Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan and Italian Seasoning Recipe
This Smashed Broccoli recipe is a simple and delicious keto-friendly side dish or snack. Featuring just four main ingredients, it yields crispy, flavorful broccoli with a cheesy and herby crust. Perfect for a healthy appetizer or accompaniment to your meal, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 16 ounces (453.59 g) broccoli florets, fresh (not frozen)
Seasoning Mix
- 1/2 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Steam Broccoli: Place a steaming basket into a medium saucepan and add broccoli florets. Set the pan over medium heat and steam the broccoli for about 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, but still firm.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the broccoli and let it cool slightly. Use tea towels or paper towels to pat the broccoli dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when baked.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Sprinkle the Parmesan seasoning mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange and Smash Broccoli: Arrange the broccoli florets in a single layer on top of the seasoning mixture. Use a flat-bottomed glass or similar object to gently smash the broccoli to about 1/2 inch thickness to flatten slightly for better crisping.
- Add Oil and Seasonings: Drizzle the smashed broccoli lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper lightly, keeping in mind the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake the broccoli in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is browned and the broccoli is crispy on the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the broccoli to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it crisp up further and develop full flavor.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftover smashed broccoli in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To regain crispiness, reheat in a warm oven briefly before serving.
- Do not use frozen broccoli as it contains excess moisture, which will prevent crispiness.
- Adjust salt carefully as Parmesan cheese adds significant saltiness.
- For added flavor, experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
