Smashed Broccoli

This Smashed Broccoli is going to be your new favorite way to eat broccoli. They’re seasoned with a lemon, garlic and chili dressing, then topped with parmesan cheese which becomes crispy on the edges and sooo delicious!

If you’re looking for a new way to eat broccoli, this is the dish for you! No more bland, boring broccoli when you can have these beautifully crisp and roasted broccoli florets which are packed with flavor! They’re so yummy and fun to make, even kids are going to be asking for seconds! The concept in making them is similar to smashed potatoes, which are always a hit at any gathering. 

Here, the smashed broccoli florets are lightly boiled, then smashed and dressed with a zesty lemon, garlic, olive oil and red pepper flake dressing. The magic happens though when they're sprinkled with parmesan cheese and roasted…YUM! The flavors just work so well together and the texture becomes tender yet with a light crisp. You can serve them as a side dish at your weekly sunday roast dinner or at Thanksgiving and Christmas. You’ll be the star at the table!

Well if I must say, parmesan makes all veggies taste better right hehe 😛. These crispy parmesan carrots and parmesan crusted potatoes are proof and are a must try!

Broccoli are a superfood veggie full of nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Personally I love broccoli and add it to so many dishes. Some of my faves are when making broccoli pasta which is a wonderful easy weeknight dish, along with stir frys, curries and soups such as my thai red curry soup.

Table of Contents

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to make Smashed Broccoli
• Tips and Tricks
• Storage Instructions
• FAQs
• More Vegetable Sides
• Recipe
• Comments

Why you'll love this recipe

1. Quick and easy: Crazy easy to make with minimal ingredients and steps. Trust me, anyone can make them! 
2. Delicious! The combination of parmesan cheese, lemon, red pepper flakes and garlic creates a delicious and satisfying side dish that will be a hit
3. Healthy and nutritious: Broccoli is a superfood vegetable and a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber and can now taste even better
4. Fun and new: A great new way to eat broccoli and eat more veggies. Even picky eaters and kids will be asking for more

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Broccoli are of course the star!! Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture but frozen broccoli can also be used if they're not in season 
• Parmesan cheese aka parmigiano reggiano, adds saltiness, more flavor and a little crisp to the edges when roasted. Grana padano also works well, or you can use a vegan parmesan to keep it vegan
• Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest brings freshness and a little tang and citrus
• Garlic is the perfect touch when it comes to any marinade! Fresh garlic is always my preference rather than garlic powder
• Extra virgin olive oil is always my go-to as you all know for most of my cooking. If you prefer butter that's totally fine too
• Red pepper flakes are optional, but they do add a touch of spice to the broccoli. Chili powder or even aleppo pepper would be great too. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to use more than I have in this recipe

How to make Smashed Broccoli

You can whip up this crispy cheesy smashed broccoli in no time and impress everyone! Follow the simple steps below

Prepare Ingredients

1. Cut the broccoli into similar sized florets.  I also cut the stem in circles so there’s no wastage 
2. Boil broccoli in salted water for 3-5 minutes (until fork tender)
3. Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Make the marinade with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Whisk!
4. Drain broccoli through a colander and run under cold water, or place in an ice bath to stop it cooking 

Make Smashed Broccoli

1. Pat dry broccoli using paper towels and place with spaces between them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper
2. Use a glass and gently press down on each floret to smash them
3. Brush the marinade on all the broccoli florets
4. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and sizzling. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

1. Cut the broccoli florets in a similar sizes so they cook evenly 
2. Don't over cook the broccoli when boiling or they will become mushy. They should be fork tender however still with some bite to them
3. Ensure to pat dry the broccoli to remove the extra moisture for the perfect crisp
4. Be gentle when smashing the broccoli so they stay in tact, you don’t want them to fall apart. You can use a glass, bottom of a mason jar or even a small bowl
5. Place the broccoli in an even layer, this allows for even heat distribution and will give you the crispy edges 

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
• To reheat the smashed broccoli, simply place them on a baking tray and put in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through
• I wouldn't recommend freezing this recipe as the texture wont be the best when thawed and reheating

FAQs

More Vegetable Sides

• Crispy Parmesan Carrots
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Cauliflower Steaks
• Baked Sweet Potato Slices
• Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• Crispy Roasted Potatoes
• Sumac Onions

I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Smashed Broccoli photo on Instagram so I can share the love!

Recipe