Save
This roasted smashed broccoli is super crunchy and full of bright flavor. The garlic and olive oil mix together perfectly. The broccoli gets golden brown edges but stays a little crisp inside, making it a great simple side whenever you need something tasty and healthy.
I whipped this up on a hectic night when I needed a quick, yummy green side. It quickly became my favorite way to add some fresh veggies to any meal without fuss.
Needed Ingredients
- About 1 pound broccoli florets (4 cups): fresh broccoli is the best choice for this roast
- 3 tablespoons good olive oil: pick a quality one for flavor and crispy edges
- 2 garlic cloves minced: gives it that spicy, fresh garlicky kick
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: brings out all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: adds a mild heat with depth
Step-by-Step How To Cook
- Heat up Oven
- Turn the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking pan with parchment so nothing sticks and cleanup is easy
- Clean and Dry
- Rinse broccoli under cold water and dry it well so it roasts up crunchy
- Season Everything
- Lay broccoli on the pan, drizzle olive oil, sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper, then toss it so all pieces get coated well
- Squash the Florets
- Gently press down on each piece with a cup or glass until it’s flattened a bit. This helps the edges get extra crispy
- Roast it Right
- Pop it in the oven for around 20 minutes until the tips look golden and crispy but the inside still feels tender
- Let it Cool
- Take it out and let it sit a bit so the texture sets, then serve while it’s warm for best flavor
It's fun how a few tricks can turn simple veggies into something special.
Best Ways To Store
Try These Swaps
Tasty Pairing Ideas
This dish shows how just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen know-how can turn fresh greens into something amazing. It’s proof that healthy cooking can be easy, fun, and full of care.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → How do I make broccoli really crispy?
Make sure the broccoli is completely dry before you roast it at a high heat, around 425°F, to get a nice crunchy, caramelized outside.
- → Why smash broccoli florets before roasting?
Smashing them opens up more surface so seasoning and heat get in better, which makes them crispier and tastier.
- → Can I spice it up with other flavors?
Definitely. Throwing in red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds a bit of heat and smoky flavor that goes well with the garlic and olive oil.
- → Is olive oil necessary here?
Yeah, the extra virgin olive oil helps everything brown evenly and gives a nice fruity touch that works great with garlic.
- → How should I keep leftovers crispy?
Let them cool fully, store in a sealed container in the fridge, and warm them up in a hot oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch.