Our Best Broccoli Recipes

February 13, 2025

Broccoli is a tasty and healthy veggie that can be made in many ways. From soups to stir-fries, there are lots of yummy broccoli recipes to try.

You can enjoy this green veggie as a side dish or as the main part of your meal.

These 17+ broccoli recipes will give you new ideas for cooking this nutritious vegetable. You’ll find options for every taste, from cheesy casseroles to roasted broccoli with spices.

Whether you’re a broccoli fan or just starting to like it, these recipes will help you add more greens to your diet in fun ways.

1. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy broccoli casserole is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need broccoli, cheese, and a creamy sauce as the main ingredients.

Start by cooking the broccoli until it’s tender. Mix it with a creamy sauce made from condensed soup and mayonnaise.

Add shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top it with more cheese and crunchy french-fried onions. Bake until it’s hot and bubbly.

You can add chicken or rice to make it a full meal. For a spicy kick, try mixing in some cayenne pepper. This casserole is great for family dinners or potlucks.

2. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting dish that combines tender broccoli with rich, melted cheese. You can make this creamy soup at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by melting butter in a large pot and cooking onions until soft. Add flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in milk and broth while stirring.

Next, add chopped broccoli and carrots to the pot. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

You can easily adjust the thickness by adding more broth if desired.

3. Roasted Broccoli with Garlic

Roasted broccoli with garlic is a tasty and simple side dish. You can make it in about 20 minutes.

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Cut fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Add the broccoli and toss to coat it evenly.

Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes, then turn the pieces over.

Cook for another 10 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender and lightly browned.

For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or a pinch of sugar to the seasoning mix. This dish is a great way to enjoy broccoli’s health benefits with a delicious garlic kick.

4. Broccoli Stir Fry with Tofu

Broccoli stir fry with tofu is a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and filling.

To make this dish, you’ll need firm tofu, broccoli florets, garlic, and ginger. The sauce typically includes soy sauce, vinegar, and sometimes peanut butter for extra flavor.

Start by pressing and cubing the tofu. Stir-fry it until crispy, then set aside.

Next, cook the broccoli with garlic and ginger. Add the tofu back in and pour the sauce over everything.

This recipe is very flexible. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Serve your stir fry over rice for a complete meal.

5. Broccoli and Quinoa Salad

This tasty salad combines nutty quinoa with crisp broccoli for a nutritious meal. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.

Chop broccoli into small florets and blanch for 3 minutes.

Mix the cooled quinoa and broccoli in a large bowl. Add some dried cranberries for sweetness and chopped pecans for crunch.

Toss in cubed sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

Make a simple dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Pour it over the salad and mix well.

This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

6. Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Broccoli pesto pasta is a tasty and healthy twist on traditional pesto. It combines the goodness of broccoli with the rich flavors of pesto sauce.

To make this dish, cook broccoli until tender and blend it with pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, basil, and lemon juice. This creates a vibrant green pesto sauce.

Cook your pasta of choice until al dente. Then toss it with the broccoli pesto.

You can add some reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly.

This recipe is a great way to sneak extra veggies into your meal. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

You can also adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

7. Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken

This tasty dish combines juicy chicken with a creamy broccoli and cheese filling. To make it, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, cooked broccoli, and cheese.

Start by pounding the chicken breasts thin. Season them with salt and pepper.

Next, chop the cooked broccoli finely and mix it with cheese.

Spread the broccoli-cheese mixture onto each chicken breast. Roll them up and secure with toothpicks.

Cook the stuffed chicken in a hot skillet until browned on both sides.

Finish cooking the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

8. Broccoli and Bacon Frittata

Broccoli and bacon frittata is a tasty and easy meal option. You can make it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

To start, cook some bacon until crispy. Then steam broccoli florets for about 3 minutes.

Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add grated cheese if you like.

Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet. Add the broccoli and bacon. Pour the egg mixture over top.

Cook on the stove for a few minutes until the edges set. Then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven.

Bake until the center is fully set, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

9. Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Broccoli Alfredo pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender broccoli florets with a rich cheese sauce. You can make it in one pot for easy cleanup.

Start by cooking your pasta of choice in a large skillet with garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and water. Stir constantly for about 5-6 minutes.

While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli until it’s crisp-tender, which takes around 5 minutes. Drain the broccoli when done.

For the sauce, melt butter in a pan and stir in flour to create a roux.

Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a boil, stirring for 2 minutes until thickened.

Combine the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are well coated with the creamy sauce.

10. Broccoli and Black Bean Tacos

Broccoli and black bean tacos offer a tasty twist on a classic dish. These vegetarian tacos pack a flavorful punch and are ready in just 15 minutes.

Start by roasting broccoli florets until slightly charred. While the broccoli cooks, warm black beans with spices like chipotle powder for a kick.

Fill taco shells with the roasted broccoli and seasoned black beans. Top with your favorite garnishes such as feta cheese, crispy onions, or a zesty sauce.

These tacos are high in protein and fiber, making them a filling meal option. You can easily customize them with different toppings or sauces to suit your taste preferences.

11. Broccoli and Mushroom Risotto

This creamy dish combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the fresh crunch of broccoli. You’ll need rice, broth, mushrooms, broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Start by sautéing garlic and broccoli in olive oil. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Set this mixture aside.

In a separate pan, toast the rice before slowly adding broth. Stir constantly as the rice absorbs the liquid.

When the rice is almost done, mix in the broccoli and mushrooms. Finish with Parmesan cheese and a pat of butter for extra richness.

