8 Ways to Make Roasted Vegetables Taste Even Better

Roasting vegetables typically involves basic seasonings like oil, salt, and pepper. However, you can easily enhance the flavor and make them more exciting. Here are some effective methods.

Use a Flavored Oil

Instead of regular olive oil, opt for flavored oils such as garlic-infused, nut oil, or coconut oil. These alternatives introduce an additional dimension of flavor. After roasting, a drizzle of roasted sesame oil can elevate the dish's taste just before serving.

Toss with Citrus

Citrus fruits significantly enhance the toasty flavors of roasted vegetables. Incorporate lime, lemon, or orange zest and juice. To experience maximum citrus potency, add it only after the vegetables have roasted. You may also roast vegetables with citrus slices to intensify the flavor.

Add Some Cheese

Cheese enhances many dishes, including roasted vegetables. Before serving, toss with finely grated Parmesan and place under the broiler for a minute to melt. Alternatively, consider crumbling salty feta or tangy goat cheese over the hot vegetables for extra flavor.

Raid the Spice Cabinet

Roasted vegetables provide a great opportunity to experiment with spices. Use leftover blends like garam masala, za’atar, or Ras el Hanout, sprinkled on the veggies before roasting. This approach provides a minimum-effort way to introduce bold new flavors.

Toss with Mustard

Mustard brings a fantastic balance of sharpness and acidity to many vegetables. Mix vegetables with a spoonful of creamy Dijon or honey mustard alongside olive oil. Including whole-grain mustard adds texture and enhances the overall flavor experience.

Add a Glaze

Introduce sweetness before roasting by using honey or maple syrup, allowing sugars to caramelize into a shiny glaze. This technique works well with earthy vegetables like turnips and Brussels sprouts. You can even prepare a glaze on the stovetop while the vegetables roast, then toss to combine afterward.

Roast with Bacon

Bacon adds decadence and robust flavor. Chop bacon, mix it with the vegetables, and roast together for smoky, salty goodness. The bacon fat encourages browning, creating crispy bits to enjoy. Alternatively, use bacon fat in place of oil for coating prior to roasting.

Drizzle with Dressings

Salad dressings aren't just for salads; they can elevate roasted vegetables too. Drizzle a favorite dressing over the warm vegetables to impart additional flavor, encouraging the heat to deepen the taste.

Earlier, SSP told how to store spices for maximum freshness and flavor.