Smashed Broccoli Recipe
Smashed Broccoli is a deliciously crispy and flavorful side dish that combines tender broccoli florets with a golden Parmesan crust. This easy-to-make recipe involves boiling the broccoli just until tender, smashing it flat, then baking it with olive oil, garlic, and spices until crispy and golden. A perfect healthy and comforting accompaniment to any meal, optionally finished with a hint of lemon for a fresh zing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli and Seasoning
- 16 ounces broccoli florets
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Boil broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add kosher salt to taste. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Smash broccoli: Pat the cooked broccoli dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange the florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down each floret until it’s flattened to about 1/2 inch thick. This increases surface area for crispiness.
- Season and bake: Drizzle the smashed broccoli evenly with extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with additional kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Top each floret with grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and crisped around the edges.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and optionally finish with fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve warm as a savory side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the broccoli very dry before baking to help it crisp up nicely.
- Adjust the baking time based on your oven; watch for golden cheese edges to avoid burning.
- Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but are optional for milder flavor.
- Lemon juice or zest adds freshness and complements the savory Parmesan.
- Use a sturdy glass or flat-bottomed object to flatten the broccoli evenly.
Keywords: smashed broccoli, baked broccoli, crispy broccoli, Parmesan broccoli, healthy side dish, vegetarian side
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/smashed-broccoli-recipe/