This risotto makes a satisfying meal on its own or a tasty side dish for fish or chicken.

12. Broccoli and Kale Smoothie

A broccoli and kale smoothie is a tasty way to pack in nutrients. You can blend these green veggies with fruit for a sweet flavor.

Try mixing broccoli, kale, spinach, and an apple in your blender. Add some ginger and flaxseed for extra health benefits.

For a creamy texture, include a banana or some peanut butter. If you like it cold, toss in some ice cubes.

This green drink makes a great breakfast or snack. It’s filling and gives you energy to start your day.

You can customize your smoothie with other ingredients too. Carrots, tomato paste, or berries are good options to try.

13. Broccoli and Chickpea Curry

Broccoli and chickpea curry is a tasty and nutritious dish. It combines the health benefits of broccoli with protein-rich chickpeas in a flavorful curry sauce.

To make this curry, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger. Add spices like turmeric, curry powder, and salt for flavor.

Next, toss in chopped broccoli and chickpeas. Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth, then simmer until the broccoli is tender.

This vegan-friendly meal is creamy and satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.

Serve your broccoli and chickpea curry over rice for a complete and filling dish. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

14. Broccoli Slaw

Broccoli slaw is a tasty twist on traditional coleslaw. You can make it with pre-packaged broccoli slaw mix or create your own by slicing broccoli stems.

To make broccoli slaw, mix the slaw with a dressing of mayo, vinegar, and honey. Add extras like sunflower seeds, raisins, or diced apples for more flavor and crunch.

This dish is packed with nutrients and fiber. It’s a great way to enjoy raw broccoli in a new form.

You can serve it as a side dish or use it as a crunchy topping for sandwiches.

For best results, let the slaw chill in the fridge for an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together.

15. Broccoli and Potato Soup

Broccoli and potato soup is a comforting dish that warms you up on chilly days. You can make it easily with common ingredients like potatoes, broccoli, onions, and garlic.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Add diced potatoes, chopped broccoli, and broth. Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender.

For a creamy texture, blend some of the soup and return it to the pot.

You can add cheese for extra flavor if you like. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This soup is filling and nutritious. It’s a great way to enjoy broccoli in a different form.

16. Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

This dish combines two nutritious vegetables in a comforting casserole. You’ll need broccoli, cauliflower, butter, onion, and garlic as key ingredients.

Start by steaming the broccoli and cauliflower florets until they’re crisp-tender. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic.

Mix the vegetables with a creamy sauce and top with crushed crackers for added crunch. Bake the casserole in a buttered dish until it’s hot and bubbly.

This recipe is versatile. You can add cheese, bacon, or different seasonings to suit your taste. It’s a great way to get more veggies into your diet.

17. Broccoli and Sausage Pizza

Broccoli and sausage pizza is a tasty twist on classic pizza. You can make it at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by cooking Italian sausage in a pan. Add chopped broccoli and stir to combine the flavors.

Let this mixture cool.

Stretch out pizza dough on a floured baking sheet. Spread tomato sauce on the dough. Add the cooled sausage and broccoli mixture.

Top with a blend of cheeses like fontina and Romano. Bake the pizza in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese melts.

This pizza combines the meaty flavor of sausage with the mild crunch of broccoli. It’s a great way to add vegetables to a fun meal.

Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli offers many health benefits. It provides key nutrients and supports your immune system.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Broccoli packs a nutritional punch. It contains high levels of vitamin C, an important antioxidant. This vitamin helps protect your cells and boosts your immune system.

Broccoli also provides vitamin K, which is vital for blood clotting and bone health. It’s a good source of folate, important for making DNA and other genetic material.

This green vegetable offers potassium too. Potassium helps your nerves work properly and supports heart health.

Broccoli contains fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients, making it great for weight management.

Boosts Immune System

Eating broccoli can help keep you healthy. Its sulfur compounds support your immune system. These compounds may help your body fight off harmful bacteria.

Broccoli’s high vitamin C content also strengthens your immune defenses. This vitamin helps your body make white blood cells, which fight infections.

The vegetable’s antioxidants protect your cells from damage. This may lower your risk of some diseases.

Broccoli’s fiber feeds good gut bacteria. A healthy gut helps your immune system work better.

Adding broccoli to your diet is an easy way to support your body’s defenses. Try it raw, steamed, or roasted for variety.

Cooking Techniques for Broccoli

Broccoli can be cooked in many tasty ways. Here are three popular methods to make this veggie shine on your plate.

Steaming

Steaming keeps broccoli’s color bright and its nutrients intact. Cut broccoli into even-sized florets. Put 1-2 inches of water in a pot and bring to a boil.

Place florets in a steamer basket over the water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes.

Check doneness with a fork. The broccoli should be tender but still slightly crisp. Don’t overcook or it will turn mushy.

For extra flavor, sprinkle steamed broccoli with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil.

Roasting

Roasting brings out broccoli’s nutty flavors. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Spread broccoli on a baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan or the broccoli will steam instead of roast.

Roast for 20-25 minutes. Shake the pan halfway through cooking. The broccoli is done when the edges are crispy and brown.

Try adding garlic, red pepper flakes, or grated parmesan for extra zip.

Stir-Frying

Stir-frying cooks broccoli quickly and keeps it crisp. Cut broccoli into small, even pieces.

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add broccoli and stir constantly for 3-5 minutes.

The broccoli should turn bright green and become tender-crisp. You can add other veggies, meat, or tofu.

Finish with soy sauce, sesame oil, or your favorite stir-fry sauce. For best results, don’t overcrowd the pan.

Cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear on the broccoli.