Name: Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American

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If you’re searching for a veggie side dish that’s fun, flavorful, and completely addictive, you have to try this Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe! The process transforms broccoli into crispy, golden bites with soft centers and a savory, cheesy finish. It’s the dish you’ll want to make on repeat—whether you’re aiming for a healthy family dinner or entertaining guests who never thought broccoli could taste this good.

Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to accentuate the natural flavor and texture of broccoli, with a couple of flavor boosters to take it over the top. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own irresistible batch:

Broccoli florets (1 ½ pounds): Look for fresh, firm broccoli—this is the star of the dish, providing both the crunch and that vibrant green color.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for roasting, olive oil helps the broccoli get deliciously crisp and delivers a subtle richness.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Just enough garlic flavor to enhance the broccoli without overpowering it—trust me, it’s the secret weapon.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the flavors and makes each bite sing.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a gentle note of heat and complexity.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, salty layer of flavor that melts beautifully onto the crispy broccoli.
Lemon wedges for serving (optional): A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens up everything—don’t skip it if you love a zesty finish!

How to Make Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Blanch the Broccoli

Start by preheating your oven to a blazing 425°F (220°C). While it warms up, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your broccoli florets and blanch them for 2–3 minutes—just until they’re bright green and slightly tender. This quick bath preps the broccoli for its crispy oven transformation and sets that gorgeous color.

Step 2: Stop the Cooking and Dry

When the timer goes off, scoop out the broccoli and immediately plunge it into an ice bath. The chilly water halts the cooking, keeping the florets from turning mushy and locking in their vibrant hue. Drain them well and pat gently with paper towels, making sure they’re as dry as possible. Dry florets mean maximum crispiness later on!

Step 3: Smash and Arrange

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then lay out the broccoli florets in a single layer. Time for the fun part: grab the bottom of a sturdy glass and press down on each floret until it’s flattened but still holds together. This smashing step increases the surface area so every bite gets those crazy-good crispy edges.

Step 4: Season and Oil

Next, drizzle the flattened broccoli with olive oil, making sure each floret gets a light coating. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings will cling to the broccoli and infuse every bite with depth and just the right amount of savory punch.

Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping the broccoli halfway through (use a spatula and be gentle!). You’re looking for golden, crispy edges but a soft, tender interior. In the last 5 minutes, scatter the Parmesan cheese over the florets so it melts and forms a delectable crust. Let that aroma hit you—it’s the sign that your Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe is almost ready.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once everything is crisped up and the cheese is gorgeous and golden, take the pan out of the oven. Serve these irresistible bites immediately, with fresh lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves a burst of brightness on their veggies.

How to Serve Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe with a scattering of extra Parmesan, maybe a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a squeeze of lemon right before serving. The fresh herbs add a pop of color while the lemon juice cuts through the richness, making each bite feel balanced and lively.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with so many mains: serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty grain salad. For a vegetarian meal, it’s fantastic with risotto or piled on top of creamy polenta. The crispy-cheesy vibes might even convert the broccoli skeptics at your table!

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe family-style on a big platter, or get playful by stacking them in neat rows for a modern presentation. If you’re hosting, consider threading the smashed florets onto skewers or adding a drizzle of flavored olive oil to make them an elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that’s a big “if!”), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The broccoli will lose a little crispiness, but the flavors will deepen as they meld together over time.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe, the texture won’t be quite as snappy after thawing and reheating. If you do freeze it, lay the florets in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring back some of that original crisp, reheat the broccoli in a hot oven (about 400°F) for 7-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the edges regain a bit of crunch. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it tends to make the broccoli soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can use frozen broccoli in a pinch, but fresh works best for this Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe. Frozen tends to release more moisture, which can affect the crispiness, but just be sure to thaw and dry the florets thoroughly before proceeding.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for Parmesan?

Absolutely! Nutritional yeast is a fantastic alternative. It offers a cheesy, umami flavor and is completely dairy-free, making the Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe suitable for more dietary needs.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

You sure can. You can blanch, smash, and season the broccoli a few hours ahead, then pop it in the oven to roast just before serving. Wait to add the Parmesan until the final few minutes in the oven for the freshest flavor and texture.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes onto the broccoli along with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a hint of smoked paprika for extra warmth and color.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely—cauliflower works especially well, or try adding a few carrot coins to the mix (blanching them along with the broccoli). Just follow the same smashing and roasting process for unique flavor twists while still enjoying the essence of the Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe a spot in your kitchen rotation. It’s endlessly satisfying with its crispy, cheesy goodness and so simple to pull off. Go ahead, share it with friends and family—you might just find yourself making a double batch next time!

Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

A delightful recipe for Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan that combines the freshness of broccoli with the savory richness of Parmesan cheese. This dish offers a crispy texture with a hint of garlic and a touch of citrus from optional lemon wedges.

Ingredients

Fresh Broccoli Florets:

1 ½ pounds

Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons

Garlic Powder:

½ teaspoon

Salt:

½ teaspoon

Black Pepper:

¼ teaspoon

Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated):

½ cup

Lemon Wedges (for serving, optional):

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Blanch Broccoli: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add broccoli and blanch for 2–3 minutes until tender. Transfer to an ice bath, then dry.
Prepare Broccoli: Place broccoli on a baking sheet, flatten each floret with a glass, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Roast: Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Sprinkle with Parmesan in the last 5 minutes.
Serve: Serve warm with optional lemon wedges.