Broccoli Melts Recipes

BROCCOLI MELTS

Steps:

• If using broccolini, cut it into 2-inch segments. If using regular broccoli, peel the stems with a vegetable peeler first so that they cook evenly, then cut the rest into large chunks.
• Pour about a 1-inch puddle of salted water into a large saute pan and bring to a boil. Add the broccoli and cover with a lid; let boil/steam for 2 minutes. 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 saute pan dry and heat over medium. Add the olive oil and let it heat for a full minute. Add the garlic and pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is just beginning to turn golden, about 1 minute. Add the broccoli and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, seasoning with salt. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the lemon zest and juice, Pecorino and more salt and pepper flakes to taste.
• Preheat the broiler. Arrange the slices of bread on a baking sheet and lightly toast on both sides. Scoop the broccoli mixture onto each slice of bread, lay a slice of provolone over it and run under the broiler until the cheese has melted and begun to blister. Eat. Repeat. Don't forget to share, or at least hide the evidence if you decide not to.

EASY LEMON AND GARLIC BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Place broccoli florets in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir 2 teaspoons lemon juice into water in a small bowl and pour the mixture into the skillet. Cover and steam until broccoli is bright green and tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
• While broccoli is steaming, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in garlic and salt; turn heat to low and let the garlic gently fry until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Drain water from cooked broccoli and return to skillet; sprinkle with 2 more teaspoons lemon juice and the butter and garlic mixture. Sprinkle broccoli with black pepper, toss to combine, and season with a bit more pepper if desired.

BROCCOLI TOASTS WITH MELTY PROVOLONE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain broccoli and pat dry.
• Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch tall-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the anchovies, if using, the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook until the anchovies have dissolved and the garlic is fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally until the broccoli is cooked down and very tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water, if needed, to help it along. Stir in lemon zest. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed.
• While the broccoli cooks, heat the broiler. Lay the bread on a large sheet pan and toast until golden, about 1 to 3 minutes a side depending on your oven. (Check often to make sure they don't burn.) Remove from oven and divide the broccoli mixture between the toasts. Scatter each toast with the grated provolone, return to oven and broil until the cheese melts and turns golden in spots, 1 to 3 minutes more. (Again, check often to make sure they don't burn.) Remove from oven and serve slices whole or cut in half.

BROCCOLI AND CHEESE BREAKFAST MELTS

Steps:

• Thaw broccoli in microwave oven or at room temperature, drain well on paper towels.
• Place muffins on baking sheet, broil turning once, until lightly toasted.
• Remove and turn cut side up.
• Top each with slice of ham and tomato, top with broccoli.
• Sprinkle with cheese.
• Broil for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

BROCCOLINI-CHEDDAR MELTS

Steps:

• Preheat broiler. Steam broccolini until just tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and pat dry. Broil bread on baking sheet until lightly toasted, about 1 minute per side. Spread top side of each bread slice with mustard-flavored mayonnaise. Top each with onion slice, broccolini and cheese. Broil until cheese melts and browns, about 2 minutes.

PORTOBELLO, BROCCOLI, AND RED-PEPPER MELTS

Steps:

• Heat broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. On a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, toss broccoli with oil; season with salt and pepper. Broil, tossing once or twice, until broccoli begins to char, 4 to 6 minutes.
• Add mushrooms and bell peppers to sheet; season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Broil, tossing once or twice, until vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes more; set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Place bread on a work surface. Dividing evenly, spread with mayonnaise mixture, and top with vegetables, then cheese. Place on baking sheet, and broil until cheese is melted and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.