Smashed Broccoli Parmesan From Childhood Nemesis to Crunchy Delight

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stared at broccoli and thought, "Nah, not today"? Honestly, me too, until I discovered this Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Crispy broccoli recipe.

It's so good that even my broccoli-hating nephew begs for seconds.

Brief Overview

This dish hails from the internet, a modern marvel of culinary experimentation. It's an easy broccoli side dish , perfect for weeknights, and takes about 40 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe yields 4 servings of pure, cheesy bliss.

Main Benefits

Broccoli is packed with vitamins. This healthy broccoli snack is a surprisingly guilt-free way to get your greens. This recipe is special because it transforms something ordinary into something extraordinary.

All About that Broccoli Crush

We’re not talking mushy, steamed broccoli here. Forget everything you think you know about broccoli. This crispy parmesan broccoli recipe takes humble broccoli florets and turns them into something truly special.

Time to Get Smashed!

This is where the fun begins. You gently flatten each floret, creating more surface area for that delicious parmesan crust to get nice and crispy.

We are making Smashed broccoli appetizer. It's almost therapeutic.

Why This Recipe Rocks

Because it's easy! Seriously, even if you're a beginner cook, you can nail this. The oven does most of the work, and the results are phenomenal.

Plus, who can resist oven-baked broccoli with cheese ? Seriously?!

Ready to Get Started?

Next, we’ll go through the ingredients you’ll need to make this happen.

Smashed Broccoli Parmesan From Childhood Nemesis to Crunchy Delight Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of broccoli (or 2 small heads), cut into florets (approximately 500g/1.1 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5ml) (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (30g) (optional, for extra crunch – panko breadcrumbs work particularly well!)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
• Drain the broccoli in a colander. Let cool for a minute or two so you can handle it without burning yourself.
• Arrange the broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or jar, gently press down on each floret to flatten it slightly.
• Drizzle the smashed broccoli with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Top each piece with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
• Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
• Serve hot, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:120-150

Fat:8-10g

Fiber:3-4g

Recipe Info

Category:Appetizer

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Crispy Broccoli

Alright, so you wanna make the best Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Crispy Broccoli this side of the English Channel? Let’s get down to brass tacks.

Here’s what you need. Honestly, you probably have most of this in your kitchen already!

Main Ingredients: Your Broccoli Brigade

For this crispy parmesan broccoli recipe , we are going to use:

• 500g (or about 1.1 lbs ) of broccoli, which is 1 or 2 heads, florets are key.
• 30ml ( 2 tablespoons ) of good quality olive oil.
• Season it right with Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
• Spice it up with 2.5ml ( ½ teaspoon ) garlic powder, just optional really.
• Grate 25g ( ¼ cup ) of Parmesan cheese. The proper stuff, yeah? Not the powdery kind!
• Finally, 30g ( 2 tablespoons ) of breadcrumbs, for that extra crispy crunch. Panko is awesome here.

Quality check: Look for broccoli with tight, dark green florets. None of that yellowing business. The parmesan should smell nutty and sharp.

A good parmesan makes all the difference in this parmesan crusted broccoli dish.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

The essential combo? Salt, pepper, and garlic. This roasted broccoli parmesan loves a little heat too. Think a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling adventurous.

I find it really adds a good kick to this otherwise simple easy broccoli side dish .

Flavor enhancers? A little squeeze of lemon juice at the end is divine. It cuts through the richness of the cheese.

You know? For quick substitutions, a dash of onion powder can stand in for garlic powder, but try to avoid this for the garlic parmesan broccoli bites .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• A large pot for blanching that broccoli.
• A colander to drain it properly.
• A baking sheet, this is obvious.
• Parchment paper, because who likes cleaning up?
• And the star? A glass or jar with a flat bottom to smash those florets for that perfect smashed broccoli appetizer . A rolling pin could work too, but where's the fun in that?

The secret to amazing oven-baked broccoli with cheese is simple ingredients and the right tools.

I've had some cracking success with this healthy broccoli snack , and I'm sure you will too! Now, what's the best way to cook broccoli , you ask? Keep reading.

Cooking Method: Unleash Your Inner Chef with Smashed Broccoli Parmesan!

Honestly, who actually loves plain broccoli? Yeah, didn't think so. But what if I told you there's a way to transform this veggie into something you’ll crave? Let's make Smashed broccoli parmesan Crispy broccoli .

I'm talking about Crispy parmesan broccoli recipe that’ll blow your mind! Think of it as a Smashed broccoli appetizer - a crowd-pleaser for sure!

Prep Steps: Setting Yourself Up for Success

First, mise en place is key. Chop one big broccoli head (or two smaller ones) into florets. About 500g or 1.

1 lbs, roughly. Get your olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if you’re feeling fancy), Parmesan cheese , and breadcrumbs ready.

My time-saving tip? Do all this while your oven preheats to 425° F ( 220° C) ! It's all about efficiency, innit?

Step-by-Step: From Broccoli to Bliss

1. Blanch the broccoli in boiling, salted water for just 3- 4 minutes.
2. Drain it!
3. Let it cool a tiny bit so you don’t burn yourself.
4. Arrange florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment. (Makes cleanup a breeze, trust me!)
5. Smash each floret gently with the bottom of a glass.
6. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Parmesan , and breadcrumbs.
7. Roast for 15- 20 minutes . Keep an eye out to roast to Perfection: until it's golden and crispy!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Broccoli Game

For extra crispy goodness, try panko breadcrumbs. Seriously game-changing! A common mistake? Overcooking the broccoli. It should be tender-crisp, not mush.

You want roasted broccoli parmesan , not broccoli puree! Looking for Easy broccoli side dish ? This is your winner.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Smashed Broccoli Parmesan Crispy Broccoli Game!

Okay, so you're ready to rock the Smashed broccoli parmesan Crispy broccoli recipe. Awesome! But before you dive in, let's chat about some extra tips, tricks, and ways to make this dish totally your own.

Honestly, this crispy parmesan broccoli recipe is super forgiving. It's all about having fun.

Serving Suggestions: Get Ready to Plate!

Presentation is key, you know? These garlic parmesan broccoli bites look amazing piled high on a platter. Drizzle them with a balsamic glaze.

Or how about arranging them artfully around a bowl of creamy aioli? They're also a fantastic addition to any spread.

Picture this as a perfect smashed broccoli appetizer , alongside some olives and crusty bread. For a full meal, roasted broccoli parmesan is delicious with grilled salmon or chicken.

A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc wouldn't hurt either!

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Listen, these are best fresh, right out of the oven. Who can resist parmesan crusted broccoli when it's hot and crispy? But if you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container.

They will be happy in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for a few minutes.

Microwaving is an option, but they might lose a bit of their crispness. Freezing isn't ideal, honestly. The texture can change.

Variations: Remix It!

Want to make it your own? Go for it! For a dietary adaptation, try broccoli parmesan variations with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to make it vegan.

For a seasonal twist, swap out the Parmesan for crumbled feta in the summer. Add some sun-dried tomatoes to the mix.

And for spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes takes the oven-baked broccoli with cheese to another level! Looking for an easy broccoli side dish ? Add a squeeze of lemon at the end!

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse! Did you know it's packed with vitamins C and K? Our healthy broccoli snack also delivers a good dose of fiber and antioxidants.

Each serving has about 120-150 calories, depending on how much cheese you use. Don't skimp on the Parmesan! It is the best way to cook broccoli .

It makes it delicious.

There you have it! Now, go forth and create some seriously amazing Smashed broccoli parmesan Crispy broccoli . Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment.

Trust me, everyone will be begging for the recipe!