This is the BEST oven roasted vegetables recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to extra crispy roasted vegetables? ›

Yes, cornstarch—that box in your pantry is the secret to a super-crispy exterior on veggies, from potatoes to cauliflower.

If your roasted veggies with breadcrumbs still don't have the optimal amount of crunch you're looking for, you can use one special ingredient for the crispiest veggies: cornstarch. Your vegetables only need a light coating before adding seasonings or extra toppings, like breadcrumbs.

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.

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.

Oven temperature: I find 425°F to be the magic number for roasting vegetables if you want them tender on the inside with that crispy exterior. Plenty of room: Don't crowd the sheet pan. You don't want all the vegetables piled on top of each other.

General Roasting Times for Vegetables

Winter squash (butternut squash, acorn squash): 20 to 60 minutes. Crucifers (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts): 15 to 25 minutes. Soft vegetables (zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers): 10 to 20 minutes. Thin vegetables (asparagus, green beans): 10 to 20 minutes.

Basic Roasted Vegetables

Combine vegetables and oil and toss until completely coated. Add in seasonings of choice (if using) and pinch salt/pepper. Place on a baking pan, stone, or foil lined cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-60 minutes, turning once during cooking.

Forgetting to flip the vegetables during cooking.

Follow this tip: At least once, although preferably twice, toss the vegetables around the sheet pan. This is how you get roasted vegetables that are beautifully browned all the way around and evenly cooked.

Use a metal sheet pan and avoid glass bakeware or anything with sides taller than an inch. You want as many sides of the vegetables exposed to prevent them from steaming.

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.

What is the difference between baking vegetables and roasting vegetables? ›

The main differences between roasting and baking are the types of foods you roast vs bake and the temperature of the oven. When it comes to temperature, roasting requires a higher oven temperature of above 400°F for the cooking process, while baking takes place at lower oven temperatures around 375°F and below.

For less caramelization (and easier clean-up), stick with foil, a nonstick baking mat, or—for palest results—parchment paper. All 3 liners serve as a barrier between the heat-conducting baking sheet and your food.

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.

Cook several hours until fork tender, this may take from for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, or longer, depending on the size of your roast. Check once or twice to make sure that the liquids haven't cooked down too much. If so, add a bit more stock. After the first 2 1/2 hours, add the vegetables all around the meat.

Don't crowd the baking sheet.

If you crowd and overlap the veggies, they will steam and get mushy, not what we want! Roast vegetables at a high heat, 425 degrees F and make sure you preheat the oven so it is HOT when the veggies go in!

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.

Interestingly, cornstarch contains 25 to 28 percent amylose, which is higher than the amount in wheat or potato starch (which are 20 to 22 percent amylose), and this is why cornstarch works the best for making crispy coatings on fried foods.

(Note that dextrin from corn, potato, and other starch sources also exists but behaves differently from wheat dextrin.) Food manufacturers discovered many years ago that wheat dextrin can make fried foods crispier—and remain crispier longer—than those made with most conventional flours alone.