Smashed Broccoli

Smashed Broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that features tender broccoli, lightly smashed, seasoned to perfection, and topped with cheese.

Get ready to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary with Smashed Broccoli! This dish transforms the familiar broccoli floret into a crispy, cheesy delight that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Think of this: each piece of broccoli, smashed flat and baked until the edges are irresistibly crispy, and the parmesan cheese forms a golden, flavorful crust. It’s a simple side that packs a punch of texture and taste, making it perfect for shaking up your veggie routine.

Smashed Broccoli is a new favorite way to enjoy a well-loved vegetable. With its crispy edges and cheesy topping, it’s sure to convert even the staunchest broccoli haters into fans.

I use it as a simple way to get my kids to eat broccoli! In fact, they’ll eat all the broccoli I give them with this recipe. It’s just plain tasty.

This dish proves that sometimes, smashing things can be very, very good—especially when it comes to making dinner both fun and delicious. So grab a mason jar, and let’s get smashing!

Common Questions About Smashed Broccoli

Can I make smashed broccoli in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Preparing smashed broccoli in an air fryer is a great way to achieve an extra crispy texture.

Just arrange the smashed florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at a high temperature until they’re golden brown and delicious.

What’s the best way to ensure my smashed broccoli gets crispy?

The key to crispy smashed broccoli is making sure there’s enough surface area on each floret to touch the hot pan.

Use a heavy glass or the bottom of a mason jar to press down the broccoli firmly and create a thin, even layer. This allows the edges to get nice and crispy in the oven.

Can I add other flavors to my smashed broccoli?

Yes, you can spice up your smashed broccoli with various seasonings. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes can give a nice kick.

For a zesty twist, a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving enhances the fresh, vibrant flavor of the broccoli. I’ve also got a few more ideas for variations down below!

Storage

You can get a good level of crispiness back the next day if you toss this into the oven or air fryer. It makes great leftovers!

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 2 days, but for best texture, enjoy them fresh.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the broccoli and parmesan might become soggy when reheated.

Tips

The parmesan cheese adds so much flavor to this broccoli dish. It’s got the perfect amount of saltiness to really pack a punch.

• Blanching is Key: Blanch the broccoli florets briefly before smashing them to ensure they cook evenly and maintain a vibrant color.
• Dry Thoroughly: After blanching, dry the broccoli thoroughly with tea towels or paper towels to remove extra moisture that could prevent crisping.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the smashed broccoli in an even layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure each piece crisps up perfectly.

Ingredients

It doesn’t get much more simple than this! Three easy ingredients to turn regular old broccoli into something amazing.

• Broccoli
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon pepper seasoning

How to Make Smashed Broccoli

Don’t worry, this is all very simple. Cook the broccoli, and smash it into some parmesan. Sprinkle seasoning and bake. Boom!

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside. 
3. In a large stock pot, bring the water to a boil. 
4. Trim the broccoli into bite-sized florets.  Add them to the boiling water.  
5. Cook the broccoli for about 3-5 minutes or until bright green.  Drain. 
6. Measure about 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan and form mounds on the parchment, keeping about 3 inches around each mound.  
7. Place a single broccoli floret on top of each parmesan mound. 
8. Using the bottom of a drinking glass, or similar, smash the broccoli until it’s about ½ of an inch thick.  
9. Sprinkle with the lemon pepper seasoning.  
10. Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is browned and crispy.  
11. Serve fresh.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need

Have you ever had real parmigiano reggiano? It’s a thing to behold! Try it out and level up your broccoli game even more.

• Large pot
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Drinking glass or mason jar for smashing
• Colander
• Mixing bowl

What to Serve With Smashed Broccoli

Smashed Broccoli, with its crispy edges and rich parmesan flavors, complements almost any main dish beautifully. From succulent grilled chicken to delicate fish fillets, it’s just plain tasty.

This versatile veggie side dish can also elevate salads and grain bowls, adding a delightful crispy bite and cheesy goodness that appeals to the whole family.

Consider pairing it with smashed carrots for a duo of deliciously crispy veggie dishes. The combination of the two brings out the best in simple ingredients, making your meal vibrant and satisfying.

Whether you are serving it as part of a larger feast or enjoying it with a modest grain bowl, Smashed Broccoli adds a new way to savor the flavors you love.

Why You Should Make Smashed Broccoli

What better way is there to include the green stuff in your diet? Broccoli is so good for you and this recipe makes me want to eat all of it!

• Healthful Snacking: A fantastic way to enjoy your greens with a fun twist.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy evenings.
• Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the crispy texture and cheesy flavor.

Variations and Add-Ins for Smashed Broccoli

A great recipe can always be changed up. Let me know in the comments if any of these appeal to you. Send some pics of your dish via social media!

• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like sharp cheddar or asiago for a new flavor profile.
• Spicy Broccoli: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes before baking for a bit of heat.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra layer of flavor.

If you love this easy side dish recipe, you’re going to love these other awesome sides too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Broccoli Recipes

Broccoli & Pasta

Broccoli Salad Recipe with Dried Cherries

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Rice

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