Great Veggie Roast-Off: Flavor & Easy Cleanup

Roasted vegetables are the unsung heroes of the dinner table—simple, versatile, and utterly delicious. With just a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of seasoning, humble veggies transform into crispy, caramelized bites of magic. Best of all? Cleanup is a breeze compared to the hassle of scrubbing an air fryer basket. If you’ve only been steaming or air frying your produce, it’s time to experience the roasting revolution!

I first got into roasting veggies about 10 years ago, and now it’s a go-to method for just about everything from carrots to cabbage. Want inspiration? Just Google “roasted” with any veggie—like “roasted cabbage”—and you’ll discover endless recipes.

One standout is Erin Clarke’s Roasted Cabbage Steaks from Well Plated. Prior I wasn’t a cabbage fan until this recipe won me over. Erin recommends finishing the cabbage with nuts and parmesan cheese—trust me, it’s a game-changer. Bonus: cabbage is budget-friendly and lasts weeks in the fridge.

Another favorite? Roasted Carrots. Ina Garten keeps it simple with minimal prep, while Sammi Brondo’s Crispy Carrot Fries add a fun twist.

And then there are Brussels sprouts. Roasting them with bacon completely changed my mind about these little guys. Erin Clarke’s Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are irresistible—hello, bacon and maple syrup magic!

Of course, Roasted Potatoes never go out of style. Holly Nilsson from Spend with Pennies shares a straightforward recipe with plenty of herb options to suit your taste.

Cauliflower? Yes, please. Natasha from Natasha’s Kitchen, featuring Valentina Ablaev’s Roasted Cauliflower recipe, recommends a parmesan finish that elevates the humble florets to something spectacular.

The beauty of roasting is that the method stays the same: toss your cut-up veggies in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, spices, or herbs, and roast to perfection. Cleanup couldn’t be easier—just line a sheet pan with parchment or foil, and you’re good to go. And while air fryers are trendy, I find roasted vegetables have a deeper, more satisfying flavor.

All you need is a trusty sheet pan. Here’s my favorite:

 Roasting vegetables is the culinary glow-up your meals deserve—easy, tasty, and endlessly adaptable. So, what’s your favorite veggie to roast? Or is there one you’re daring enough to try next? Share your roasting adventures—I can’t wait to hear your veggie success stories!