50+ Broccoli Recipes That Are Anything but Boring

August 06, 2019
Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen
Cruciferous veggie lovers, this one’s for you. As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, complex leafy greens chock-full of nutrients come into season. Whether you’re looking for broccoli salad, exciting takes on steamed broccoli, or savory, cheese-loaded broccoli casserole, these broccoli recipes will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. 
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Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Cutlets with Roasted Broccoli and Parmesan Cream Sauce

PHOTO: HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ, PROP STYLING: HEATHER CHADDUCK HILLEGAS; FOOD STYLING: TORIE COX
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Cutlets with Roasted Broccoli and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Even if you have made oven-fried chicken countless times before, this might become your new favorite recipe. The chicken is dredged in a flavorful mixture of melted butter and Dijon mustard before being coated in crushed cornflakes and panko, for maximum crunch. When paired with caramelized roasted broccoli and a smooth parmesan cream sauce. We upgraded a classic béchamel sauce (or white sauce) with the addition of Parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. Any grated Parmesan cheese will work in this sauce, but the salty-sweet flavor of Parmigiano-Reggiano will really take it over the top. Try serving the sauce with the roasted broccoli for a fancy take on the usual steamed broccoli with cheese sauce. Have some fresh herbs on hand? Add a tablespoon of minced fresh herbs to the sauce along with the salt and pepper. Basil, thyme, parsley, or sage would be delicious additions. This is a winning dinner recipe for any night of the week.

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Broccoli-and-Bacon Muffin-Tin Frittatas

Photography: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr.
Broccoli-and-Bacon Muffin-Tin Frittatas Recipe

This easy make-ahead breakfast will have you set for the week. You get two mini frittatas per serving for only 168 calories; pair with a piece of fruit for a satisfying breakfast. Store cooked frittatas in the fridge for up to four days.

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Seared Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce and Broccoli

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen
Seared Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce and Broccoli Recipe

Sweet chili sauce has less heat than Sriracha. A bit of sugar balances its vinegar punch. Find it in the international aisle.

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Broccoli, Cheddar, and Ranch Chicken Calzones

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Claire Spollen
Broccoli, Cheddar, and Ranch Chicken Calzones Recipe

Why order delivery, when you can make pizza at home? Put down that phone right now and bake up a mouthwatering, cheesy broccoli and ranch calzones tonight.

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Steamed Broccoli with Garlic and Red Onion

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Claire Spollen
Steamed Broccoli with Garlic and Red Onion Recipe

Broccoli is a go-to veggie side for many families yet is often served very plain. Here we offer 4 great ways to dress it up.

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Provolone and Broccoli Rabe Beef Sliders

Photo: Victor Protasio; Styling: Paige Hicks
Provolone and Broccoli Rabe Beef Sliders Recipe

Highlight your usual slider spread with the addition of brocolli rabe and using good quality ground sirloin. The mild flavor and cheesiness from the provolone glues the slider together with the classic meat patty and grilled broccoli rabe. Pleasantly bitter broccoli rabe gives sliders a sophisticated edge and introduces a likely unfamiliar veggie in a delicious way. Use Broccolini for a milder flavor. The grilled broccoli rabe adds a texture to the slider where fresh iceberg lettuce would fall short. 

 

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Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

Crunchy Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Golden raisins and honey add sweetness to this chopped broccoli salad, while bacon, onion and white balsamic vinegar add savory notes.

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Cheesy Sausage, Broccoli, and Quinoa Casserole

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen 
Cheesy Sausage, Broccoli, and Quinoa Casserole Recipe

We traded white rice for whole-grain quinoa and kicked out any processed ingredients for a new take on this comfort classic. Freeze an extra pan of this whole-grain main for kid-friendly comfort. To add more flavor to quinoa, try toasting it. Here's how: After you've rinsed and drained the quinoa, heat a saucepan over medium-high heat and add the quinoa. Toast, stirring, until the grains begin to smell fragrant. Then, add the water and cook as normal. 

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Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Italian Sausage

Photo: Victor Protasio; Styling: Lindsey Lower
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Italian Sausage Recipe

Dinner will be ready in under 30 minutes with this protein-packed pasta dish. This one-pot meal includes fresh greens, hearty sausage, and grains that the whole family will enjoy.  

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Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup 

Photo: Antara Sinha; Food Styling: Briana Riddock
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup  Recipe

This copycat version of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup makes the fan-favorite dish easy to enjoy anytime. Plus, this simple-to-follow recipe rivals the original in terms of flavor, and at a fraction of the cost. The roux (a thickening base made of flour and butter) is used to create the soup’s signature smooth, rich consistency. The addition of turmeric brightens the natural yellow tint of this cheesy soup and adds a subtle depth of flavor. Meanwhile, the white pepper and ground nutmeg lend the soup a gentle warmth that balances out the richness of the dairy ingredients. The chicken broth and cheddar cheese provide a good amount of saltiness in this recipe, but be sure to give it a taste before serving, and stir in an additional pinch of salt if desired.       

