Parmesan Smashed Broccoli

This Parmesan Smashed Broccoli is the kind of veggie side that feels fun and fancy but takes barely any effort. The broccoli florets get steamed, smashed, and roasted with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a crispy, savory side dish that pairs with just about anything you’re making.

About This Recipe

If you love roasted broccoli but want to take it up a notch, you have to try this Parmesan Smashed Broccoli! 

Just like my Smashed Potatoes recipe, smashing the florets gives you more surface area for them to get nice and crispy! The parmesan adds the perfect salty flavor, and the high-heat roast gets you those irresistible browned edges you love! 

You’ll love this one because it’s super easy and a guaranteed way to get everyone to eat their broccoli! Plus, it’s quick and macro-friendly, so perfect for busy weeknights or weekly meal prep.

For more delicious side dish recipes, try my Macro Friendly Loaded Smashed Potatoes, Simple Roasted Delicata Squash, or Simple Roasted Butternut Squash.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Broccoli florets: I like the prepped steamable bags because they’re already washed and cut. If starting from whole broccoli crowns, wash, chop into small even florets, and microwave in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel until slightly tender.
• Olive oil: Or your preferred cooking oil.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts and browns the best. Omit if needed.

Dietary Adaptations 

GF/DF: You’ll need to skip the cheese or swap in a dairy-free one!

How To Make

1. Steam or microwave your florets according to package directions until slightly tender. Lay on a large baking sheet and smash with the bottom of a cup or ramekin. (It’s ok if they don’t smash a ton!) 
2. Spray or drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and roast at 425℉ for about 15-20 minutes or until cheese is browned and broccoli is a little charred on top.

Helpful Tips

• Cut evenly: Keep florets similar in size so everything cooks evenly. Trim larger pieces if needed.
• Don’t over-steam broccoli: Make sure not to over-steam the broccoli in the microwave, or it will turn out mushy. You want to cook it until it’s just slightly tender. 
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure to use a LARGE sheet pan! The broccoli needs space in between each floret so the air can circulate in the oven to roast. If the florets are touching, they’ll just continue to steam. Use two pans if needed so you can have adequate space between them.

For More Delicious Side Dish Recipes

• Balsamic Roasted Fall Veggies
• Bacon Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Simple Air Fryer Snap Peas
• Lightened-Up Roasted Baby Potatoes
• Maple Cumin Roasted Carrots

Never Miss a Recipe! Sign Up for My Emails!

If you enjoy having macro-friendly recipes that are delicious and easy to track, then make sure to sign up for my email list!