Smashed Broccoli with parmesan 

Craving for a crisp, cheesy veggie nibble you can fix in a jiffy?

These smashed broccoli with shredded parmesan bites are calling your name! We start by roasting broccoli florets until lightly browned and sweet as candy.

Then each little tree gets a good smash with a sturdy cup to flatten it out.

This gives more space for the broccoli to get ultra-crispy when we bake it! Next, we blanket the smashed broccoli trees with melty, tasty Parmesan cheese.

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We bake until the cheese bubbles up like tiny melty clouds and starts to turn brown at the edges.

The heat transforms the cheese into a crispy, golden crown atop each tender broccoli tree. Finally, a bright squeeze of lemon ties all the flavors together for a yummy symphony in your mouth!

Why Broccoli Chips A Go-To?

Beyond being tasty, this recipe sneaks extra veggies into meals without fuss. The hands-on time is only 10 minutes. Just coat the broccoli in oil and spices before roasting. Then flatten, cover in cheese, and bake until the cheese melts with crispy edges. drizzle on some red pepper flakes if you like a little kick! These fun broccoli chips pair great with meat, fish, or even as party finger foods. However you nibble them, these crispy, cheesy broccoli nuggets will soon be your new fave!

 

The 6 Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Smashed Broccoli Recipe

Broccoli florets - The star ingredient! Fresh broccoli chopped into bite-sized florets provides the base and the main source of flavor and nutrition.

Extra virgin olive oil - Drizzled over the broccoli before roasting, the oil helps the florets brown while keeping them moist and tender on the inside.

Garlic powder - This seasoning boosts the savory flavor of the broccoli when roasted.

Onion powder - Like garlic powder, onion powder enhances the natural flavor of the broccoli and adds more depth.

Parmesan cheese - Finely grated Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor and it bakes up crispy and golden brown to give the broccoli a delicious crunchy coating.

Lemon juice - Bright, tart lemon juice balances out the other flavors and makes everything taste fresher. It takes the recipe to another level!

 

Can I Use Another Cheese Than Parmesan?

Yes, you can use other cheeses instead of Parmesan in this smashed broccoli recipe.  some good alternatives would be:

• Pecorino Romano (another Italian sheep's milk cheese)
• Asiago (an Italian cow's milk cheese that is tangy when aged)
• Manchego (a Spanish sheep's milk cheese with nutty notes)
• Aged/Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Aged Gouda Cheese

 

How To Make This Recipe :

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cut broccoli florets, trimming stems to keep florets intact. Florets should be about 2-3 inches wide.

Step 3: Place broccoli on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 4: Roast for 18-21 minutes until stems are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Remove the baking pan and smash each broccoli floret gently but firmly with the bottom of a sturdy glass. 

Step 6: Arrange smashed broccoli in an even layer on an oven tray. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).

 Step 7: Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and starting to brown.

Step 8: Remove from oven, drizzle with lemon juice, and serve immediately.

 

Top Tips :

• The key is to use a good quality hard cheese that can be finely grated to create a crispy coating on the broccoli when baked. Soft fresh cheeses won't provide the right texture.
• Toss some crushed red pepper flakes onto the cheese before baking if you like a little kick! The contrast of spicy and savory with the lemon zest sings.
• If you just can't get enough of that awesome crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or extra grated Parmesan over the baked broccoli right when it comes out of the oven for even more crispy, golden bits.
•  don't forget the fresh lemon juice right when they come out of the oven! The heat helps to bloom and brighten up those citrusy flavors.

 

 How to serve smashed broccoli :

Pair smashed broccoli as a side dish with chicken, fish, steak, or other meat entrées.

Smashed broccoli also works well as an appetizer or snack served on its own.

For parties or holidays, smashed broccoli makes a fun, unique finger food.

 

How To Store Them :

• Store uneaten broccoli florets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep them in a baking sheet lined with parchment or wrapped tightly in foil to retain crispiness.
• To reheat, place cold broccoli florets in a single layer on a fresh baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This revives the crunch to taste freshly baked!
•  When reheating, you can sprinkle a little shredded cheese over top. This brings back the melted, gooey cheese magic.
•  For a midnight snack, hardened leftovers still provide a nice crunch! Just be sure to refrigerate within 2 hours of baking.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe, just make sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.

Q: How do I achieve a crispy texture when making smashed broccoli?

To achieve a crispy texture when making smashed broccoli, make sure to bake it at a high temperature and use a bit of olive oil.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! Roast and smash the broccoli up to 3 days in advance. Store covered in the fridge before baking with Parmesan cheese.