Name: Crispy Smashed Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 Servings
Cuisine: American

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 10, 2026

Flattened broccoli is roasted in the oven with a drizzle of oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a touch of lemon zest until perfectly crispy. This flavorful, crunchy side dish pairs beautifully with meat, fish, rice, or grilled foods — and it’s so delicious that even broccoli skeptics won’t be able to resist.

From the Cook

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Crispy Smashed Broccoli

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets and wash.

Fill a pot with a little water (about 5-10 cm deep) and bring to a boil. Place the broccoli in a steamer basket or a metal sieve and put it in the pot. Steam the broccoli with the lid closed over low heat for about 10 minutes, until it is tender but still has a bite.

Remove the broccoli from the steamer and spread it out on a baking sheet. Crush the florets with the bottom of a glass. Brush or drizzle the oil over the broccoli florets and lightly salt. Finish with a little lemon zest (about a quarter to half a lemon) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Roast broccoli in the oven at 200°C for 20 to 25 minutes until crispy, then serve immediately or let it cool and store it in a food storage container in the oven for up to three days.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Broccoli Smashing Technique 💥
Use the bottom of a heavy skillet or glass to gently smash boiled broccoli florets, creating maximum surface area for crispy edges.
Moisture Removal Pro 🌬️
Pat broccoli completely dry after boiling to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of roasting.
Parmesan Placement Trick 🧀
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese in the last 3-4 minutes of roasting to prevent burning while achieving a perfect golden crust.
Oil Distribution Hack 🌿
Use a silicone pastry brush to evenly coat broccoli with oil, ensuring each floret gets crispy and well-seasoned.
Lemon Zest Elevation 🍋
Microplane your lemon zest just before sprinkling to release the most vibrant, aromatic oils for maximum flavor impact.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.