Vessa holding a platter of golden Parmesan smashed broccoli in the kitchen.AI-created recipe visualization
Vessa’s Kitchen / Sides

Crispy Parmesan smashed broccoli

Vegetables. With very good edges.

Tender in the middle, golden at the edges. A little Parmesan and a very useful change of shape.

Prep
About 15 minutes
Cook / chill
Roast 20–25 minutes
At the table
Serves 4 as a side

Here’s the clever bit.

  1. Turn up the heat

    Heat a conventional oven to 400°F / 205°C. Line baking trays with parchment.

  2. Soften, then dry

    Boil the florets for about 5 minutes, until tender enough to flatten but not mushy. Drain, cool and dry.

  3. Flatten gently

    Space them out; use two trays if crowded. Flatten gently with a sturdy plastic cup, then blot again with a clean towel.

  4. Dress the edges

    Mist lightly with oil. Divide Parmesan and seasonings over the florets.

  5. Find the gold

    Roast 20–25 minutes, checking for golden cheese and browned edges. Allow a brief cooling pause, then lift with a thin spatula.

A small detail. A better result.

Moisture is the enemy here. Blot the flattened broccoli, and leave room between the florets.

Vessa concentrating on a tray of broccoli in the botanical kitchen.
Attention on the tray, not on the camera. AI-created preparation visualization.

A note on this recipe. Adapted from Joy Bauer’s Smashed Broccoli Parmesan; garlic quantity specified for this version. This adaptation has not been independently kitchen-tested for this website. The images are AI-created visualizations, not filmed cooking. No nutrition or health outcome is promised.

Joy Bauer ↗

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