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Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli and Butternut Squash

Jen Causey; Prop Styling: Kay Clark; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners 
Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli and Butternut Squash Recipe

This easy, flavorful supper brings great taste and texture to the humble sheet pan. The juicy roasted pork tenderloin has a nice herb coating, and its delicious creamy tarragon mustard sauce is great with the butternut squash and the roasted broccoli florets. The sweet roasted squash balances the savory roasted broccoli, and the meat is perfect with just a schmear of the sauce. Pork tenderloins typically come in packages of two, so freeze one for later or double the recipe for a larger crowd. Make sure to preheat the oven with the rimmed baking sheet inside—this way, the tenderloin gets a nice sear and color before the vegetables hit the baking sheet. 

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Broccoli Matchsticks and Kale Salad

Photo: Chris Court
Broccoli Matchsticks and Kale Salad Recipe
This delicious, healthy salad makes use of sweet broccoli stems. By pairing julienned broccoli stems with thinly sliced kale, roasted hazelnuts, and shredded fresh cheese, this recipe creates an environment of various textures where broccoli is anything but boring.
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Steamed Broccoli with Peanut Sauce

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
Steamed Broccoli with Peanut Sauce Recipe

If using a crown of broccoli, trim into florets and place in a steamer basket over a saucepan filled about halfway with boiling water. Cover and steam 4 minutes or until the florets are crisp-tender.

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Turmeric Lamb Chops with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli

Paige Grandjean
Turmeric Lamb Chops with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe

Lamb loin chops (shaped like mini T-bones) save about 11g sat fat per serving over rib or shoulder chops. You can also ask your butcher to cut "steaks" from a leg of lamb, also lean, or sub 2 (8-ounce) beef sirloin steaks.

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Broccoli and Bell Pepper Salad

Photo: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Stephana Bottom
Broccoli and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

This quick and easy 5-ingredient broccoli salad is brimming with flavor and nutrients from fresh broccoli and bell pepper slices. 

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Peanut, Shrimp, and Broccoli Rolls

Photography: Daniel Agee; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke.
Peanut, Shrimp, and Broccoli Rolls Recipe

We turned this popular appetizer into a quick, diet-friendly dinner solution for two. It's a fresh, low-calorie alternative to takeout. In place of bottled peanut sauce, you can instead try our Miso-Chili-Garlic Sauce.

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Beef and Broccoli Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Photo: Jennifer Causey
Beef and Broccoli Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Russets aren't the only spuds worth stuffing. Smoke and heat, achieved with chili powder and ground red pepper, work particularly well with sweet potatoes. The melted cheese on top pulls all the flavors together and seals in the stuffed components. This makes for a great side dish, or serve them open-faced as a Super Bowl-style appetizer.

 

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Pesto Shrimp and Broccoli Fettuccine

Caitlin Bensel
Pesto Shrimp and Broccoli Fettuccine Recipe

Put your knife away—store-bought pesto and precut broccoli florets mean no chopping required. Your Dutch oven pulls triple duty in this recipe by cooking the pasta, blanching the broccoli, and bringing the whole dish together, all in one pot.

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Lemon-Garlic Pork and Broccoli Bulgur Bowl

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Claire Spollen
Lemon-Garlic Pork and Broccoli Bulgur Bowl Recipe

Bulgur is a great go-to grain because of its quick cook time and neutral flavor.

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Creamy Carrot-and-Broccoli Slaw

Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine
Creamy Carrot-and-Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Prepared slaw mix has gone beyond traditional cabbage to include shaved broccoli and even Brussels sprouts as the base, making it a great quick side for busy weeknights. Broccoli slaw is as endlessly adaptable as any package of mixed greens: Try a creamy yogurt dressing, or opt for a vinaigrette, like sesame-ginger, warm bacon-and-shallot, or curry-and-cumin.

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Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Flatbreads

Photo: Jennifer Causey  
Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Flatbreads Recipe

Naan breads are the secret to instant flatbreads (no rolling or baking of dough required). Look for whole-grain naan, such as Stonefire, and treat as you would a prepared pizza crust. Charbroiled broccoli rabe has a fantastic texture and bitter edge that makes it stand out on the flatbreads (it’s also a nice contrast to the cool, creamy ricotta). Broccoli spears, Broccolini, or even green beans would also work. Pizza sauce and marinara sauce are basically interchangeable, though the former may be smoother and less heavily seasoned than the latter.

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Broccoli, Orange, and Watercress Salad

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Broccoli, Orange, and Watercress Salad Recipe

To save time, steam broccoli ahead; cover and chill. Section the oranges ahead, too.

