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Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Recipe

4.4 from 139 reviews

Smashed Broccoli Parmesan is a delicious and easy side dish featuring broccoli florets that are boiled, smashed, seasoned with garlic, onion powder, Italian herbs, and olive oil, then topped with parmesan cheese and roasted to crispy perfection. This recipe offers a flavorful way to enjoy broccoli with a cheesy, savory twist.

Ingredients

Scale

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 the Oven: Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for roasting the broccoli.
  2. Prepare the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli heads into individual florets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook them for 3-5 minutes. After boiling, drain and immediately run the florets under cold water to halt the cooking process. Pat the broccoli dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
  3. Make the Olive Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to blend all the flavors together.
  4. Smash the Broccoli Florets: Place the broccoli florets on a well-greased large baking sheet, spreading them out evenly. Using a glass jar or another heavy object, gently smash each floret until it is flattened but not fully crushed.
  5. Season and Add Cheese: Drizzle or brush the prepared olive oil mixture over each smashed floret. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Roast the Broccoli: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the broccoli for 30-35 minutes, or until the parmesan cheese is melted and the broccoli edges are crisped to your liking.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm as a delicious and nutritious side dish.

Notes

  • Make sure to dry the broccoli thoroughly after boiling to ensure it crisps up nicely during roasting.
  • You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
  • Use kosher salt or sea salt for better seasoning.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled meats or pasta.

Keywords: broccoli recipe, smashed broccoli, parmesan broccoli, roasted broccoli, healthy side dish, vegetarian, easy broccoli recipe