Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
Smashed Broccoli Parmesan is a delicious way to enjoy broccoli with a crispy, cheesy twist. This easy recipe combines tender roasted broccoli with savory parmesan and a flavorful seasoning blend. It makes a perfect side dish or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 heads of broccoli
- 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Cut the broccoli crowns into individual florets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the florets, and cook for 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry thoroughly.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 4: Place the broccoli florets on a greased large baking sheet, spreading them out evenly. Smash each floret flat using a glass jar or heavy object.
- Step 5: Drizzle the olive oil mixture over each smashed floret. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Step 6: Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts and the broccoli edges become crisp.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven, serve warm, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a richer flavor and better melting quality.
- Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccoli just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Fresh broccoli works best because it holds up well when smashed and roasted. If using frozen, thaw and dry thoroughly before proceeding, but the texture may be softer.
What can I use to smash the broccoli if I don’t have a glass jar?
A heavy pan, meat mallet, or the bottom of a small pot can work well to flatten the florets evenly.
PrintSmashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe
This Smashed Broccoli Parmesan recipe delivers a crispy, cheesy twist on a classic vegetable side dish. Blanched broccoli florets are smashed flat, seasoned with a savory garlic and Italian herb olive oil mix, and topped generously with shredded Parmesan cheese before roasting to golden perfection. It’s an easy, flavorful way to elevate broccoli that pairs well with a variety of meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 2 heads of broccoli
Seasoning and Toppings
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the broccoli.
- Prepare Broccoli: Cut the broccoli heads into individual florets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and immediately run under cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry thoroughly to ensure roasting crispiness.
- Make Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Smash Broccoli: Arrange the broccoli florets on a greased large baking sheet. Using a glass jar or another heavy object, smash each floret until flattened but still holding together.
- Season and Top: Drizzle the olive oil seasoning mixture evenly over the smashed broccoli. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese generously on top, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and the broccoli edges are crisped to your liking.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately as a delicious, crispy side dish.
Notes
- Patting the broccoli dry after blanching is essential for crispy results when roasting.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add minced fresh garlic along with the powders.
- Use a sturdy glass jar or heavy pan bottom to smash the florets evenly.
- Feel free to substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheesy flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: smashed broccoli, parmesan broccoli, roasted broccoli, crispy broccoli, easy vegetable side, Italian side dish
