Quick Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Mozzarella

Transform “almost past its prime” broccoli into a delicious dish with this quick smashed broccoli recipe. Steam slightly tired florets until tender, smash them thin, and broil until crisp on the edges while remaining soft in the center. A light layer of melted mozzarella adds richness without overshadowing the vegetable.

This recipe is perfect for weeknights when you crave something flavorful without extensive cooking. It serves as a simple side dish, a snack straight from the pan, or a base for eggs or grilled protein. Enjoy minimal prep, forgiving timing, and a great texture with little effort.

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Recipe

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: ~140

Total time: 20 minutes

• Active time: 10 minutes

• Inactive time: 10 minutes

Quick Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Mozzarella

Ingredients

• 1 large head broccoli, cut into medium florets

• 1½ tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• ¾ cup grated mozzarella cheese

• Red pepper flakes, optional

• Lemon zest or lemon juice, optional for finishing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven broiler and position a rack about 5–6 inches from the heat source. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Steam the broccoli florets until just fork-tender, about 4–5 minutes. They should be bright green and soft enough to flatten, but not falling apart.

3. Transfer the steamed broccoli to the prepared sheet pan. Let it sit uncovered for 1–2 minutes so excess steam can escape. If the florets look wet, gently pat the tops dry with a clean kitchen towel.

4. Using the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup, smash each floret flat. Thinner broccoli equals crispier edges.

5. Drizzle evenly with olive oil or melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.

6. Broil for 4–5 minutes, watching closely, until the edges begin to brown and crisp.

7. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle a light, even layer of grated mozzarella over the broccoli. Avoid piling it on — too much cheese will melt into a puddle instead of browning.

8. Return to the broiler for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and lightly spotted with golden brown.

9. Finish with red pepper flakes or a little lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~140

• Protein: 7 g

• Carbohydrates: 9 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Total Fat: 9 g

• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g

Key Micronutrients

• Vitamin C: ~70% of daily value, Supports immune health and collagen production

• Vitamin K: ~85% of daily value, Important for bone health and blood clotting

• Calcium: ~15% of daily value, From mozzarella, contributes to bone strength

• Potassium: ~8% of daily value, Supports muscle and nerve function

This dish offers a good balance of fiber, vegetables, and protein while staying relatively low in calories, making it a practical option for quick meals or lighter dinners.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: For best texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until warmed and re-crisped. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it softens the edges.

• Freezing: Not recommended — the texture of the broccoli and cheese does not hold up well after thawing.

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Photos of process

Steam Broccoli

Smash florets

Season

Broil

Add cheese

Broil

Enjoy

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Prompt

Here's how I used Chat GPT to create this "Quick Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Mozzarella" recipe:

Me:

I have slightly tired broccoli florets. Anything quick and yummy I can make?

ChatGPT:

Yes — tired broccoli is actually perfect for a few fast, high-flavor things. The key is high heat or chopping so you’re not relying on crisp texture.

Here are some genuinely quick, low-nonsense options:

1. Crispy Skillet Broccoli (10 minutes)

Best if it’s a little limp.

• Heat a skillet hot with butter or olive oil

• Toss in broccoli (don’t overcrowd)

• Salt immediately

• Let it sit untouched 2–3 min until browned

• Flip, add garlic + red pepper flakes

• Finish with lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon

Great as-is or piled onto toast, eggs, or pasta.

2. Cheesy Broccoli Smash

Ugly broccoli thrives here.

• Rough-chop florets

• Sauté in butter until very soft

• Smash with a fork

• Stir in grated cheddar, parmesan, or whatever you have

• Pepper + pinch of garlic powder

Eat straight, spread on toast, or stuff into quesadillas.

3. Broccoli “Fritters” (Pan-Fried)

Perfect if it’s floppy.

• Finely chop broccoli

• Mix with:

  • 1 egg

  • A few spoonfuls flour or almond flour

  • Salt, pepper, grated cheese

• Pan-fry small patties in butter until golden

Crispy edges, zero sadness.

4. Fast Roasted Broccoli (Air fryer or Oven)

Dry = better.

• Pat broccoli dry

• Toss with olive oil + salt

• Roast hot (425°F / air fryer 390°F)

• Finish with parmesan or a drizzle of honey + chili flakes

Limp turns caramelized fast.

5. Broccoli + Egg Scramble Upgrade

This hides age extremely well.

• Chop broccoli small

• Sauté until tender

• Add eggs, salt, pepper

• Finish with butter and cheese

Add hot sauce or pesto if you want it bold.

If you want:

• Kid-friendly

• Low-carb

• No cheese

• Uses pantry stuff only

tell me and I’ll narrow it to the best one.

Me:

I was thinking to steam then smash and broil? Like crispy...? I have grated mozzarella 

Scroll to the top or click below for the final recipe.

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