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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Sides / Smashed Broccoli

    Smashed Broccoli

    Posted: Nov 20, 2023 Last Modified: Nov 11, 2023 by Carmy · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This crispy oven-roasted smashed broccoli recipe with parmesan and red pepper flakes makes for the perfect side dish for any meal! You only need a handful of ingredients to make this and you can easily customize this smashed broccoli dish however you’d like! It’s a simple but delicious side dish.

    Growing up, broccoli was one of the only vegetables I’d eat. So it’s no surprise that it’s still one of my go-to vegetables! They’re so easy to prepare and I love how satisfying it is to bite into them. This recipe will turn any broccoli-hater into a broccoli lover.

    An oval platter of smashed broccoli with red pepper flakes and parmesan on top.


     

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • You can make the smashed broccoli as crispy as you’d like. Simply roast them longer! As they’re steamed first, they’re cooked through, and you can enjoy them with just a light roasting or more.
    • You can add as much or as little red pepper flakes as you’d like. You can also change it up by using different seasoning. I love swapping out the red pepper flakes for everything but the bagel seasoning or a drizzle of chili oil.
    • You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make this smashed broccoli recipe! A majority of the ingredients I have in my kitchen already.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Ingredients needed to make smashed broccoli.
    • broccoli — I buy broccoli heads, so I can have only florets! I use fresh broccoli, but you could also use frozen broccoli.
    • oil — you can use olive oil or another neutral oil such as avocado oil.
    • seasoning — I season the broccoli with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
    • parmesan — freshly grated parmesan makes everything better. You can also use another shredded cheese of your choice. Parmesan adds a lovely salty flavor to the broccoli.
    • lemon — a squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a nice brightness to the smashed broccoli.

    How to Make Smashed Broccoli

    Set of two photos showing before and after broccoli steamed.
    • Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a large pot with a steamer basket on top. Place the lid on top and steam broccoli until crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
    Set of two photos showing broccoli smashed with a glass measuring cup and topped with shredded parmesan and red pepper flakes.
    • Transfer the broccoli to a large sheet pan in a single layer and use the bottom of a mason jar (or potato masher) to smash the broccoli.
    • Drizzle the olive oil over the broccoli and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Top with shredded parmesan.
    • Broil the broccoli for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is crispy to your standards.
    Close up view of a sheet pan of smashed broccoli with parmesan and red pepper flakes.

    Recipe Tips and Notes

    • If you do not have a steamer basket, you can blanche the broccoli instead. Add the broccoli to a pot of boiling water for 2 minutes. If you blanche the broccoli, make sure it is dry before smashing. Any residual water will make it difficult for the oil and seasoning to stick.
    • Smashing the broccoli flattens the broccoli, so there’s more surface area to hold the seasoning and parmesan and to crisp up.
    • If you are using frozen broccoli, steam it from frozen! Do not thaw the broccoli first, or it’ll become mushy.
    • You can make the smashed broccoli as crispy as you’d like. Just keep an eye on the broccoli as when you broil them, they can go from crispy to burnt quickly.
    A close up view of smashed broccoli with red pepper flakes and melted parmesan and a lemon wedge.

    Make Ahead Tips

    • Meal prep: once cooled, store the smashed broccoli in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
    • Reheat: you can reheat the broccoli in the microwave at work. If at home, I like to reheat the broccoli in the air fryer or oven to keep the broccoli crispy.
    An oval platter of smashed broccoli with red pepper flakes and parmesan on top.

    Smashed Broccoli

    This crispy oven-roasted smashed broccoli recipe with parmesan and red pepper flakes makes for the perfect side dish for any meal! You only need a handful of ingredients to make this and you can easily customize this smashed broccoli dish however you’d like! It’s a simple but delicious side dish.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
    Total Time: 25 minutes mins
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 4 heads broccoli, (approx 1½ lb broccoli florets)
    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice
    • ¼ cup shredded parmesan, or more

    Equipment

    • sheet pan
    • large pot

    Instructions

    • Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a large pot with a steamer basket on top. Place the lid on top and steam broccoli until crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Transfer the broccoli to a large sheet pan in a single layer and use the bottom of a mason jar (or potato masher) to smash the broccoli.
    • Drizzle the olive oil over the broccoli and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat. Add a squzze of lemon juice on top. Top with shredded parmesan.
    • Broil the broccoli on high for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is crispy to your standards. Add more lemon juice if desired.
    Tried this recipe?Did you make this recipe? I’m always so happy to hear about it! I’d love to see how it turned out. Tag me at @CarmysHungry on Instagram so I can see it! If you enjoyed the recipe, I’d really appreciate a comment with a 5 star rating! ♥

    Nutrition Per Serving

    Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 625mg | Potassium: 1974mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4431IU | Vitamin C: 542mg | Calcium: 368mg | Iron: 5mg
    Author: Carmy
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Nutrition Disclaimer

    More Side Dishes to Try

    • Vegetable Stir Fry
    • Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
    • Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
    • Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
    • Boursin Mashed Potatoes

    Other places to connect with me
    @carmyshungry on Instagram
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    Email: [email protected]

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    Carmy is a healthy-ish living blogger based in Ontario. Here, you can find healthy-ish recipes including meal prep recipes, Instant Pot recipes, air fryer recipes, and lightened-up family favorites! Follow along for easy, straightforward recipes for any cooking level.

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