Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Smashed Broccoli Parmesan is a flavorful and easy way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. Roasting the broccoli with parmesan and seasonings creates a crispy, savory side dish that’s 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Cut the broccoli crowns into individual florets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry thoroughly.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Step 4: Arrange the broccoli florets on a well-greased large baking sheet. Using a glass jar or another heavy object, gently smash each floret until it flattens slightly.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the olive oil mixture evenly over the smashed broccoli. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top, then season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
6. Step 6: Roast in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the broccoli edges are crisp.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch closely to prevent burning.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Substitute parmesan with pecorino or asiago cheese for a different flavor twist.
• Use fresh garlic minced instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor.

Storage

Store leftover smashed broccoli parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the broccoli soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Frozen broccoli tends to release more moisture, which can make the dish soggy. Fresh broccoli is best for smashing and roasting to get the perfect crispy texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the broccoli and seasoning mixture ahead and store it refrigerated for a day, but it’s best to roast right before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.

Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Smashed Broccoli Parmesan features tender broccoli florets smashed flat, seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, then topped with shredded parmesan cheese and roasted to crispy perfection. This simple roasted vegetable side dish is perfect for weeknights or elegant dinners.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the broccoli.
2. Prepare Broccoli: Cut the broccoli crowns into individual florets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and immediately run the broccoli under cold water to stop cooking. Pat thoroughly dry to remove excess moisture.
3. Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning oil.
4. Smash the Broccoli: Grease a large baking sheet thoroughly. Spread the broccoli florets evenly on the sheet. Using a glass jar or another heavy object, gently press down on each floret until it is flattened or smashed.
5. Season and Top: Drizzle or brush the seasoned olive oil mixture over each smashed broccoli floret. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese generously on top. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the broccoli edges are crisped to your preference.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately as a savory side dish, enjoying the crisp texture and cheesy flavor.

Notes

• Make sure to thoroughly dry the broccoli after blanching to ensure crisp roasting.
• You can substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor, but adjust roasting time accordingly.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
• For extra crispness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of roasting if desired, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• This recipe pairs well with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or as a vegetarian main when served alongside grains.

Keywords: Smashed broccoli, parmesan broccoli, roasted broccoli, healthy side dish, vegetarian side