15 Broccoli Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Meals
Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can bring joy to your meals in many delicious ways. You can enjoy this nutritious green in soups, salads, stir-fries, and casseroles. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner, there is a broccoli recipe that fits your taste and skill level.
In this article, you’ll discover different ways to incorporate broccoli into your cooking. From cheesy and creamy dishes to light and refreshing salads, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore how to make the most of this healthy vegetable and add vibrant flavors to your plate.
1) Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Delight
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Delight is a comforting dish that combines tender broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce. The crunchy topping adds a great texture to each bite.
This recipe is simple and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors and the ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam the broccoli until tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix Velveeta, soup, sour cream, and seasonings.
- Combine the broccoli with the cheese mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with crushed crackers and melted butter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
2) Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Lemon garlic roasted broccoli is a delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. The bright flavors of lemon and garlic make it more appealing and tasty.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse your broccoli and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and drizzle it with olive oil. Next, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the broccoli. Sprinkle some minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure even coating.
Roast in the oven for about 17-20 minutes. The broccoli will be tender and slightly crispy, making it the perfect side dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse and chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Place broccoli on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast for 17-20 minutes.
3) Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting dish that is perfect for any time of the year. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You will love how the cheese melts into the creamy soup.
Start by sautéing some onion in butter until it’s soft. Then, add fresh broccoli, garlic, and chicken broth. Let it simmer until the broccoli is tender.
Next, stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until soft.
- Stir in broccoli and garlic, cooking for a few minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer until broccoli is tender.
- Add milk and cheese, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
4) Spicy Broccoli Stir-Fry
This Spicy Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty dish you can whip up in no time. The blend of ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes gives it a flavorful kick. It’s perfect as a side or even for meal prep.
To make this dish, you’ll need fresh broccoli, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Toss in broccoli and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
- Add soy sauce and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Cook for an additional minute and serve hot.
5) Broccoli and Quinoa Salad
This Broccoli and Quinoa Salad is a healthy and tasty option for lunch or dinner. You can easily prepare it ahead of time. It combines fresh broccoli, fluffy quinoa, and your favorite dressing.
Start by cooking quinoa according to the package instructions. While it cools, chop the broccoli into small pieces. Mixing these two adds great texture and flavor to your dish.
You can add extras like nuts or dried cranberries for some crunch and sweetness. Toss everything together with a light dressing, like a creamy lemon dressing or a simple vinaigrette.
This salad is not only nutritious but also very filling. It’s perfect for meals at home or when you want to bring something special to a gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup almonds (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup dressing of choice
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Cook quinoa in 2 cups of water or broth for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, chop broccoli into small pieces.
- Mix cooled quinoa and broccoli in a large bowl.
- Stir in almonds and cranberries if using.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.
6) Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a creamy and satisfying dish. It combines tender pasta with fresh broccoli for a delicious meal. You can prepare it quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need pasta, broccoli, garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. All these ingredients work together to create a comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or farfalle)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water, about 8-12 minutes.
- In a separate pot, steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes until tender.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet.
- Pour in heavy cream, and add Parmesan cheese. Stir until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
7) Parmesan Crusted Broccoli Bites
Parmesan crusted broccoli bites are a tasty snack or side dish that’s easy to make. You’ll enjoy the crispy texture and cheesy flavor.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). You’ll need to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the bites from sticking.
In a bowl, mix almond flour, grated Parmesan, and spices. Another bowl will hold mayonnaise. Dip each broccoli piece into the mayo, then coat it in the Parmesan mixture.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to turn golden and crispy.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, Parmesan, and spices.
- In another bowl, place the mayonnaise.
- Dip broccoli pieces in mayonnaise, then coat with the Parmesan mix.
- Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
8) Broccoli Pesto Pizza
Broccoli Pesto Pizza is a delicious way to enjoy this healthy vegetable. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli for the topping. The pesto adds a savory flavor that goes well with the cheese and crust.
To start, you will need pizza dough. Spread the pesto on the crust, then layer on chopped broccoli, sliced tomatoes, and cheeses like Parmesan and mozzarella. Bake it at 475°F (246°C) until the crust is golden and crispy.
