Make flavorful, crispy smashed broccoli roasted with garlic and Parmesan cheese. This easy side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Author:michaelcarter
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Oven Roasting
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 large heads 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
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the broccoli florets in a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain them well.
Spread the drained florets on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry.
Arrange the 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, but still holds together.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Brush the garlic oil mixture evenly over the smashed broccoli florets.
Roast for 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the broccoli.
Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the cheese is golden brown.
Remove from the oven. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, if using, before serving hot.
Notes
For maximum crispiness, ensure the broccoli is very dry after boiling before you smash and oil it.
You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
This dish works well as a low-carb snack or appetizer.