Description
Broccoli Melt is a quick, healthy, and delicious open-faced sandwich perfect for a savory snack or light meal. Fresh broccoli, garlic, lemon, and pecorino cheese are combined on toasted bread, topped with provolone, and broiled to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 1/2 lemon
- Coarse salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup finely grated aged pecorino romano cheese
- 8 thin slices deli provolone cheese
- 8 slices bread of your choice
Instructions
- If using broccolini, cut it into 2-inch segments. If using regular broccoli, peel the stems with a vegetable peeler and cut into large chunks.
- Pour about 1-inch of salted water into a large sauté pan and bring to a boil. Add the broccoli and cover with a lid. Boil/steam for 2 minutes, then drain well and pat dry on paper towels, wringing out as much extra liquid as possible. Chop into small (roughly 1/2-inch) bits.
- Wipe the sauté pan dry and heat over medium. Add olive oil and heat for 1 minute. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until the garlic begins to turn golden. Add the broccoli and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Transfer the broccoli mixture to a bowl and add lemon zest, juice, pecorino cheese, and more salt and pepper flakes to taste.
- Preheat your broiler. Arrange the bread slices on a tray and lightly toast on both sides.
- Scoop the broccoli mixture onto each slice of toasted bread, then lay a slice of provolone over the top. Run under the broiler until the cheese has melted and begun to blister.
- Enjoy immediately. If you’re feeling generous, share with others—though we wouldn’t blame you if you kept them all for yourself!
Notes
- Feel free to use any bread of your choice, from whole wheat to sourdough or even gluten-free options.
- If you prefer a more cheesy experience, you can add more provolone or other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar.
- The recipe works well as a light lunch, snack, or even as an appetizer for gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg