Easy Roasted Breadfruit Recipe – Crispy Outside, Soft Inside

Easy Roasted Breadfruit recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin with a soft, fluffy interior, ideal as a savory side dish or a hearty vegan main.

Breadfruit is a tropical superfood rich in fiber and nutrients, with a potato-like texture that makes it incredibly versatile.

Serve it with a dip like garlic aioli, use it in tacos, or pair it with grilled fish or jerk chicken for a Caribbean-inspired meal.

A whole roasted breadfruit and a halved portion on a plate, showing its golden, soft interior with charred edges, next to a glass of olive oil

Roasted Breadfruit Recipe

This Easy Roasted Breadfruit recipe delivers a beautifully crispy skin with a fluffy, tender interior that’s both satisfying and versatile. Breadfruit, a tropical superfood, boasts a potato-like texture and is rich in fiber and nutrients—making it a stellar choice for a hearty vegan main or a savory side.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Caribbean, Tropical, Vegan
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium breadfruit about 2–3 lbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor Optional

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking sheet or roasting pan
  • Fork or skewer for doneness check
  • Oven or grill as an alternative
  • Parchment paper or foil optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    Prep the Breadfruit: Wash the breadfruit thoroughly. Cut off the stem and score an “X” at the bottom to help with steam release. You can leave the skin on for roasting.
    Close-up of a whole green breadfruit with deep cuts made into its surface, placed on a wooden cutting board beside a kitchen knife
  2. Roasting: Place the whole breadfruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Roast for 60–75 minutes, flipping once halfway through. It’s done when the skin is charred and a skewer inserts easily into the flesh.
    Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes—enough to handle comfortably.
    Close-up of a whole roasted breadfruit with blackened, charred skin and steam rising, resting on parchment paper
  3. Peel and Slice: Slice the breadfruit in half, remove the core, and peel off the skin. Cut the flesh into wedges or cubes.
    Crisp It Up (Optional): For extra crispiness, toss the slices in olive oil, salt, and optional seasonings, then broil for 5–7 minutes or pan-fry in a skillet until golden and crispy on the outside.
    Close-up of peeled roasted breadfruit sliced into golden rings and chunks on a plate with tropical garnishes

Video

Notes

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 220
Carbohydrates 48g
Protein 2g
Fat 4g
Serving Size ~200g
Saturated Fat 0.6g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.5g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 250mg
Potassium 490mg
Fiber 4g
Sugar 3g
Vitamin A 40 IU
Vitamin C 29mg
Calcium 30mg
Iron 1.2mg

Cooking Tips

  • For deeper flavor, marinate cut breadfruit pieces in seasoned oil before the final crisping stage.
  • If you're short on time, microwave the breadfruit for 10–15 minutes before roasting to reduce oven time.
  • Breadfruit can also be roasted over an open flame or grill for a smoky flavor.
  • Choose breadfruit that is firm and slightly green with minimal brown spots for best texture.

Ingredient Alternatives & Flavor Variations

Breadfruit is the star of this dish, but if it’s not available in your area, you can substitute it with starchy vegetables like:

These alternatives have similar textures when roasted, crispy on the outside and tender inside, and they pair well with the same seasonings.

Green bananas, though firmer and less sweet than ripe ones, also make a great alternative and are often used in Caribbean cooking.

For seasoning variations, you can swap out olive oil for coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor. Instead of classic sea salt and pepper, try spice blends like Jamaican jerk seasoning, curry powder, or smoked paprika to give your roasted breadfruit a bolder, more aromatic twist.

Garlic lovers can add minced garlic or garlic-infused oil, while chili flakes or cayenne pepper offer a nice spicy kick. For a fresh finish, drizzle with lime juice or sprinkle with chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme just before serving.

And to finish off this meal, treat yourself to some homemade corn pudding, a delightful mix of sweet and savory that’s sure to leave you smiling.

Summary

Roasted breadfruit delivers a satisfying mix of crispiness and tenderness that fits beautifully into a variety of meals.

Its mild flavor makes it easy to pair with bold spices, fresh herbs, and savory dips, giving you plenty of ways to keep things interesting in the kitchen.

Breadfruit is also a smart, nourishing option for those looking to expand their plant-based choices.

Easy to prepare and highly adaptable, it brings both comfort and versatility to your table, making it a practical favorite for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.