Here’s a fun take on roasted broccoli! Regular roasted broccoli is forever and always one of my go-to side dishes, but this cheesy smashed broccoli recipe takes it up a few notches in the flavor and texture departments. Smashing the broccoli tenderizes it and provides a flatter surface for loading up with cheese. The method is slightly more involved, naturally, but it’s not too fussy. Basically, we roast the broccoli until tender, smash it, top it with Parmesan cheese, and bake it for a few more minutes. The broccoli is tender, craggy and golden with crispy bits around the edges where the cheese meets the pan. A little sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional) and a squeeze of lemon juice ramp up the flavor.
The results are not super crisp like French fries, but they’re nearly French fry-like in irresistibility. I have to stop myself before I eat the whole batch! If you are a broccoli lover, this recipe is most certainly for you. If you have any broccoli-averse family members, this recipe might win them over. Serve it with dinner tonight?
How to Make Smashed Broccoli
Most recipes suggest steaming the broccoli until tender, then smashing and roasting it. I found it works just as well to roast the broccoli until tender, then smash it directly on the pan. This streamlined method saves a pot! You’ll find a short video and the full recipe below. Here’s a brief rundown with tips:
Watch How to Make Smashed Broccoli
More Irresistible Broccoli Recipes
Here are just a few of the top broccoli recipes on the blog.
Broccoli Cheese Soup Favorite Broccoli Salad Lemony Broccoli, Chickpea & Avocado Pita Sandwiches Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Balsamic Drizzle Perfect Roasted Broccoli (check out the variations, too)
Please let me know how your smashed broccoli turns out in the comments! I love hearing from you.
