Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 4

Author: Michelle Tam

Here’s another quick and tasty variation of roasted broccoli with crispy salty pig bits, elevated with balsamic vinegar for an exquisite touch!

Ingredients

• 2 large bunches of broccoli: This typically amounts to approximately 2.5 to 3 pounds of fresh broccoli. When preparing, cut the broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets. The goal is to have enough florets to spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring even roasting and maximum crispiness.
• 4-5 slices thinly sliced prosciutto: For the finest results, opt for high-quality Prosciutto di Parma. Its delicate flavor and fat content contribute significantly to the desired crispiness and savory depth once roasted.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the broccoli and enhancing its natural flavors. Adjust the amount to your taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the prosciutto.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle aromatic warmth and depth of flavor to the roasted broccoli.
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite fat: Good choices include ghee, avocado oil, or olive oil. Select a fat with a high smoke point that complements the flavors of the dish. Melted coconut oil can also be used if preferred.
• 2 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar: The quality of your balsamic vinegar can truly elevate this dish. An aged balsamic will be thicker, sweeter, and possess a more complex flavor profile, providing a rich, tangy counterpoint to the savory components. For a recommended option, consider aged balsamic vinegar.

Equipment

Having the right tools at hand simplifies the cooking process and helps ensure perfect results. While this recipe is straightforward, these items will prove invaluable:

• Large baking sheet(s): Essential for spreading the broccoli and prosciutto in a single layer, crucial for proper roasting and crisping.
• Foil or parchment paper: Highly recommended for lining your baking sheets. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly quick and easy.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For safely and efficiently cutting the broccoli into florets.
• Mixing bowl (optional): Useful for tossing the broccoli with fat and seasoning, ensuring an even coating before it goes into the oven.
• Cooling rack: Ideal for allowing the crispy prosciutto to cool and maintain its crunch without becoming soggy.
• Kitchen shears (optional but handy): Perfect for quickly and neatly cutting the crispy prosciutto into bite-sized pieces.
• Toaster oven (optional): A great convenience for crisping the prosciutto separately, especially if your main oven is occupied with the broccoli.

For a comprehensive list of highly recommended kitchen tools that can enhance your cooking experience, you can find them here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Ovens: Start by preheating your main oven to 400°F (200°C). If you plan to use a separate toaster oven for the prosciutto, preheat it to the same temperature. Proper preheating ensures consistent cooking temperatures from the start. If you don’t have a toaster oven, the prosciutto can be cooked in the main oven, either before or after the broccoli, or simultaneously if space allows.
2. Prepare Broccoli: Wash the broccoli bunches thoroughly and pat them completely dry to prevent steaming during roasting. Cut the broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets. Consistency in size is key for even cooking. Arrange the florets in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan; give the florets space to breathe so they roast rather than steam. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
3. Season and Toss Broccoli: Drizzle your chosen fat (ghee, avocado oil, or olive oil) generously over the prepared broccoli florets. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly toss the broccoli, ensuring that each floret is lightly and evenly coated in the fat and seasoning. This coating is essential for achieving delicious, caramelized, and crispy edges.
4. Roast Broccoli: Carefully place the baking tray with the seasoned broccoli into the preheated main oven. Roast for a total of 30-35 minutes. To promote even cooking and browning, halfway through the roasting time (around 15-18 minutes), remove the tray from the oven, gently toss the broccoli again, and rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees. The broccoli should emerge tender-crisp with beautifully browned, slightly charred edges, indicating perfect roasting.
5. Prepare Prosciutto for Roasting: While the broccoli is roasting, take your thinly sliced prosciutto and lay the individual slices in a single layer on a separate, foil-lined tray. Ensure that the slices do not overlap, as this is vital for them to crisp up properly and uniformly.
6. Roast Prosciutto: If using a toaster oven, place the prosciutto tray in the preheated toaster oven and cook for approximately 7-10 minutes. Watch it very closely, as prosciutto is thin and can quickly transition from perfectly crispy to burnt. Flip the slices halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on both sides. If you’re using your main oven, monitor it carefully; the cooking time might be slightly different.
7. Cool and Cut Prosciutto: Once the prosciutto is golden brown, brittle, and perfectly crispy, carefully remove it from the oven. Transfer the cooked slices to a cooling rack. As they cool, the prosciutto will become even crispier and more delicate. Once completely cooled, use kitchen shears or simply your fingers to break or cut the crispy prosciutto into small, bite-sized pieces.
8. Finish and Serve: When the roasted broccoli has finished cooking and is removed from the oven, immediately drizzle the aged balsamic vinegar generously over the hot florets. Then, sprinkle the crispy prosciutto pieces evenly over the top. Gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring every delicious floret gets a hint of the tangy balsamic and savory prosciutto. Serve this delightful dish hot and enjoy the incredible blend of flavors and textures!

Chef’s Tips for Success

Achieving perfectly roasted broccoli and crispy prosciutto is simple with a few expert tips:

• Uniform Florets are Key: When cutting your broccoli, strive for florets of similar size. This ensures that all pieces cook evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others become too soft or burnt.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: This is perhaps the most critical tip for perfectly roasted vegetables. If the broccoli florets are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, leading to a soggy texture rather than the desired crispy exterior. Use two baking sheets if necessary to give them ample space.
• High Heat for Best Results: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is ideal. This high temperature helps to caramelize the broccoli’s natural sugars, creating those coveted browned, tender-crisp edges.
• Monitor Prosciutto Closely: Prosciutto is very thin and cooks rapidly. It can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds, especially in a toaster oven. Stay vigilant and remove it from the heat as soon as it achieves a golden-brown crispness.
• Invest in Quality Balsamic: While any balsamic vinegar will add flavor, a good quality, aged balsamic vinegar makes a noticeable difference. It will have a thicker consistency and a more concentrated, complex, and sweeter flavor profile that truly elevates the entire dish.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Be generous with your kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste a small piece of roasted broccoli before adding the prosciutto and balsamic to ensure the seasoning is perfectly balanced.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

This recipe is incredibly delicious as is, but it also serves as an excellent canvas for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these delightful variations and serving suggestions:

• Garlic Lover’s Delight: For an extra layer of aromatic flavor, add 2-3 cloves of finely minced garlic to the broccoli when you toss it with fat and seasoning before roasting. The roasted garlic will become sweet and fragrant.
• Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes tossed with the broccoli before it goes into the oven can add a lovely warmth and subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Lemon Zest Brightness: Just before serving, sprinkle the finished dish with some fresh lemon zest. The bright, citrusy notes will cut through the richness and beautifully complement the tang of the balsamic vinegar.
• Cheesy Indulgence: For those who appreciate dairy, a light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot broccoli (before adding the prosciutto and balsamic) can add a wonderful salty, umami depth that melts into the florets.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh herbs always add vibrancy. Finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a touch of oregano can be sprinkled over the finished dish for added freshness, aroma, and a pop of color.
• Serving Suggestions: This versatile side dish truly shines with almost any main course. It pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled chicken, pan-seared or baked fish (like salmon or cod), grilled steak, or even as a flavorful component in a hearty breakfast alongside scrambled eggs. It’s also substantial enough to be enjoyed as a light and satisfying lunch on its own, or as a vibrant addition to a grain or salad bowl.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes.

Notes

If you’re looking for another equally delightful recipe featuring roasted broccoli with crispy, savory pork, be sure to try our incredibly popular Roasted Broccoli and Bacon dish!