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The Ultimate Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Broccoli

Close-up of perfectly roasted and seasoned smashed broccoli florets sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
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Make broccoli taste rich and flavorful by smashing the florets and roasting them until the edges are crispy and the centers are tender. This easy recipe uses garlic and Parmesan cheese for an impressive side dish.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the broccoli florets in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is slightly tender but still bright green. Drain well.
  3. Spread the blanched broccoli florets onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a heavy glass or a potato masher, gently smash each floret until it is flattened but still mostly intact.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the smashed broccoli. Toss lightly to coat.
  5. Roast for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the broccoli.
  7. Return to the oven and roast for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the cheese is golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, if using, before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Smashing the broccoli creates more surface area, which helps achieve the desired crispy edges when roasting.
  • For extra flavor, you can toss the broccoli with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder along with the minced garlic.
  • This dish works well as a low-carb side dish for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Nutrition

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