The BEST (and Easiest) Roasted Vegetables Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to roasting vegetables? ›

The perfect temperature– 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature for most roasted vegetables. It allows for a crispy, perfectly browned exterior and a fork tender interior. But it will vary based on the types of veggies and oil used. If your veggies are not browning enough, try increasing the temperature.

Best Vegetables To Roast

Obvious choices are root veg like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. But crucifers like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower roast well, too. More delicate veggies like cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and squash roast spectacularly well.

Your vegetables are about to get even crispier with this simple tip. The next time you roast vegetables, add some cornstarch. Yes, cornstarch—that box in your pantry is the secret to a super-crispy exterior on veggies, from potatoes to cauliflower.

Because salt draws moisture out of the food, season veggies just before roasting. Place vegetables hot side down when applicable. Ideally, roast different vegetables separately since they all cook at different times. You can combine them together afterwards!

Vegetables to Avoid Roasting

Green beans, broccoli, and other green-colored vegetables are not as well-suited for roasting because they tend to turn olive green.

The amount will depend on how many veggies you are roasting. Spices – paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, garam masala, curry powder, crushed red pepper flakes, etc. are all good options.

Mind the time.

Spring and summer vegetables, like squash, peppers, asparagus, beans and mushrooms, will cook in about half the time of potatoes and root and winter vegetables. On average, I cook the former for about 20-30 minutes at 400-425 degrees. The latter roasts for about 45 minutes at the same temp.

Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots and turnips take the longest, followed by hard squash and cruciferous vegetables like butternut squash, cauliflower and broccoli. Tender items like cherry tomatoes or zucchini come next, then cooking greens, which have the shortest roasting time.

Step 1: Don't Skimp on the Oil

Not only does the oil help the vegetables cook more evenly and crisp up in the oven, but it also adds a rich flavor that makes roasted vegetables irresistible.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice after you steam your vegetables. It can add a nice surprise to spinach or broccoli. Sauté with Herbs. To infuse your vegetables with flavor and mouth-watering aromas, sauté them in olive oil, garlic and herbs of your choice (basil, oregano, thyme, etc).

Can you roast vegetables in a Pyrex dish? ›

She suggests purchasing one or two heavy-duty sheet pans, which help keep the vegetables from burning. (A glass Pyrex dish, I learned, doesn't work as well because the sides hold in the heat and create unneeded moisture.) A sheet of parchment paper prevents vegetables from sticking – and makes cleanup easier.

As an anticaking agent, cornstarch essentially wicks moisture away from the food it is added to -- which is why it is used in batters for many fried foods. That ability to suck up moisture is also the key to why the starch helps vegetables maintain their crispiness in the oven.

The best temperature for roasting vegetables is 400 degrees F. If you have convection oven, use the bake setting and reduce to 375 degrees F. Don't Crowd the Pan. Vegetables need to roast in a single layer without overlapping one another on the baking sheet.

The Oven Temp Is Too Low

But, they'll turn out soft and soggy instead of crispy and caramelized. The solution: Turn the oven temperature up to 400°F to 425°F. The high heat will quickly coax out all those naturally sweet flavors while keeping the vegetable tender-crisp. Everything will be golden brown and delicious!

Make sure your pan is big enough to spread the vegetables out evenly in a single layer with a little space between each piece. You don't want to overcrowd the pan, if you think the pan is too crowded, split the vegetable between two pans. Crowded vegetables just create extra moisture and steam in the pan.

400 degrees F is the best temperature for most roasted vegetables. If you are cooking other items in the oven and need to adjust the temperature to accommodate, anywhere from 375 degrees F to 425 degrees F should work well. I do not recommend roasting vegetables at 350 degrees F if possible.

If the vegetables are arranged too closely together or are on top of one another, they will steam, making them mushy rather than caramelized. Always sprinkle with S & P. Next, season with salt and pepper. This is a key step and can really make a difference in the final flavor.

When vegetables are roasted without oil the finished product is a bit drier than it would be otherwise. However, finishing the roasted vegetables and adding flavor post-cooking, such as by tossing them in a small amount of high flavor liquid will boost flavor and add complementary flavor notes to the dish.