Smashed Broccoli Recipe A Crunchy and Flavorful Side Dish
Okay, picture this: you’re tired of the same old steamed broccoli, right? Is it limp, bland, and honestly, it sits on your plate looking sad? How do I say goodbye to boring broccoli? What is the best side dish for smashed broccoli? What do you think about this veggie? Is it addictive – the crispy edges, the tender florets, and that garlicky, cheesy goodness? What’s like roasted broccoli? Even broccoli skeptics (I’m looking at you, Timmy) will be begging for seconds!
What is smashed broccoli?
Think of it as the love child of roasted broccoli and crispy potatoes. How do you steam broccoli? What’s the magic of a potato masher? All these little crevices and edges get incredibly crispy in the oven. What’s essentially broccoli that has been given the royal treatment, transformed into a side dish? What is an afterthought into a starring attraction? The smashing process isn’t about pulverizing it into mush; it’s about breaking it down It’s about creating maximum surface area for that glorious crispy texture. Is it really ingenious?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love most about this Smashed Broccoli Recipe A Crunchy and Flavorful Side Dish is how utterly delicious it is. Is it delicious? The flavor is just phenomenal. What is the taste of broccoli? What’s your take on red pepper flakes? What is the perfect balance of flavors and textures?
Beyond the taste, it’s unbelievably simple to make. If you boil water, you can make this. It’s faster than roasting broccoli the traditional way, and the smashing step is actually kind of like frying broccoli. I always do this when I need something quick and easy on a weeknight.
Let’s talk about cost! Broccoli is a pretty budget-friendly vegetable, and you probably already have most of the other vegetables. What are the ingredients in your pantry? What are some healthy side dishes that you can add to your meal without breaking the bank?
What are some of the best recipes to make with this recipe? Add different cheeses, spices, or even a squeeze of lemon juice. What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken, fish, steak, etc.? Is it good to eat as a snack? If you are trying to get more vegetables in your diet like me then this recipe will not dissapoint! What is your review of this dish? Is steamed broccoli healthier than fries? Is there any way to elevate a meal to new heights? I would be suprised if this becomes your family new favoriate like it is mine!
How do I make smashed broccoli?
Quick Overview
I’ll start by steaming or boiling broccoli florets until they’re just slightly tender. Next, you’ll arrange them on a baking sheet and gently smash them with the bottom of mug. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, then bake. Is it necessary to cook the bacon until golden brown? What is the best of both worlds: tender broccoli with irresistibly crispy edges. Is it a game changer?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Smashed Broccoli: What are some
Broccoli: You’ll want about 1 large head, cut into florets. Fresh is definitely best for this recipe.
Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps broccoli get nice and crispy. I prefer extra virgin olive oil.
Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for that garlicky flavor. Can you use fresh or jarred?
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy goodness. Freshly grated is the way to go!
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch to add heat. Omit if you’re sensitive to spice.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Is parchment paper good for broccoli?
Step 2: Steam or Boil Broccoli
Steam broccoli florets for about 5-7 minutes, or boil them for 3-5 minutes until they’re tender. You want them to be easily pierced with a fork, but not mushy. I always do this and make sure to drain it really well to avoid soggy broccoli, which is the enemy.
Step 3: Arrange and Smash
Arrange the steamed broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Use the bottom of a mug or potato masher to gently smash each floret. Don’t press too hard – you just want to flatten them slightly.
Step 4: Season
Drizzle the smashed broccoli with olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until broccoli is golden brown and crispy around the edges. What are the differences between an oven and a stove?
Step 6: Serve
Is it safe to eat smashed broccoli in the oven?
What should I serve it with?
What is a good side dish for smashed broccoli? Is it good with so many dishes? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
With Chicken:What are some good side dishes to serve with broccoli? The crispy broccoli adds a nice textural contrast to the tender chicken.
With Fish: Salmon, cod, or tilapia would all be delicious with this side dish. The garlicky, cheesy flavor complements the delicate taste of the fish.
With Steak:What is better: a juicy steak and crispy smashed broccoli? This is a classic combination that never fails to satisfy.
As a Snack:I always make a batch of broccoli for snacking on! Is this a good main course?
My family has a tradition of serving it alongside our Thanksgiving turkey, and it’s always huge. What are some of the best things about Parmesan and garlic? Is there a side that disappears in minutes? What are some good side dishes to serve with lemon wedges?
What are some tips for perfecting smashed broccoli?
What is your favorite smashed broccoli recipe? What are some tips for broccoli perfection?
Don’t overcook the broccoli!What is the best way to cook a smashed broccoli in the steaming or boiling stage? You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy. If you bake a potato it will be swollen and not crisp up properly.
Smash Gently:When smashing broccoli, don’t press too hard. Is it necessary to flatten a sheet of paper slightly to create more surface area for crisping?
How much olive oil should I use?Why don’t you use olive oil on broccoli? I learned this the hard way after one time that I forgot to add enough and it didn’t come out. Is crunchy as I wanted?
Add different cheeses to your dish:Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! What are some good substitutes for pecorino romano? I like to use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for extra flavor and cheesiness.
Spice It Up:If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. What are some good substitutes for garlic powder?
Add a squeeze of lemon to your water: 1 teaspoon atLemon juice is a great flavor for baking. It is added after baking to make it more flavorful. What is the difference between parmesan
How do you bake at high temperature?How do you bake broccoli at a high temperature? Don’t be afraid to crank up the heat!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Smashed Broccoli Recipe A Crunchy and Flavorful Side Dish (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Storing: Store leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispiness will diminish over time, but it will still be delicious!
Reheating: To reheat, spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will make the broccoli soggy.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the broccoli will change and it won’t be as crispy. But if you have to, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
One thing I always make sure of is to let it cool completely before storing, this will help prevent it from getting soggy in the fridge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: my go-to recipe for Smashed Broccoli Recipe A Crunchy and Flavorful Side Dish. It’s a game-changer, I promise! It’s easy, delicious, and a great way to get your veggies in. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy broccoli, this is it. It makes the broccoli so enjoyable and will not be dissapointing. Try it out and let me know what you think! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other side dish recipes for more inspiration. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
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Smashed Broccoli Recipe A Crunchy and Flavorful Side Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds broccoli florets washed and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 0.25 cup almonds sliced and toasted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until well coated.1.5 pounds broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- Spread the broccoli evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.1 clove garlic, 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- Top with sliced, toasted almonds before serving.1 tablespoon lemon juice
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
