Go Back

Crispy Smashed Broccoli & Cauliflower

Golden, crispy broccoli and cauliflower roasted with Parmesan, herbs and a hint of chilli, then finished with fresh lemon for the perfect balance of savoury flavour and crunch. A simple, vegetable-packed side dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small head of broccoli around 250g, cut into florets
  • 1 small head of cauliflower around 250g, cut into florets
  • 1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp dried chilli flakes plus extra to serve, optional
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 40 g finely grated Parmesan
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • Large baking tray
  • Baking parchment
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • chopping board
  • Sharp knife
  • Box grater
  • Flat-bottomed glass or jar
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

Prepare the vegetables
  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) / 425°F.
  2. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment.
  3. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into medium-sized florets.
Season the vegetables
  1. Place the florets into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried chilli flakes, salt and black pepper.
  3. Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
Roast
  1. Arrange the florets in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
  2. Roast for 20 minutes, or until the stems are tender when pierced with a fork.
Smash the vegetables
  1. Remove the tray from the oven.
  2. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or jar, gently press each floret until slightly flattened, creating more surface area for crisping.
Add the Parmesan
  1. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the smashed broccoli and cauliflower.
  2. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden and crisp around the edges.
Finish the dish
  1. Remove from the oven.
  2. Sprinkle over the lemon zest and parsley, if using.
  3. Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice.
  4. Finish with an extra pinch of dried chilli flakes and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
Serve
  1. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.