Smashed Broccoli Bites
These Smashed Broccoli Bites are the ultimate crispy, cheesy, and spicy snack. They’ve got everything: a crunchy cheese crust, tender greens, and a kick of heat that makes them disappear in seconds.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 cup Broccoli
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
- 2 Tbsp Red crushed pepper
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Broccoli: Start by steaming your broccoli florets for 4-6 minutes. You want them tender enough to be smashed, but not so mushy that they fall apart.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spray or brush it generously with olive oil. This is the secret to getting that golden-brown crust on the bottom!
- The "Cheese Base": Instead of just putting cheese on top, we’re going to layer it. Sprinkle small clumps of the shredded Monterey Jack directly onto the oiled parchment paper. Place one broccoli floret on top of each cheese clump.
- Get Smashing: Using the bottom of a heavy jar or glass, gently press down on each broccoli floret until it is flattened. This increases the surface area for maximum crispiness.
- Season and Top: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the smashed florets. Add your crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop them into the oven and bake for 5–8 minutes.
- Enjoy with your favorite dip!
Nutrition
Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 945IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg