Crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive — this viral Smashed Broccoli recipe is about to become your family’s new favorite side dish. With just 4 simple ingredients you get golden-edged broccoli florets packed with Parmesan flavor and serious kid appeal.
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I'm a broccoli lover and am always looking for new ways to cook this delicious green vegetable. This tiktok-hit is my new favorite broccoli recipe.
Topping the broccoli with Parmesan cheese, and finishing the dish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, add layers of flavor to this simple recipe. Making this the perfect side dish for the whole family to enjoy, even the broccoli haters.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Smashed Broccoli
- Smashed Broccoli Ingredients
- How to Make Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan - Step-By-Step
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Variations & Substitutions
- Tips & Tricks
- How To Serve
- How To Reheat
- How to Freeze
- Pin This Easy Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe For Later
- What Do You Think?!
- More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas
- Printable Recipe
- Easy Smashed Broccoli Recipe with Parmesan and Balsamic
- Reader Comments & Ratings
Why You'll Love This Smashed Broccoli
- I'm all for adapting recipes so my kids will eat. The addition of Parmesan cheese and mellow balsamic makes this a kid friendly veggie side.
- This is a simple recipe with minimal prep, it can be prepared, cooked and on the table in just 30 minutes.
- Smashed broccoli parmesan uses only 4 simple ingredients with a little seasoning.
- Line the baking sheet with baking parchment to make for easy clean up.
- Elevate your vegetable sides with these easy recipes:
Smashed Broccoli Ingredients
Find the full list and quantities in the recipe below.
Broccoli - I use 2 heads of broccoli to serve 4, you could also use tenderstem broccoli in this recipe.
Olive Oil - I like to use olive oil in this recipe as it has a great nutty flavor.
Cheese - I've opted to use Parmesan cheese in this recipe as it has a good strong flavor. For vegetarian diners use a vegetarian Parmesan style cheese, or for vegan diners use vegan parmesan.
Balsamic - I drizzle some balsamic glaze over the broccoli florets just before serving. You could also use a balsamic vinegar, which has the same great flavor with a slightly thinner texture.
How to Make Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan - Step-By-Step
Find the full printable recipe card below.
Steam or boil the broccoli florets for around 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
Spread the broccoli in an even layer, on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat with paper towel to remove any excess moisture, and gently smash each floret using the bottom of a glass or potato masher.
Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
Top with the grated Parmesan cheese making sure to cover each floret generously.
Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and cheese is golden. Serve warm and drizzle with balsamic glaze or vinegar, if using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is best way to smash the broccoli florets
The best way to smash the broccoli, without breaking down the florets too much, is to apply gentle pressure with the bottom of a large glass or jar. Alternatively you can use a potato masher.
Can you make air fryer smashed broccoli?
Yes, once the broccoli is smashed, transfer to the air fryer basket and drizzle with the olive oil, parmesan cheese and season to taste. Then roast in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes until the edges of the broccoli are crispy and golden.
Can you smash other vegetables?
Yes, this recipe is easy to adapt with other vegetables. Try my Easy Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe, or you could also use sweet potatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or romanesco.
Variations & Substitutions
Add extra flavor with some added seasoning, try garlic powder, onion powder or Italian seasoning.
Sprinkle over some red pepper flakes for a little chili heat.
I've used Parmesan Reggiano cheese, but grana padano would be a great swap. You could also use a sharp vintage cheddar cheese too.
Make lemon parmesan smashed broccoli by adding some lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the broccoli.
A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or honey would also work beautifully to finish the dish.
Serve with some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, basil, thyme or tarragon.
Add crunch and texture with a garnish of toasted almond flakes, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pine nuts.
Tips & Tricks
For best results be sure to season your veggies generously with salt and pepper, it really does impact the finished dish.
Steam or boil the broccoli florets for 5 minutes to soften them enough so you are able to smash them, but not so long as they become soft and mushy.
Spread the veggies out in a single layer to give them space to roast. If the broccoli is too close and overlapping it will steam rather than roast in the oven.
Beware of overcooking Broccoli - it should still be nice and green when done, with crispy florets which are starting to char and a tender stem.
To retain that bright green color, you can plunge the cooked broccolid into ice cold water before smashing it.
A parchment-lined baking sheet (or use aluminum foil) make for faster clean up!
How To Serve
These smashed broccoli florets are the perfect side dish to serve alongside any meat, fish or veggie based main course. Try it with my Bavette Steak, Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin, Sheet Pan Greek Roast Chicken Thighs, or my Pesto Prosciutto Pasta.
It makes a great appetizer too, serve the broccoli with your favorite dipping sauce, my Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip, or Sour Cream & Chive Dip would pair well.
How To Reheat
For the best results, this side dish is best served fresh from the oven. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
When ready to heat up place back into a hot oven or hot skillet to warm through. Alternatively add cold to your lunchtime salad.
How to Freeze
I don't recommend freezing smashed broccoli as the smashed broccoli florets will break down too much during the freezing and defrosting process.
Pin This Easy Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan Recipe For Later
What Do You Think?!
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More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas
Printable Recipe
Easy Smashed Broccoli Recipe with Parmesan and Balsamic
Ingredients
- 2 heads Broccoli - cut into large florets
- 2-3 tbsp Olive Oil
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper - to taste
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan or Vegetarian Alternative
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Glaze - or vinegar, optional - for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (225°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Steam or boil the broccoli florets until just tender - around 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Spread broccoli on the lined baking sheet. Gently smash each floret using the bottom of a glass or potato masher.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.
- Top with the grated Parmesan cheese making sure to cover each floret generously.
- Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and cheese is golden.
- Serve warm and drizzle with balsamic glaze or vinegar, if using.
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