Smashed Broccoli Recipe: Easy and Delicious Side

Enjoy making this simple and delicious smashed broccoli recipe. The perfect side for weeknight meals or to take to a holiday meal.

If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy broccoli, you’re in for a treat! This smashed broccoli recipe combines fresh florets with crispy, golden parmesan cheese for a delightful side dish or appetizer. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can elevate your veggie game and impress your family or guests.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this dish, including the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and delicious variations you can try. Plus, we’ll answer common questions about making and storing this tasty recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why this smashed broccoli recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. First, it’s an incredibly easy way to transform plain broccoli into something special. The combination of tender, smashed florets with a crisp layer of parmesan cheese makes every bite a wonderful mix of textures. Even if you’re not typically a fan of broccoli, this dish has a way of winning over picky eaters (it’s the crispy cheese!).

Secondly, this recipe is versatile enough to work for various occasions. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a weeknight dinner, an appetizer at a family gathering, or even as a healthy snack, smashed broccoli is both adaptable and delicious. With the added lemon pepper seasoning, each bite bursts with a subtle zest that’s both comforting and refreshing.

What is Smashed Broccoli?

Smashed broccoli is a unique take on traditional roasted vegetables. Instead of simply roasting the broccoli, this recipe calls for lightly boiling the florets until tender, then pressing them onto a layer of grated parmesan cheese. The smashed florets are then baked until the cheese is crispy and golden brown, creating a beautiful crust underneath each piece. The result is a perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness paired with the natural flavor of broccoli.

This dish is similar to smashed potatoes, but with a lighter, healthier twist. It’s great for anyone looking to increase their vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients for Smashed Broccoli

To make this recipe, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 crowns fresh broccoli
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

That’s it! With only three ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Smashed Broccoli

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of smashed broccoli:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cheese from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
2. Prepare the Broccoli: Trim the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Discard the thick stems or save them for another use like soups or stir-fries.
3. Boil the Broccoli: In a large stockpot, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Drain the florets thoroughly.
4. Create Parmesan Mounds: On the prepared baking sheet, measure out about 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese and form small mounds, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
5. Smash the Broccoli: Place a single broccoli floret on top of each mound. Using the bottom of a drinking glass or a similar flat object, gently press down on each floret until it’s about ½ inch thick.
6. Season: Sprinkle the smashed broccoli with lemon pepper seasoning. This adds a light citrusy flavor that complements the savory cheese and broccoli.
7. Bake: Cook in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn’t burn.
8. Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the smashed broccoli cool for a few minutes. Serve fresh and enjoy the crispy goodness!

Cooking Tips:

• Make sure to drain the broccoli well after boiling to avoid excess moisture.
• For even browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.

Where to Take or Use This Recipe

Smashed broccoli is incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to a variety of settings. Here are some ideas for where to take or use this delicious recipe:

• Family Dinners: Serve this as a side dish to complement roasted meats, pasta dishes, or even your favorite casserole.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Impress guests at a potluck or family gathering with these bite-sized cheesy broccoli bites. They’re easy to share and pack up well for transport.
• Healthy Snacks: Make a batch for healthy snacking throughout the week. Store them in an airtight container, and you’ll have a nutritious option whenever a craving strikes.

Variations for Smashed Broccoli Recipe

If you want to switch things up or add some extra flair to this recipe, here are a few variations you can try:

• Add Garlic: Sprinkle minced garlic or garlic powder over the smashed broccoli before baking for a boost of flavor.
• Use Different Cheeses: Swap out the parmesan for cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta cheese for a different taste and texture.
• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a fragrant touch to the dish.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the lemon pepper seasoning.

Can This Recipe Be Stored or Made Ahead?

While smashed broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, you can still store it if needed. Here’s how to handle leftovers or make the dish ahead of time:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the broccoli may become slightly soggy as the moisture leaches into the cheese, but you can reheat it in a toaster oven or air fryer to crisp it up again.
• Making Ahead: You can boil and smash the broccoli a few hours in advance, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, sprinkle with seasoning and bake as directed.

Common Questions About Smashed Broccoli Recipe

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before boiling to remove any excess moisture.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the parmesan cheese with a vegan-friendly cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is another option that can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

3. What can I serve with smashed broccoli?

Smashed broccoli pairs well with almost any main course. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, pasta, or as part of a vegetable platter with dips. You might want to try it with Plantation Ham and Pinwheels or Broiled Hamburgers.

4. How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the parchment paper?

If you’re concerned about sticking, lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or use a silicone baking mat instead.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Smashed broccoli is a fun, easy, and tasty way to enjoy more vegetables in your diet. With minimal prep and a short list of ingredients, you can whip up this dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The crispy parmesan crust combined with tender broccoli florets creates a perfect bite every time.

Ready to give it a try? Save this recipe, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with us! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, or tag us on social media if you make it. Enjoy your cheesy, crispy, smashed broccoli bites!

More Side Dishes you might want to try:

• Parmesan Roasted Carrots
• Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
• Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

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