Smashed broccoli is a delicious and different way to enjoy this vegetable. Smashed, seasoned then covered in nutty parmesan cheese it’s sinfully good.
Looking for a delicious way to enjoy broccoli? Look no further than this recipe for smashed broccoli! This innovative take on a classic vegetable will have you begging for seconds.
The tender broccoli florets are seasoned to perfection, then smashed and topped with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The result is a crispy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful side dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or for one, smashed broccoli is sure to be a hit.
How To Make Smashed Broccoli
Ingredients needed
- Broccoli florets
- Shredded parmesan
- Seasonings
Important must-know tips for the recipe
- Do not overcook the broccoli. You want the broccoli to still be a little raw so that when you smash it, you get some resistance. If it’s overcook, it’ll be mushy.
- Choose your own crowns. You can buy cut broccoli florets but for smashed broccoli the larger florets are the best. Plus, in the boiling process they all cook at the same rate.
- The breadcrumbs in the photos are completely optional. Mix a little melted butter with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle. The amount needed is so small I can’t provide proper measurements.
Making the smashed broccoli recipe
- To start, cut the broccoli from the crowns. You can use all the florets but I recommend cutting them into larger pieces or bundles of florets as in the photos.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, toss in the broccoli and turn the stove off. Allow them to blanch in the water for 5 minutes and no more.
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Grease a sheet pan then place the broccoli on the sheet pan. Using the back of a cup or glass, firmly press down on the broccoli to smash it. Start out with light pressure to then slowly increase until the broccoli is smashed.
- Season the broccoli then sprinkle the parmesan cheese across the tops.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes then remove. Serve the smashed broccoli shortly after because they will cool quickly.
What to serve with smashed broccoli
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Smashed Broccoli
Smashed broccoli is a delicious and different way to enjoy this vegetable. Smashed, seasoned then covered in nutty parmesan cheese it's sinfully good.
Equipment
- Sheet pan
Ingredients
- 3 crowns broccoli, cut
- salt & pepper to taste
- garlic powder to taste
- shredded parmesan to taste
Instructions
- To start, cut the broccoli from the crowns. You can use all the florets but I recommend cutting them into larger pieces or bundles of florets as in the photos.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, toss in the broccoli and turn the stove off. Allow them to blanch in the water for 5 minutes and no more.
- Preheat the oven to 400℉.
- Grease a sheet pan then place the broccoli on the sheet pan. Using the back of a cup or glass, firmly press down on the broccoli to smash it. Start out with light pressure to then slowly increase until the broccoli is smashed.
- Season the broccoli then sprinkle the parmesan cheese across the tops.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes then remove. Serve the smashed broccoli shortly after because they will cool quickly.
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