Description
This Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan recipe is a delicious and simple way to elevate broccoli by blanching, smashing, and baking it with a flavorful garlic-infused olive oil and generous Parmesan cheese topping. Perfect as a side dish, it delivers a crispy texture with a tangy kick from lemon zest and optional spicy or savory condiments.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli
- 1 head broccoli, washed
Garlic-Infused Oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- Zest of one organic lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Toppings & Seasonings
- 1 heaping cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red Tabasco or Sriracha (optional)
- Pesto (optional)
- Lemon wedges or aged balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and prepare a baking sheet by coating it with garlic-infused oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Prepare Garlic-Infused Oil: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, salt, mustard powder, lemon zest, and extra-virgin olive oil until well combined to create a fragrant and tangy oil mixture.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to boil, then add the whole broccoli head and blanch for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Remove and drain thoroughly.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the blanched broccoli on the oiled baking sheet. Break the broccoli into individual florets and slice the stem into thick pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Smash the Broccoli: Using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a sturdy glass, gently press down on each floret and stem slice until it flattens and slightly breaks apart, increasing surface area for crisping.
- Season and Bake: Brush the smashed broccoli generously with garlic-infused oil on all sides, season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with a heaping cup of grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges become crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the broccoli cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with optional toppings such as a drizzle of pesto, a few drops of red Tabasco or Sriracha for heat, lemon wedges, or a splash of aged balsamic vinegar to add brightness and zing.
Notes
- Blanching the broccoli before baking ensures it cooks evenly and remains tender inside while crisping on the outside.
- Smashing increases the vegetable’s surface area to enhance caramelization and flavor absorption.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese based on your preference.
- Optional toppings add flavor complexity — try them according to your taste or omit for a simpler dish.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best aromatic impact.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to keep crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
