Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Delicious – With minimal ingredients, you get big, bold flavors. The combination of garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes transforms the broccoli into something truly irresistible.
- Perfectly Melty – The provolone cheese melts beautifully over the broccoli, providing that ideal gooey, cheesy texture that makes these melts so comforting.
- Versatile – Whether you use broccolini or regular broccoli, or even throw in some anchovies for an extra umami punch, this recipe is flexible and customizable to your tastes.
- Quick to Prepare – These open-faced melts come together in just a few steps, making them a quick and satisfying meal or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound broccolini or regular broccoli
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
A few pinches red pepper flakes, to taste
Finely grated zest, then juice, of ½ lemon (juice before zesting only if you enjoy being grumpy)
Coarse salt, to taste
½ cup finely grated aged pecorino romano cheese
8 thin slices totally unfancy deli provolone
8 slices bread of your choice
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the broccoli: If using broccolini, trim the ends. If using regular broccoli, cut it into small florets. Steam or blanch the broccoli until it's just tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp (about 3-4 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to absorb the flavors. Add the lemon zest and juice, then season with coarse salt to taste.
- Assemble the melts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and top each slice with a few spoonfuls of the broccoli mixture. Sprinkle each one with a little grated pecorino romano cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Top each broccoli-filled bread slice with a slice of deli provolone cheese. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the melts from the oven and serve hot. If desired, you can garnish with additional red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of more pecorino romano cheese.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 8 small-medium open-faced melts, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover broccoli melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again and the bread is crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute provolone with mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina, depending on your preference.
Can I make these melts ahead of time?
You can prepare the broccoli mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the melts and bake just before serving.
Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?
Yes, regular broccoli works perfectly in this recipe. Broccolini adds a slightly more delicate texture, but both varieties are equally delicious.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes! You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even anchovies for a savory, umami kick.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, as long as you skip the anchovies.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I freeze these broccoli melts?
While you can freeze the broccoli mixture and assemble the melts ahead of time, the bread may lose its texture after freezing. It’s best to make and enjoy them fresh.
How can I make the melts spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the broccoli mixture.
What kind of bread should I use?
You can use any type of bread you prefer—sourdough, baguette, ciabatta, or even sandwich bread works well. Choose a hearty bread that will hold up to the toppings.
Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?
You can substitute lime or orange zest and juice for a different citrus flavor. Just keep in mind that lemon pairs particularly well with the garlic and broccoli.
Conclusion
These Broccoli Melts are a wonderfully savory, cheesy, and fresh dish that can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you prefer the tender crunch of broccolini or the classic taste of broccoli, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. With the garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemony zest, every bite is full of flavor. These melts are perfect for a quick snack, a light dinner, or an appetizer to share with friends and family. Give them a try, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Broccoli Melts
- Total Time: 25minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Broccoli Melts are a delicious open-faced snack or light meal made with fresh broccoli (or broccolini), melted provolone cheese, and a flavorful garlic, red pepper, and lemon kick. The combination of crispy bread, savory cheese, and the vibrant broccoli mixture creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Quick and easy to make, these melts are a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Broccoli:
- 1 pound broccolini or regular broccoli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- A few pinches red pepper flakes, to taste
- Finely grated zest, then juice, of ½ lemon
- Coarse salt, to taste
For the Melts:
- ½ cup finely grated aged pecorino romano cheese
- 8 thin slices provolone cheese (deli-style)
- 8 slices bread of your choice
Instructions
-
Prepare the Broccoli:
- Trim the ends of the broccolini or cut the regular broccoli into small florets. Steam or blanch until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Garlic:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Add the Broccoli:
- Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss with garlic and red pepper flakes for 3-4 minutes. Add lemon zest and juice, and season with coarse salt.
-
Assemble the Melts:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Top each slice with the broccoli mixture and sprinkle with grated pecorino cheese.
-
Melt the Cheese:
- Place a slice of provolone cheese on each bread slice. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve hot. Optionally garnish with extra red pepper flakes or more pecorino romano.
Notes
- Cheese Options: You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina cheese instead of provolone.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the broccoli mixture in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake just before serving.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
