Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This Smashed Broccoli Parmesan recipe transforms simple broccoli into a crispy, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a golden parmesan crust and savory seasoning, it’s an easy way to elevate your vegetables.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the 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 3-5 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking, then pat dry thoroughly.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Place the broccoli florets on a generously greased large baking sheet, spreading them out evenly. Smash each floret using a glass jar or a heavy object until flattened.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the olive oil mixture over each smashed floret. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the broccoli is crisped to your liking.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven, serve warm, and enjoy your crispy, savory side dish!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the broccoli for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Swap parmesan for pecorino or asiago cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftover smashed broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes to restore 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?

Fresh broccoli works best because it holds its shape when smashed and roasted. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and may become mushy, but if using frozen, thaw and dry it thoroughly before cooking.

What can I use to smash the broccoli florets if I don’t have a glass jar?

You can use any heavy object with a flat bottom, such as a small skillet, a meat mallet, or the bottom of a heavy cup. Just press firmly to flatten the florets without breaking them into pieces.

Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe

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Smashed Broccoli Parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make roasted vegetable dish where broccoli florets are boiled briefly, smashed flat, seasoned with a flavorful olive oil mixture, topped with plenty of Parmesan cheese, and roasted until crispy and golden. Perfect as a savory side or healthy snack.

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

Ingredients

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Broccoli

• 2 heads of broccoli

Seasoning Mix

• 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

Topping

• 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the broccoli.
2. Boil and Blanch 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 under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat thoroughly dry.
3. Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to mix all the flavors evenly.
4. Arrange and Smash Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets on a thoroughly greased large baking sheet, spaced out. Using a glass jar or heavy object, smash each floret until flattened to maximize surface area for roasting.
5. Season and Top: Drizzle or brush the olive oil seasoning mixture over each smashed floret. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese evenly on top. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the broccoli edges are crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm as a flavorful side dish or healthy snack.

Notes

• Patting the broccoli dry thoroughly after blanching ensures it roasts crisply rather than steams.
• You can use fresh herbs along with Italian seasoning for added flavor.
• For a vegan version, substitute parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
• Use a glass jar or any sturdy, flat-bottomed heavy object for smashing the florets evenly.
• Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference to balance the savory flavors.

Keywords: smashed broccoli, roasted broccoli, parmesan broccoli, easy side dish, healthy snack, vegetable side, Italian seasoning, roasted vegetables