Lemon Parmesan Smashed Broccoli

5 from 10 votes

Lemon Parmesan Smashed Broccoli

If you're looking for a recipe that proves that vegetables don't have to be boring, then look no further than this one. My Lemon Parmesan Smashed Broccoli is my new favorite way to prepare broccoli - and I know that it will be yours, too. Made with only 5 simple ingredients, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly and perfect for serving alongside your favorite chicken or fish dishes, or simply snacking on alone!

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Low Salt, Vegetarian

Keyword gluten-free, Grain Free, Nut Free, Refined Sugar Free, snacks

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings Servings

Calories 157kcal

Author Nicole Modic

Ingredients

For the Broccoli:

1 Large Crown Broccoli washed
⅓ Cup Parmesan freshly grated

For the Lemon Viniagrette:

¼ Cup Olive Oil
1 Lemon juiced
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

To make this smashed broccoli, start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, on the stove.
Once the water is boiling, add in the broccoli crown and allow it to boil for approximately 4-5 minutes. Do not allow the broccoli to cook for longer than that, as it will be mushy otherwise.
After the broccoli has been cooked, remove it from the water and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, set it aside.
Next, preheat the oven to 400 F.
While the oven is preheating, prepare the dressing for the broccoli by whisking the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, then set it aside.
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the broccoli crown on top.
Cut or break the broccoli crown apart, into florets, and line the florets up evenly across the baking sheet.
Then, use the bottom of a drinking glass to smash the broccoli down, until it's as flat as possible. Repeat with each floret.
Once the florets are smashed, brush the dressing across evenly across them.
Then, add a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top of each floret.
Finally, bake the broccoli, in the oven, for 20-22 minutes until the edges of the broccoli are crispy and the cheese has fully melted. Once they're done, serve them and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to one week.

Nutrition