccoli
If you like broccoli with a bit of bite, cook it in the oven for about 15 minutes.
The florets should be bright green with slightly charred tips, and the stems should still have a gentle crunch when you pierce them with a fork.
This is the sweet spot most people are after when they ask how long do you cook broccoli for in the oven.
2. 18 to 20 Minutes for Softer, Caramelized Broccoli
Want softer florets with deeper caramelization?
Cook broccoli in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes.
At this point, the edges get nicely browned and the stems turn fork-tender.
Just keep an eye on it during the last few minutes because oven temperatures vary, and broccoli can go from perfectly roasted to overly charred fast.
3. 20 to 25 Minutes for Frozen Broccoli
Frozen broccoli takes a little longer, so cook it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes at 425°F.
Don’t thaw it first, just toss the frozen florets with oil and seasonings and spread them on the baking sheet.
They’ll release moisture as they roast, so give them a little extra space and expect a slightly softer texture than fresh broccoli.
What Temperature Should You Cook Broccoli in the Oven?
The best oven temperature for roasting broccoli is 425°F (220°C).
This high heat cooks broccoli quickly, giving you those crispy browned edges without steaming the florets into mush.
If you’re cooking broccoli in the oven at a lower temperature like 375°F, expect it to take closer to 25 to 30 minutes.
And at 450°F, broccoli can be done in as little as 12 to 15 minutes, though you’ll want to check it often.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Oven Broccoli
Now that you know how long you cook broccoli for in the oven, here are a few tips to nail it every time:
1. Dry the Florets Before Roasting
Moisture is the enemy of crispy broccoli.
After washing, pat the florets completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Any water left on the broccoli will steam instead of roast, and that’s how you end up with soggy florets.
2. Cut Florets Into Even Pieces
Aim for florets that are roughly the same size, about 1 to 1.5 inches.
Even sizing means the broccoli cooks in the oven at the same rate, so you don’t get some pieces burnt while others are still raw.
3. Don’t Crowd the Baking Sheet
Spread the broccoli in a single layer with a little space between each piece.
If the florets are touching or piled up, they’ll steam rather than crisp.
Use two baking sheets if you need to, and this alone makes a huge difference in how long you cook broccoli in the oven successfully.
4. Give It a Mid-Roast Toss
Around the 10-minute mark, pull the pan out and flip the florets with a spatula.
This helps them brown evenly on all sides and keeps the cooking time consistent, so you get perfectly roasted broccoli from edge to edge.
So, How Long Do You Cook Broccoli in the Oven?
You cook broccoli in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at 425°F for tender-crisp florets with crispy edges.
Frozen broccoli needs about 20 to 25 minutes, and softer, more caramelized broccoli lands closer to the 20-minute mark.
So the next time you’re wondering how long to cook broccoli in the oven, just preheat to 425°F, dry those florets, spread them out, and let the oven work its magic.
Happy roasting.