This Smashed Parmesan Broccoli recipe turns simple broccoli into a flavourful, kid-friendly side dish that goes perfectly with almost any meal! Smashed, seasoned and sprinkled with parmesan, and then roasted until tender, this is a delicious way to enjoy broccoli. Ready in 20 minutes, this easy roasted broccoli recipe is a must-try for busy families wanting to eat more greens.
Why you’ll love this Smashed Broccoli Parmesan recipe
I’m always looking for creative ways to make vegetables more appealing to my kids. They can sometimes turn their noses up at plain broccoli (particularly toddler LJ!) but with a little help from Parmesan cheese and fresh oregano, it turns into something special.
This recipe is super simple but bursting with flavour, making it a perfect addition to any family dinner or even a holiday feast.
Plus, smashing the broccoli is a fun twist that gives it a great texture – soft inside, crispy Parmesan-covered floret edges on the outside! The smashing or flattening of the florets really helps the Parmesan to stick to the florets rather than falling off the edges. They become the best part! 😋
Don’t steam or boil the broccoli!
Just roast it! Similar recipes call for steaming or boiling the broccoli before roasting. It might be easier to smash, but it’s also easier to overcook into a mushy mess!
Skipping the steaming or boiling step and going straight to roasting brings out broccoli’s natural sugars, resulting in a richer flavour. When roasted directly, the broccoli gets those delicious, slightly charred edges that make it so tasty.
Plus, going straight to the oven keeps the prep simpler and prevents the broccoli from becoming too soft and mushy. No one wants mushy broccoli!
Ingredients in Smashed Parmesan Broccoli
The ingredients list for Smashed Parmesan Broccoli is short and sweet:
Broccoli – A medium crown of broccoli, cut into florets, is just the right amount for our family of four – you can adjust the recipe for yours 😊.
Oregano – Freshly chopped oregano adds an herby kick. If you don’t have fresh, you can substitute with 1 tsp dried oregano.
Olive oil – Extra-virgin olive oil adds flavour and helps crisp up the broccoli. I like using a light olive oil for roasting.
Salt – Just a pinch to enhance the flavours. Leave it out if serving to family members under 12 months.
Black pepper – Ground black pepper adds a gentle warmth.
Garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlicky flavour without overwhelming the broccoli.
Parmesan cheese – Grated Parmesan is the finishing touch, adding a salty, umami richness. Babies can have a small amount of Parmesan cheese [1] from 6 months, but you can leave their portion un-sprinkled if you like.
How to make Smashed Parmesan Broccoli
This is a fast roasted broccoli recipe. Here’s a quick summary.
Scroll down to the recipe card below, to find exact ingredient amounts and full detailed steps for both regular and thermo cooker methods.
Step 1: Preheat your oven and line a baking tray with baking/parchment paper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper and salt (if using).
Step 3: Prep the broccoli. With a rolling pin or the or a sturdy small glass, smash the broccoli florets to flatten them slightly. But be a little gentle! If you smash too hard, the broccoli will fall apart. You just want the heads of the florets flat enough so that the Parmesan cheese doesn’t fall off when sprinkling!
Step 4: Brush about a third of the oil mixture onto the baking tray. Then arrange the broccoli florets on top in a single layer.
Step 5: Brush the remaining olive oil mixture over the broccoli. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and starting to char at the edges. Serve warm.
Thermomixer? If you’re using a Thermomix, you can grate the Parmesan in your machine. You can then use it mix together the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper and salt. But for this recipe, it’s really just a handy assistant if you need to grate cheese.
Adaptions for babies and toddlers
If you’re planning to serve this broccoli side dish to young children, here are a few tweaks you can make:
Skip the salt – For children under 12 months, leave out the salt in the seasoning mix. You can always season the adult portions at the table.
Softer texture – For babies and toddlers who may need softer veggies, you can lightly cook the broccoli before roasting to make it easier to chew. Steam or boil for a minute or two until the stems are just fork tender, before following the recipe.
Reduce the Parmesan – The parmesan cheese really finishes off the roasted broccoli nicely, but you can reduce the amount if concerned (babies can have a small amount of Parmesan cheese [1] from 6 months).
Serving
Serve this Smashed Parmesan Broccoli alongside a protein like grilled chicken or salmon, or make it part of a larger veggie spread with sweet potatoes and roasted carrots.
If you’re a broccoli lover, eat it on its own as a quick snack or lunch!
Storing and reheating
STORING: If you happen to have leftovers (rare at my house!), store the broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
REHEATING: To reheat, pop it back onto a tray lined with baking/parchment paper and into the oven at 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced) for a few minutes to regain that delicious crispiness around the edges.
For another yummy baby and toddler-friendly side dish, try this French Onion Potato Bake – it’s seriously satisfying and will win over picky eaters! It takes the classic scalloped potato bake and adds a French onion twist.
If you make this Smashed Parmesan Broccoli, please leave a 🌟 star rating and a 📝 comment below. I love hearing how my recipes work for you and your family! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more kid-friendly side dishes.
Enjoy,
Chloe x
Smashed Parmesan Broccoli
Category: SidesIngredients
- 2 tsp fresh oregano finely chopped
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt for family over 12 months
- 1 medium crown broccoli chopped into florets (about 400g/14oz when whole)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated (20g) (Thermomixers: block Parmesan cut into 2cm/1 inch cubes if grating in machine)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking/parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tsp fresh oregano, 2 tbs olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper and 1/4 tsp salt.
- With a rolling pin or the base or a sturdy small glass, smash 1 medium crown broccoli florets to flatten them slightly. But be gentle! If you smash too hard, the broccoli will fall apart.
- Using a pastry brush, spread about one third of the olive oil mixture over the baking/parchment paper. Lay out the broccoli florets in a single layer.
- Brush the broccoli with the rest of the olive oil mixture. Sprinkle the broccoli with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the Parmesan is golden and crispy and the broccoli is cooked to your liking.
Thermomix Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking/parchment paper.
- If grating, put 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese into the mixing bowl. Mill for 8 seconds, speed 9, MC on. Set aside in a small bowl.
- Add 2 tsp fresh oregano, 2 tbs olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to the mixing bowl. Mix for 10 seconds, speed 3, MC on.
- With a rolling pin or the base or a sturdy small glass, smash 1 medium crown broccoli florets to flatten them slightly. But be gentle! If you smash too hard, the broccoli will fall apart.
- Using a pastry brush, spread about one third of the olive oil mixture over the baking/parchment paper. Lay out the broccoli florets in a single layer.
- Brush the broccoli with the rest of the olive oil mixture. Sprinkle the broccoli with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the Parmesan is golden and crispy and the broccoli is cooked to your liking.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
[1] Parmesan, 2024, Solid Starts Inc.
One Response
This is a really easy, yummy way to serve broccoli! Both kids love it.