Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Broccoli
Tender smashed broccoli baked over Parmesan until the cheese forms a thin, golden crust. Fresh garlic adds plenty of flavor, and a simple Greek yogurt and lemon zest dip makes it perfect for snacking or serving as an easy vegetable side.
Ingredients
- For the broccoli
- - 1 medium head broccoli about 450–500 g
- - Finely grated Parmesan cheese as needed
- - 2 garlic cloves finely grated
- - Olive oil for baking
- - Pinch of dried garlic
- - Salt to taste
- - Your favorite seasonings to taste
- For serving
- - Plain Greek yogurt
- - Freshly grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into medium-sized florets.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook until tender enough that a knife slides easily through the thickest part of the stem.
- Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and help preserve the green color. Drain thoroughly.
- Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- For each floret, drizzle about ½ tablespoon olive oil onto the parchment in a small circle. Sprinkle with a thin layer of finely grated Parmesan, dried garlic, and your favorite seasonings.
- Place a broccoli floret on each Parmesan circle and gently flatten it with the bottom of a glass.
- Top each piece with a little freshly grated garlic and another light layer of Parmesan.
- Bake for about 10 minutes.
- Switch to the upper grill/broiler and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the Parmesan is golden and crisp. Watch closely during the final few minutes.
- Remove from the oven and leave the broccoli on the baking sheet for 5–7 minutes so the Parmesan crust can firm up.
- Carefully lift each piece with a thin spatula.
- Serve warm with Greek yogurt and freshly grated lemon zest.
Notes
- Drain and dry the broccoli well before baking for the crispiest result.
- Use finely grated Parmesan and keep the layer underneath relatively thin.
- Broiler strength varies, so begin checking the broccoli early.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking — the Parmesan becomes noticeably crispier as it cools for a few minutes.
- For reheating, use an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave.
- Use finely grated Parmesan and keep the layer underneath relatively thin.
- Broiler strength varies, so begin checking the broccoli early.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking — the Parmesan becomes noticeably crispier as it cools for a few minutes.
- For reheating, use an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave.