Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you enjoy it roasted, steamed, or added to soups and casseroles, there’s always a new exciting way to prepare it. Find new ways to make sure you and your family love eating this nutritious green.
In this article, you’ll discover 16 tasty broccoli recipes that are simple to make and packed with flavor. These recipes will highlight broccoli’s ability to complement different ingredients and suit various meals from quick dinners to special occasions.
1) Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and prick your potatoes with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes until they are tender.
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in some flour and cook for about a minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, around 5 minutes. Then, remove the sauce from the heat and stir in grated cheese.
Steam some fresh broccoli until it’s tender. Once the potatoes are baked, let them cool slightly. Slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork.
Fill the potatoes with the steamed broccoli. Drizzle the cheese sauce generously over the broccoli-stuffed potatoes.
Your Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes are ready to serve. They make a great side dish or a main course, packed with cheesy goodness and nutritious broccoli. Enjoy this delightful combination that’s both delicious and easy to make.
2) Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Broccoli and cheese soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. It has a rich, creamy texture that pairs well with the slight crunch of freshly cooked broccoli. The savory cheese brings everything together, making it a favorite for many.
To start, melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Next, whisk in flour, creating a roux that will help thicken your soup.
Slowly pour in vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Once the broth is well incorporated, add milk or half-and-half. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken.
Add chopped broccoli and sliced carrots to the pot. Allow them to cook until they are tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Be sure to stir every now and then to keep the soup from sticking.
The final step is to add shredded cheese. Grate your cheese fresh for the best results, and add it slowly while stirring to avoid clumps. Continue to heat until the cheese is fully melted and mixed in. Now your broccoli and cheese soup is ready to serve. Enjoy!
3) Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins
Broccoli salad with bacon and raisins is a classic dish that balances fresh and savory flavors.
Start by cooking a pound of bacon until it’s crispy. Once it’s cool, chop it into small pieces.
Next, chop fresh broccoli, including the stalks. Combine the broccoli and bacon in a large bowl.
Add raisins and some finely diced red onions to the mix.
For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix well.
Let the salad chill in the fridge before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
This salad is a great addition to any meal. It combines crunchy vegetables, sweet raisins, and the salty taste of bacon.
Feel free to sprinkle in sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Broccoli salad with bacon and raisins is easy to make and always a hit at gatherings.
4) Roasted Broccoli with Garlic
Roasted broccoli with garlic is a simple and delicious way to prepare this green vegetable.
Start by preheating your oven to around 425°F. While the oven heats up, wash and cut the broccoli into florets. Pat them dry to ensure they roast well.
In a large bowl, mix the broccoli with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so the broccoli is evenly coated.
Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly and get nicely browned on the edges.
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Roast for about 10-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the edges are lightly browned.
Check the broccoli halfway through and give it a quick stir to ensure even roasting.
Once done, the broccoli should be crisp-tender with a good roasted flavor. Serve immediately while it’s hot.
5) Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a comforting, creamy dish that combines the richness of Alfredo sauce with the crisp tenderness of broccoli.
To start, cook your pasta in a large pot. Add garlic, salt, and olive oil to boost the flavor. Once the pasta is almost done, add broccoli to the same pot for the last few minutes of cooking.
Drain the pasta and broccoli, but save a bit of the pasta water. This water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
In a skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for a couple of minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk or cream until the sauce starts to thicken.
Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, thin it out with some reserved pasta water.
Combine the pasta and broccoli with the Alfredo sauce, making sure everything is well-coated. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
6) Broccoli Tacos with Spicy Sauce
Broccoli tacos are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy dinner. Start by cutting your broccoli into small florets. You can either roast or sauté them.
To roast, preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes.
While the broccoli is cooking, make the spicy sauce. In a small pan, combine hot sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, and orange juice. Add onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Stir everything together and cook over medium-low heat until it thickens.
Once the broccoli is ready, warm up some tortillas. Fill each tortilla with the roasted or sautéed broccoli. Drizzle the spicy sauce over the broccoli. You can add toppings like avocado, shredded cabbage, or fresh cilantro.
These broccoli tacos are quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal. The spicy sauce adds a tasty kick, making them a standout dish. Enjoy the mix of flavors and the satisfying crunch of the roasted broccoli.
7) Broccoli Fritters with Yogurt Dip
Broccoli fritters make a tasty and healthy snack. To start, bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a large pot. Add broccoli pieces, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes. Drain and let the broccoli cool slightly.
In a large bowl, lightly beat an egg. Mix in flour, cheese, minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper. Add the slightly cooled broccoli and mash using a potato masher until the mixture holds together.
Heat some oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Scoop 1/4 cup of the batter and drop it into the pan. Gently flatten with a spoon to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
For the yogurt dip, mix plain yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and some fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley. Serve the warm fritters with the yogurt dip on the side. This combination is perfect for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
8) Broccoli Pesto Penne
Broccoli Pesto Penne is a delicious twist on classic pasta dishes. It’s bright, fresh, and packed with nutrients.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water.
In a food processor, combine the cooked broccoli, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until blended into a smooth pesto.
Cook penne pasta in the same pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve some of the pasta water. Toss the pasta with the broccoli pesto, thinning with the reserved pasta water if needed.
To serve, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and pine nuts for a bit of crunch. Add a few red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Enjoy your Broccoli Pesto Penne as a satisfying main dish or a unique side.
9) Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a healthy and delicious dish that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the goodness of broccoli. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. This casserole is easy to make and can be a great comfort food.
To start, cook your quinoa according to the package instructions. While the quinoa is cooking, you’ll prepare the broccoli by roasting or steaming it. Roasting adds a nice, slightly crispy texture, while steaming keeps it tender.
Once the quinoa and broccoli are ready, combine them in a large bowl. Add some olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can mix in some garlic powder or onion powder.
You’ll also need some cheese to bind the casserole and add a creamy texture. Cheddar cheese works well, but you can use any cheese you like. Stir most of the cheese into the quinoa and broccoli mixture, saving some for the topping.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake it in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This usually takes about 20 minutes.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli Quinoa Casserole as a main dish or a healthy side. It pairs well with various proteins like chicken or fish.
10) Stir-Fried Broccoli with Tofu
Stir-Fried Broccoli with Tofu is a quick and healthy recipe that you can make in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. You get a tasty balance of proteins from the tofu and vitamins from the broccoli.
Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu pieces. Let them cook until they are golden brown on all sides, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the tofu and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli florets. Add a pinch of salt and stir occasionally. Cook until the broccoli is a bright green and just tender, about 5-6 minutes.
Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet for extra flavor. Return the tofu to the skillet. Pour your favorite stir-fry sauce over the mixture. Stir well to coat everything with the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve your stir-fried broccoli and tofu over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. This dish is simple, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your recipe collection.
11) Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is a delicious dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. You start by preparing a pie crust. Store-bought or homemade, either will work fine.
Blind bake the pie crust until it’s just golden. This ensures a flaky base that won’t get soggy when you add the filling.
While the crust bakes, cook the broccoli. You can steam it, microwave it, or sauté it until tender. This helps to bring out its flavor and ensure it’s cooked through.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. For added flavor, a bit of Dijon mustard and some herbs like oregano and thyme are great choices.
Add the cooked broccoli and some grated Cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir it all together until combined.
Pour the mixture into the baked pie crust. Scatter a bit more Cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness.
Bake the quiche until the center is just set, usually about 40-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to serve and helps the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your tasty Broccoli Cheddar Quiche!
12) Broccoli Rice Casserole
Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comfort food classic you can make with ease. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about two minutes, keeping it slightly crisp.
Cook your rice according to package instructions.
Sauté onions and garlic in melted butter until translucent. Add celery for an extra crunch.
In a separate pan, make a simple cheese sauce. Start by melting butter, then add flour to create a roux. Slowly mix in milk and continue stirring until smooth. Add shredded cheese, salt, and pepper, and cook until cheese melts completely.
Combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix everything well and pour into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with more cheese.
Bake for about 35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This dish works well as a side or a main meal. Your family will love the creamy texture and rich flavors. Experiment by adding other ingredients like cooked chicken or mushrooms for variety.
13) Broccoli Slaw with Apples
Broccoli slaw with apples is a crisp and flavorful dish. It combines the crunch of broccoli with the sweetness of apples.
To start, you need a bag of store-bought broccoli slaw mix. This mix usually has shredded broccoli, carrots, and sometimes red cabbage.
Next, slice an apple into thin matchsticks. Make sure to toss the sliced apple with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
For the dressing, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli slaw mix and the apple slices. Toss everything together until well coated.
Adding dried cranberries or nuts, like almonds or sunflower seeds, can give extra texture and flavor.
For best results, let the slaw sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Broccoli slaw with apples is a refreshing side dish for any meal. It’s perfect for potlucks or as a light lunch. Enjoy the mix of crisp vegetables and sweet, juicy apples.
14) Broccoli Pizza with Mozzarella
Start by preheating your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare your pizza dough and spread it out on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil.
Take fresh broccoli florets and boil them for about one minute. This helps them become tender.
Drain the broccoli and let it dry. You can also use a clean kitchen towel to remove extra moisture.
In a bowl, mix shredded mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, and a bit of onion powder.
Spread this cheese mixture over your stretched pizza dough.
Top the cheese with the prepared broccoli florets.
Season with salt, pepper, and a little dried oregano if you like extra flavor.
Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Pizza with Mozzarella!
15) Lemon Broccoli Orzo
Lemon Broccoli Orzo is a simple yet flavorful dish. You start by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions. While the orzo is boiling, roast your broccoli with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper in the oven until tender.
In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until it smells amazing. Add the cooked orzo and stir in some fresh lemon juice. Mix well to coat the orzo with the lemony garlic oil.
Next, fold in the roasted broccoli. Toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly distributed. For extra flavor, sprinkle in some lemon zest and freshly chopped parsley. This dish can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for any meal.
To finish, you can add a handful of shredded Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a nice, salty touch that complements the lemon and broccoli. Enjoy your Lemon Broccoli Orzo as a side dish or a light main course.
16) Broccoli and Vegetable Stir Fry
Start by heating some oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir them until they are soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Next, throw in your broccoli florets. You can also add broccolini if you like.
Toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and any other favorite vegetables. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix up a simple sauce using soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a bit of Sriracha for a kick. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well.
Let everything cook until the broccoli is tender but still crisp. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles. Enjoy this quick and healthy meal!
Health Benefits Of Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with essential nutrients and offers several health benefits. This versatile vegetable supports immune health and has anti-inflammatory properties. Let’s take a closer look.
Rich In Nutrients
Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse. A one-cup serving of raw, chopped broccoli contains about 31 calories, 2.5 grams of protein, and 6 grams of carbohydrates. Additionally, this vegetable provides high levels of vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also contains small amounts of calcium and potassium, which are crucial for bone and heart health. Broccoli’s nutrient density makes it an excellent option for maintaining a balanced diet.
Supports Immune Health
Vitamin C is essential for a strong immune system, and broccoli is a fantastic source. One cup of broccoli contains as much vitamin C as an orange. This antioxidant helps protect your body from harmful free radicals. Broccoli also contains other compounds that support immune function, such as beta-carotene and zinc. Including broccoli in your diet can help your body fend off infections and support overall immune health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Broccoli has compounds that reduce inflammation in the body. One key component is sulforaphane, a sulfur-rich compound that helps lower levels of harmful inflammation. Consuming broccoli can help manage chronic inflammation, which is linked to numerous health issues like heart disease and arthritis. Additionally, the high fiber content in broccoli supports digestive health by reducing inflammation in the gut. Regularly eating broccoli can help you maintain a healthier, inflammation-free lifestyle.
Tips For Cooking Broccoli
To get the best out of your broccoli, focus on selecting fresh produce, storing it properly, and using effective cooking methods.
Selecting Fresh Broccoli
Choose broccoli that has firm, dark green florets and stems. The florets should be tightly closed, not yellowing or flowering. Avoid broccoli with soft spots or a strong odor. Fresh broccoli will also have crisp leaves on the stem that are not wilted.
Look for consistent color throughout the bunch. A slightly purple tinge near the edges is okay. Ensure the broccoli feels heavy for its size, indicating it’s fresh and full of moisture.
Proper Storage Techniques
Store broccoli in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Place it in a loose plastic bag, breathable enough to allow air circulation. Do not wash the broccoli before storing as moisture can lead to mold growth.
For best results, use the broccoli within 5-7 days. If necessary, you can freeze broccoli by blanching it briefly in boiling water, cooling it in ice water, and then storing it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Effective Cooking Methods
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
- Steaming: Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Steaming retains more nutrients than boiling.
- Sautéing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Add broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown. Add a splash of water, cover, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Using these tips ensures you get the most flavor and nutritional value out of your broccoli.
