Crispy Smashed Broccoli Recipe

Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/smashed-broccoli/

A hand holds a piece of broccoli roasted in the oven.

5 from 4 votes

Crispy Smashed Broccoli Recipe

This Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan recipe will give you the CRISPIEST florets with the best flavor! Broccoli is first boiled until tender and then smashed thin, brushed with a garlic herb butter sauce and baked in the oven with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: London Brazil

Ingredients

1 large head broccoli or 2 medium
2 Tbsp. butter melted
1-2 garlic cloves finely minced
½ tsp. salt to taste
¼ tsp. black pepper
3-4 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese grated
Lemon juice optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425℉.
Bring a large pot or Dutch oven filled ⅔ of the way with water to a boil. Add head of broccoli to the boiling water, florets facing down, and boil for 3-5 minutes, or until broccoli is bright green and tender. Carefully remove the head of broccoli from the pot and let drain completely in a colander in the sink.
1 large head broccoli
Once broccoli has cooled to the touch, cut off the florets into 1 to 2-inch pieces. Dab thoroughly with a paper towel to remove any excess water.
Place the florets in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Make sure there is at least 1 inch of space between each floret. Smash each broccoli floret with the bottom of a flat glass or jar until they are no more than ¼ to ½-inch thick. (Closer to ¼” will give you crispier sprouts, but thinner than that and you risk them breaking apart into pieces!)
Whisk together butter, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush garlic butter over the florets and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
2 Tbsp. butter, 1-2 garlic cloves, ½ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper, 3-4 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the broccoli begins to get crispy and the cheese has browned slightly. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Lemon juice

Video

Notes

To make Smashed Broccoli in the Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380℉ for at least 3-5 minutes. Add the smashed broccoli to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Brush the garlic herb butter sauce on top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cook for 9-10 minutes, or until crispy.

Nutrition