When it comes to side dishes, we often look for something that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Today, I'm going to introduce you to a mouth - watering creation: smashed broccoli tossed in ranch seasoning and dunked in sriracha ranch dressing. This dish combines the best of both worlds - the crispness of broccoli and the bold flavors of ranch and sriracha.

Let's start with the star of the show - broccoli. Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. It is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Eating broccoli regularly can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and even reduce the risk of certain cancers. But sometimes, getting kids or even some adults to eat broccoli can be a challenge. That's where this recipe comes in. By smashing the broccoli and adding some amazing seasonings, we transform this healthy vegetable into an irresistible treat.

To make this smashed broccoli, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning (you can use store - bought or make your own)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• For the sriracha ranch dressing: 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning, 1 - 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce (depending on how spicy you like it), 2 tablespoons of milk, and a pinch of salt.

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the broccoli and sprinkle the ranch seasoning, salt, and black pepper on top. Use your hands to toss the broccoli gently, making sure each floret is coated evenly with the oil and seasonings.

Now, it's time to smash the broccoli. Take a fork or the bottom of a small glass and gently press down on each broccoli floret. This will help the broccoli cook more evenly and also give it a nice, rustic look. Spread the smashed broccoli out in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until the edges of the broccoli are golden brown and crispy. You can flip the broccoli halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

While the broccoli is baking, it's time to make the sriracha ranch dressing. In a medium - sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, sriracha sauce, milk, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well - combined and smooth. You can adjust the consistency of the dressing by adding more or less milk according to your preference. If you like it thicker, use less milk; if you prefer a thinner dressing, add a little more milk.

Once the broccoli is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer the smashed broccoli to a serving platter. Pour the sriracha ranch dressing into a small bowl and place it next to the broccoli. Now, you can enjoy the crispiest, crunchiest, cheesiest broccoli. Dip each piece of smashed broccoli into the sriracha ranch dressing and savor the explosion of flavors in your mouth.

This smashed broccoli with sriracha ranch dressing is not only great as a side dish for a family dinner, but it also makes a wonderful appetizer for a party. You can serve it with some crackers or chips for an extra crunch. And if you're looking to make it more filling, you can add some cooked bacon bits or shredded cheese on top of the broccoli right before serving.

In conclusion, this recipe is a game - changer when it comes to broccoli. It takes a simple, healthy vegetable and turns it into a culinary masterpiece. So, the next time you're looking for a delicious side dish, give this smashed broccoli with sriracha ranch dressing a try. Your taste buds will thank you!