This pizza is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. You can make it your own by adding other toppings like shrimp or chicken if you like.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- Pesto sauce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C).
- Prepare the pizza dough on a baking sheet.
- Spread pesto sauce over the dough.
- Add chopped broccoli and sliced tomatoes.
- Top with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden.
9) Savory Broccoli Cheese Bread
Savory broccoli cheese bread is a delicious treat that combines the goodness of broccoli with cheese in a soft, flavorful bread. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.
To make this bread, you start by steaming fresh broccoli until tender. Then, you mix it with cheese and other simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and butter.
Bake the mixture in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. Your home will smell amazing!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam the broccoli until tender.
- In a large bowl, mix broccoli, cheese, and eggs.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter to the mixture.
- Stir until just combined.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10) Asian Broccoli Salad
Asian broccoli salad is a fresh, healthy dish that’s easy to make. You will love the vibrant flavors and crunchy textures in every bite. This salad features blanched broccoli, colorful vegetables, and a delicious sesame ginger dressing.
To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then blanch fresh broccoli florets for about 1 minute. Once done, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the broccoli bright green and crunchy.
Next, combine the blanched broccoli with diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and chopped bell peppers.
Toss everything together with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger for a tasty dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Cooking Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
- Blanch broccoli florets for 1 minute.
- Transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
- In a bowl, mix broccoli with cucumber, carrots, and bell pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.
11) Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche
Broccoli and cheddar quiche is a tasty dish perfect for any meal. The combination of fresh broccoli and creamy cheddar cheese creates great flavor. You can enjoy it for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
To make this quiche, start by preparing a crust or use a crustless option for a lower-carb version. The filling is made with whisked eggs, milk, and seasonings mixed with cooked broccoli.
Bake the quiche at 375°F (190°C) until it’s set and golden on top. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Pair it with a salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (or omit for crustless)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the pie crust or grease a pie dish for a crustless quiche.
- Steam or microwave the broccoli until tender.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir broccoli into the egg mixture.
- Pour filling into the crust and top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool before serving.
12) Broccoli Frittata with Sun-dried Tomatoes
A broccoli frittata with sun-dried tomatoes is a tasty way to enjoy this healthy vegetable. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. The combination of flavors makes it both satisfying and nutritious.
You can add cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Some recipes use eggs, while others may offer a vegan option with chickpea flour. Either way, this dish is easy to prepare and cooks quickly.
Pair it with a simple salad for a refreshing meal. It’s a great option for meal prep, as you can enjoy leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (1%)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté broccoli for 3-4 minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture into the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until set. Enjoy!
13) Garlic Butter Broccoli Rice
Garlic Butter Broccoli Rice is a simple and delicious side dish. It pairs well with many main courses, bringing a burst of flavor to your meal.
To start, you’ll need fresh broccoli, rice, garlic, butter, and a few seasonings. The garlic gives the dish a nice aroma and taste.
Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant. Add the broccoli and rice, mixing so all the flavors combine well.
This dish looks colorful and is very satisfying. Enjoy the creamy texture along with the crispness of broccoli!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in broccoli and cook until tender.
- Combine rice with broccoli and garlic mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
14) Broccoli Slaw with Cranberries
Broccoli slaw with cranberries is a delicious and healthy side dish. The crunchy texture of broccoli, combined with sweet and tangy dried cranberries, makes it a hit at any meal. It’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.
You can customize your slaw by adding nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch. This dish works great for picnics and barbecues.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli slaw
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or walnuts
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli slaw, cranberries, and nuts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to coat well.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
15) Broccoli and Mushroom Risotto
Broccoli and mushroom risotto is a creamy and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. It combines the rich flavors of mushrooms with tender broccoli to create a comforting bowl of goodness.
Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then add chopped broccoli and sliced mushrooms. Stir until they begin to soften.
Slowly add risotto rice and warm broth, stirring frequently.
Continue to cook until the rice is creamy and tender. Finish by stirring in grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
This dish is great served warm and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in broccoli and mushrooms; cook until tender.
- Add Arborio rice and stir for 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in broth, one cup at a time, stirring until absorbed.
- When the rice is creamy, mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.