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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Broccoli

Close-up of perfectly roasted and smashed broccoli florets topped with melted, slightly browned cheese.
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Make this addictive, crispy smashed broccoli side dish. You par-cook the florets, smash them flat, and roast them with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese for maximum crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads of broccoli, cut into medium florets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately drain the broccoli and plunge it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat the florets very dry with paper towels.
  3. Place the dried broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a sturdy glass or a meat mallet to gently smash each floret until it is flattened, creating a larger surface area. Do not crush them into mush; you want them mostly flat.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  5. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the smashed broccoli florets.
  6. Roast for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove the sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the broccoli.
  8. Return to the oven and roast for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are deeply browned and crispy and the cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Remove from the oven. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, if using, and serve this quick vegetable recipe immediately.

Notes

  • Drying the broccoli thoroughly after blanching is key to achieving a crispy texture. Excess water prevents browning.
  • If you prefer an air fryer smashed broccoli recipe, cook in batches at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, adding the cheese for the last 3 minutes.
  • For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/smashed-broccoli-recipe-crispy-garlic-parmesan/