Mediterranean Baked Broccoli and Savory Potatoes
This Mediterranean baked broccoli and savory potatoes recipe is a hearty, flavorful side that easily doubles as a main course. It brings together the natural sweetness of roasted potatoes, the earthy crunch of broccoli, and the warmth of herbs and spices. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and lemon, this dish delivers a perfect balance of crisp and tender textures with bright Mediterranean flavor. It’s budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Vegetables:
3 medium potatoes (about 600 g), peeled or scrubbed and cubed
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 small red onion, sliced thin
4 garlic cloves, minced
Seasoning & Oil:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
½ tsp salt, or to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Optional Garnish:
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Prep the Potatoes:
Cube the potatoes evenly and blanch them in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes. Drain well—this step helps them crisp up while baking.
Season the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, mix potatoes with olive oil, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Spread on the prepared tray in a single layer.
Bake the Potatoes:
Roast for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even browning.
Add Broccoli and Onion:
Remove the tray from the oven. Add broccoli, onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and toss to combine.
Finish Roasting:
Bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crisp, and the broccoli edges are lightly charred.
Add Lemon and Cheese:
Once done, drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle lemon zest, and top with feta or Parmesan (if using). Garnish with parsley or basil.
Serve Warm:
Enjoy immediately as a main dish or serve as a side with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Tips
Don’t skip parboiling: It gives the potatoes a soft center and crisp outer layer.
Dry the vegetables well: Any moisture prevents roasting and leads to steaming.
Use a large pan: Overcrowding keeps everything from browning properly.
Add garlic later: Mixing garlic in the second half of roasting avoids burning.
For extra crispness: Turn the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes.
Balance flavors: The lemon and feta at the end brighten the earthy potatoes and broccoli perfectly.
Variations
Cheesy Mediterranean Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or halloumi in the last 10 minutes for a gooey finish.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of harissa paste or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Herb Mix: Swap oregano for thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
Vegan Protein Boost: Toss in chickpeas or white beans before roasting.
Citrus Twist: Replace lemon juice with orange zest and a dash of balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory version.
Nutty Finish: Add toasted pine nuts or almonds before serving for crunch.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and pat dry before adding it to avoid excess water.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
Q: Can I skip the cheese?
Of course. The dish is flavorful on its own. Use nutritional yeast for a vegan cheesy note.
Q: What’s the best potato type for roasting?
Use Yukon Gold, baby potatoes, or Russets. They crisp well and hold their shape.
Q: Can I use cauliflower instead of broccoli?
Yes. It works great, or use a mix of both for color and texture.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 245 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 31 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sodium: 230 mg
Vitamin C: 75% DV
Potassium: 900 mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Baked Broccoli and Savory Potatoes recipe is the definition of simple, nourishing comfort food. It’s packed with nutrients, full of flavor, and easy to customize. The crispy potatoes, tender broccoli, and zesty lemon finish make it satisfying and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether served as a side or a standalone meal, this dish delivers a wholesome taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.