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A tray of golden-brown smashed broccoli topped with melted kashar cheese, served with a side of garlic yogurt dip.

Crispy Baked Cheesy Broccoli (Smash Style)

A game-changing broccoli recipe where florets are boiled, smashed, seasoned with spices, and baked with a generous layer of melted cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 509
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

The Main Star
  • 1 lb Fresh broccoli florets (about 6–8 cups)
  • Water (for boiling)
The Flavorful Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Red pepper flakes or paprika
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
The Topping & Dip
  • 1.5 cups Shredded kashar cheese or mozzarella
  • 1 cup Plain Yogurt
  • 1-2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill, finely chopped

Equipment

  • Large Pot: For parboiling the broccoli florets.
  • Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: To ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
  • Flat-Bottomed Glass: For that perfect "smash."
  • Small Mixing Bowl: To prepare the olive oil and spice blend.

Method
 

  1. Cut the broccoli into medium-sized florets. Don't make them too small; you want enough "body" to smash them later.
    Cutting a head of fresh green broccoli into medium-sized florets on a wooden cutting board.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the florets and cook until they are soft and vibrant green. Use a spoon to push them down occasionally so they cook evenly.
  3. Once softened, drain the broccoli well. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and drizzle a tiny bit of oil on it.
    Tender, boiled broccoli florets drained well and placed on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  4. Place the boiled florets on the tray. Take a glass with a flat bottom and gently press down on each floret to smash it into a flat "pancake." This creates more edges for that perfect crunch!
    Using the flat bottom of a drinking glass to gently press down and smash the boiled broccoli florets.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the oil, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Using a brush, apply this seasoned oil generously over the top of each smashed broccoli.
    Brushing a red seasoned oil mixture with paprika and pepper onto the flattened broccoli pieces.
  6. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated kashar (or mozzarella) cheese over each piece.
    Generously topping the seasoned smashed broccoli with grated Kashar or mozzarella cheese.
  7. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F). Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and has those beautiful golden-brown spots.
    The cheesy broccoli roasting inside the oven, showing the cheese melting and turning golden brown.
  8. While it bakes, mix your yogurt, minced garlic, and dill to make a creamy dip. Serve the hot broccoli straight from the oven and dip away!
    Finished crispy baked cheesy broccoli served hot with a side bowl of garlic and dill yogurt dip.

Video

Notes

Boil the broccoli just until slightly tender (about 3–4 minutes). Overcooking will make it too soft and it won’t crisp well when baked.