Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
Smashed Broccoli Parmesan is a delicious twist on classic roasted broccoli that’s crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This easy recipe transforms simple broccoli florets into a savory side dish perfect for any meal.
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, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
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, then pat dry thoroughly.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 4: Grease a large baking sheet. Spread the broccoli florets evenly and smash each floret flat using a glass jar or other heavy object.
- Step 5: Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the smashed florets. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Step 6: Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the broccoli is crisp to your liking.
- Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, cheesy smashed broccoli.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, flip the broccoli halfway through roasting.
- Substitute parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to change up the seasoning.
Storage
Store leftover smashed broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave briefly if preferred.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Fresh broccoli works best for smashing and roasting, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat it very dry before proceeding to avoid sogginess.
How do I know when the broccoli is done roasting?
The broccoli is ready when the edges are golden and crispy and the parmesan cheese has melted and slightly browned.
PrintSmashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe
Smashed Broccoli Parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make roasted vegetable dish featuring broccoli florets that are boiled, smashed flat, then topped with a flavorful olive oil and seasoning mixture, parmesan cheese, and roasted to crispy perfection. This simple yet flavorful recipe makes a perfect side dish or snack for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 2 heads of broccoli
Seasoning & 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 your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the broccoli.
- Prepare Broccoli: Cut the broccoli crowns into individual florets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Boil them for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and run under cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to blend the flavors.
- Smash Broccoli: Grease a large baking sheet thoroughly. Spread the broccoli florets evenly on the sheet and use a glass jar or another heavy object to carefully smash each floret until flattened to create more surface area for roasting.
- Season & Top: Drizzle the olive oil seasoning mixture over the smashed broccoli. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese over each floret and season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, and the broccoli edges are crisped nicely.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm as a flavorful, crunchy side dish or snack. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to pat the broccoli dry thoroughly after boiling to ensure it crisps up during roasting.
- You can substitute parmesan with a vegan cheese option to make this recipe vegan-friendly, though the diet in this recipe is vegetarian.
- The smashing step increases the surface area of the broccoli, helping it roast evenly and develop crispy edges.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings to taste, adding red pepper flakes for heat or lemon zest for brightness.
- This recipe pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian side.
Keywords: smashed broccoli, roasted broccoli, parmesan broccoli, vegetarian side dish, easy broccoli recipe, crispy roasted broccoli
