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Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe

4.5 from 73 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the broccoli.
  2. 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.
  3. Make Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to blend all flavors.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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