Smashed Parmesan Broccoli Crisps
If you aren’t a fan of broccoli, these Smashed Parmesan Broccoli Crisps just might change your mind! Tender broccoli florets, smashed on top of a bed of freshly grated parmesan cheese and baked until crisp and golden brown. Serve with a creamy, flavorful tahini ranch dressing.
Smashed Parmesan Broccoli Crisps are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Perfectly cooked broccoli, combined with toasted garlic and nutty parmesan cheese will make anyone fall in love with broccoli.
These parmesan broccoli chips are not only healthy, but incredibly easy to make!
If you’re looking for other simple, yet super flavorful recipes, try Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls, Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp, and Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip.
Why You’ll Love These Broccoli Crisps
- Easy to make- Made with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe takes no time to prepare.
- Low carb- These broccoli bites are low in calories and carbohydrates, high in protein, and contain calcium. Great for low-carb and keto eating.
- Perfect for snacking- Healthy alternative to potato chips, with a satisfying crunch and salty flavor in each bite.
- Tahini ranch- This ranch dressing is brightened up with lots of herbs, garlic, tangy lemon juice and creamy tahini.
Ingredient Notes
Here are some notes on the ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Broccoli- I like to buy a crown of broccoli and remove the florets myself. I find precut broccoli to be too small. Cut your broccoli in medium to large pieces.
- Parmesan cheese- I recommend using freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Oil- Olive oil is my preferred cooking oil. It’s healthy and has a wonderful fruity flavor. Avocado, grapeseed or rice bran oil are also healthy options.
- Garlic- Fresh garlic has the best flavor. Skip the stuff that comes in the jar.
- Tahini- I use this brand here.
- Lemon juice- Use fresh for the best flavor.
- Dijon mustard- Dijon has a more pungent, spicy flavor than yellow mustard.
- Dried herbs- I use dried parsley, dill and chives.
- Seasoning- I use both garlic and onion powder.
- Cayenne- Just a pinch. Adjust to your taste.
Ingredient Note Substitutions
- Parmesan cheese- Don’t have parmesan cheese, you can use other cheeses such as Romano or Pecorino.
- Fresh broccoli- I recommend using fresh broccoli but you can also use frozen broccoli florets if that’s all you have. Thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before using.
- Tahini ranch- Not a fan of tahini, feel free to substitute with classic ranch dressing or just eat these broccoli chips all on their own. They taste great either way!
Step By Step Instructions – Broccoli Parmesan Crisps
STEP 1: Preheat. Preheat oven to 400°. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP 2: Cook broccoli. Bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil. Blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and tender.
STEP 3: Strain. Remove the broccoli and immediately plunge into the bowl of ice water. When the broccoli is completely cool, drain. Then, transfer the broccoli onto a platter and pat dry with paper towels.
STEP 4: Smash. Sprinkle the baking sheet with a thin layer of shredded parmesan cheese. Then, place the broccoli florets on top of the cheese, spicing them 1″ apart. Next, take the bottom of a measuring cup and firmly press down on the broccoli until flat.
STEP 5: Garlic oil. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Then, take a pastry brush and brush the tops of the broccoli.
STEP 6: Bake. Transfer the broccoli to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and the broccoli is crisp.
STEP 7: Cool. Allow the broccoli to cool. Then, break into smaller pieces.
STEP 8: Make tahini ranch. In a small bowl, combine the tahini, dijon and fresh lemon juice. The mixture will be thick. Next, add dry herbs, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.
Lastly, whisk in water until you reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
Expert Tips
Do not overcook the broccoli. You want the broccoli to still be tender but soft enough to smash. I use an ice bath once the broccoli comes out of the boiling water. This halts the cooking process and also preserves the bright green color.
Moisture in the broccoli is a huge factor in this recipe. Make sure to pat the broccoli until it is completely dry. This will ensure the broccoli gets nice and crispy in the oven.
Hand grate your parmesan cheese. Freshly grated parmesan cheese is better quality since there are no additional ingredients and it also melts better.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat. This is a must to avoid sticking and ensure you can easily release the crisps from the pan after baking.
FAQ
I suggest cutting the broccoli into medium size pieces. The key is to cut them the same size so that they cook evenly inside the oven. Leave about 1/2 inch of the stem for a nice presentation.
I strongly recommend blanching the broccoli. Blanching not only brightens the vibrant green color but also makes the broccoli tender enough to smash before baking in the oven.
Yes, you can! Cook the broccoli and let completely dry. Refrigerate for 1-2 days in advance before baking with the cheese.
Although these taste delicious on their own, you can certainly serve them with creamy ranch dressing, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or some spicy marinara sauce.
Storing
These Smashed Parmesan Broccoli Crisps taste best as soon as they come out of the oven. The broccoli will lose its crispy texture after sitting for an hour or two. If you have any leftovers, store them inside an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 days.
Recommended Equipment
Here’s what you will need to make this recipe.
- Large stock pot (for boiling the broccoli)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or Silpat
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cup
More Appetizer Recipes To Try
Try These Recipes Too!
- Birria Nachos
- Buffalo Crispy Cauliflower Bites
- Carne Asada Quesadilla
- Easy Sourdough Garlic Bread
- Hot Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip
If you make this recipe, please leave a STAR RATING on the recipe card below. Tag me on Instagram. Follow me Pinterest for more delicious recipes.
Smashed Parmesan Broccoli Crisps
Ingredients
Smashed Parmesan Broccoli Crisps
- 6 cups Fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Tahini Ranch Dressing
- 1/4 cup Tahini
- 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Dried chives
- 2 tsp Dried parsley
- 1 tsp Dried dill
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- Pinch Cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp White granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- 2-4 tbsp Water , to thin out
Instructions
Smashed Parmesan Broccoli Crisps
- Preheat oven to 400°. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil. Blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and tender.
- Remove the broccoli and immediately plunge into the bowl of ice water. When the broccoli is completely cool, drain. Then, transfer the broccoli onto a platter and pat dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle the baking sheet with a thin layer of shredded parmesan cheese. Then, place the broccoli florets on top of the cheese, spicing them 1" apart. Next, take the bottom of a measuring cup and firmly press down on the broccoli until flat. I recommend smashing your broccoli to 1/2" thick or less for a crispier chip.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Then, take a pastry brush and brush the tops of the broccoli.
- Transfer the broccoli to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and the broccoli is crisp.
- Allow the broccoli to cool. Then, break into smaller pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Tahini Ranch Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the tahini, dijon and fresh lemon juice. The mixture will be thick.
- Next, add dry herbs, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.
- Slowly whisk in water until you reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Pour dressing into serving dish and serve with parmesan broccoli crisps.