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Chicken Thighs with Peperonata and Roasted Broccoli

Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner
Chicken Thighs with Peperonata and Roasted Broccoli Recipe

Anchovy paste lends depth without tasting fishy.

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Pasta with Charred Broccoli, Feta, and Lemon

Jennifer Causey
Pasta with Charred Broccoli, Feta, and Lemon Recipe

Author Colu Henry loves taking vegetables to the edge by roasting until they are deeply browned and caramelized, giving them great texture and amping up their flavor. The feta cheese emulsifies in the pasta water, creating a velvety sauce for the pasta.

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Broccoli, Cheddar, and Brown Rice Cakes

Photo: Jennifer Causey
Broccoli, Cheddar, and Brown Rice Cakes Recipe

These quick, crispy vegetarian cakes are inspired by cheesy broccoli-and-rice casserole, right down to the layer of melted cheddar cheese on top. Make the cakes ahead and refrigerate or freeze for a last-minute meal. You could also increase the number of servings and serve the cakes as a side with a simple tomato soup. Grainy mustard packs a welcome punch and adds great texture to the cakes. It’s also fantastic in creamy sandwich spreads, rémoulade sauce, and glazes with a sweet base (such as maple syrup or honey) for contrast and balance.

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Broccoli Carpaccio with Broccoli Stalk Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
Broccoli Carpaccio with Broccoli Stalk Salad Recipe

Cohen makes great use of broccoli stalks in a riff on carpaccio, which is traditionally a dish of thinly sliced raw meat. This standout salad won us over at the taste-testing table, earning our highest rating. You can use a mandoline to make easy work of slicing the broccoli thinly and evenly.

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Broccoli Fried Rice with Kimchi Cream

Jennifer Causey
Broccoli Fried Rice with Kimchi Cream Recipe

Coveted for its subtly sweet flowering heads, broccoli delivers crunch and a hefty dose of potassium, which supports blood pressure. Save the stalks for stir-fries or slaws; they’re rich in the gut-friendly fiber cellulose. For fullest flavor, make sure you use the darker toasted sesame oil. The lighter variety won't have the same rich taste.

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Broccoli Rabe with Anchovy Butter

Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine
Broccoli Rabe with Anchovy Butter Recipe

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Broccoli Steaks with Parmesan Bread Crumbs

Broccoli Steaks with Parmesan Bread Crumbs Recipe
Greg DuPree

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Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Greg DuPree
Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheesy flavor of this gluten-free main.

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Broccoli-and-Cannellini Bean Salad

HOWARD L. PUCKETT
Broccoli-and-Cannellini Bean Salad Recipe

Add protein to your broccoli salad with the addition of canned cannellini or other white beans.

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Broccoli and Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Photo: Jennifer Causey
Broccoli and Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Instead of adding broccoli florets to the pasta, a double serving is incorporated into the creamy sauce. Heat the broccoli and sear the chicken while the pasta cooking water comes to a boil. The leaner dairy components create a creamy taste without all the added calories and fat or a typical broccoli and cheddar pasta dish.

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Broccoli and Apple Salad

Howard L. Puckett
Broccoli and Apple Salad Recipe

Sweet, crunchy apple and broccoli create a refreshing, light side dish. Prepare this salad up to eight hours in advance for best flavor and texture.

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Broccoli-Bacon Skillet Pizza

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lindsey Lower
Broccoli-Bacon Skillet Pizza Recipe

Microwave-in-bag fresh vegetables help this meal come together lickety-split. A hot cast-iron skillet helps to crisp the bottom of the crust while the surface gets golden brown under the broiler--no baking required.

 

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Broccoli Rabe and Barley Grain Bowl With Cilantro Pesto

Jennifer Causey
Broccoli Rabe and Barley Grain Bowl With Cilantro Pesto Recipe

Broccoli rabe (also called rapini) is a leafy cousin to broccoli known for its bracing bitterness. A quick blanch followed by pan-searing tames its bite and renders the greens meltingly tender. Want to make this dish fully vegan? Just leave off the parmesan cheese—or sub in a touch of nutritional yeast.

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Marinated London Broil with Potatoes, Broccoli, and Roasted Garlic Aioli

Photo: Aaron Kirk; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland; Food Styling: Julia Levy
Marinated London Broil with Potatoes, Broccoli, and Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe

This sheet pan dinner couldn’t be easier (or more delicious), and utilizing inexpensive London broil, it’s one you’ll come back to again and again. Serving this budget-friendly dinner with a shortcut aioli takes the entire meal up a notch with minimal effort. In testing, we even found that using jarred roasted garlic, rather than preparing your own, absolutely delivers on flavor. London broil will be labeled as such in many supermarkets, but you can also substitute flank steak or top round.