Crispy Parmesan Smashed Broccoli

Name: Crispy Parmesan Smashed Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 bunch broccoli, about 1 ½ pounds or 16 ounces broccoli florets; 1 ½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; ½ tsp fine salt, more to taste; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 2 oz finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¾ cup; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional, for a kick; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice, to taste

A delightful side dish where tender roasted broccoli is smashed and baked with Parmesan cheese until golden and crispy. Perfect as a snack or accompaniment.

Prep10 min
Cook25 min
Total35 min
DifficultyEasy
Servings4

Forget boring steamed broccoli! This recipe transforms humble florets into a crispy, cheesy delight. Roasting and then smashing the broccoli creates more surface area for delicious browning and allows the cheese to get wonderfully melty and crisp.

It's a fantastic way to get your greens in, offering a satisfying texture and savory flavor that even picky eaters will love. This dish is surprisingly easy to make and comes together quickly, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Servings 4

1 bunch broccoli, about 1 ½ pounds or 16 ounces broccoli florets
1 ½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp fine salt, more to taste
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¾ cup
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional, for a kick
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice, to taste

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a rack in the center of the oven. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Prepare the broccoli by cutting the florets into large pieces, approximately 2 to 3 inches wide and no more than 1 inch thick. You can include some of the tender stem. Halve any very large florets to ensure even cooking.
Arrange the broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with fine salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss gently to coat everything. Spread the broccoli in a single layer.
Roast for 18 to 21 minutes, or until the stems are easily pierced with a fork. Carefully transfer the hot baking sheet to a heatproof surface. Using the bottom of a sturdy jar or glass, gently smash each broccoli floret until the stem starts to splay out. Slide the jar forward to release the floret.
Once all florets are smashed, arrange them back onto the baking sheet in an even layer. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli, aiming to center it on each piece. Add red pepper flakes, if using, and a few grinds of black pepper.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and beginning to turn golden brown around the edges. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and serve immediately while warm.

💡 Tips

Parchment paper is highly recommended to prevent the cheese from sticking to the baking sheet.
Ensure the broccoli is relatively dry after washing for better roasting results.
Don't smash the broccoli too thin; you want it to retain some structure.

#Mediterranean #Easy #Cheese #Oven-baked

Inspired by a recipe from Cookie and Kate

Crispy Parmesan Smashed Broccoli

Ingredients

Method

💡 Tips

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