Craving a healthy and delicious side dish? Look no further than broccoli! This all-rounded vegetable can be transformed into a variety of mouthwatering meals. From roasted florets with a touch of garlic to creamy, cheesy casseroles, broccoli is ready to take center stage on your plate. So, get ready to discover the flavor with these inspiring broccoli recipes!
Ready? Let’s go!
15 Best Broccoli Recipes
1. Steamed broccoli
Steaming helps retain the nutrients and antioxidants in broccoli. It’s the quickest and healthiest side dish among all the broccoli recipes below.
Ingredients:
Broccoli florets, water, salt.
How to make steamed broccoli:
- First, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp.
- Then, season with a pinch of salt.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes.
2. Roasted broccoli with parmesan
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of broccoli. It’s a delicious way to enjoy this cruciferous vegetable.
Ingredients:
Broccoli florets, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper.
How to make roasted broccoli with parmesan:
- To begin, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Next, roast in the oven until tender.
- Finally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes.
3. Broccoli cheddar soup
This creamy soup combines the goodness of broccoli with the richness of cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
Broccoli, onion, garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, cheddar cheese, milk or cream.
How to make broccoli cheddar soup:
- Firstly, sauté the onion and garlic.
- Then, add chopped broccoli and broth. Simmer until the broccoli is cooked.
- After that, blend the soup, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk or cream.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes.
4. Broccoli Salad
This salad offers a mix of textures and flavors, along with the nutritional benefits of broccoli.
Ingredients:
Broccoli florets, bacon, red onion, raisins or cranberries, sunflower seeds, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar.
How to make broccoli cheddar soup:
- To start, steam blanch the broccoli florets.
- Then, combine with crispy bacon, thinly sliced red onion, raisins or cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- Finally, dress with a mixture of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes.
5. Beef and broccoli stir-fry
This stir-fry combines lean protein from beef with the nutrients of broccoli, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish.
Ingredients:
Beef, broccoli florets, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil.
How to make beef and broccoli stir-fry:
- First, slice the beef into thin strips.
- Furthermore, stir-fry the beef until browned.
- Then add minced garlic and ginger, followed by the broccoli florets. Stir-fry until the broccoli is tender.
- After that, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and water to make a sauce.
- Lastly, add the sauce to the stir-fry and cook until thickened. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes.
6. Broccoli quiche
Quiche is a many-sided dish that combines the goodness of broccoli with the richness of eggs and cheese.
Ingredients:
Broccoli florets, eggs, milk or cream, cheese, pie crust, salt, and pepper.
How to make broccoli quiche:
- First, steam blanch the broccoli florets.
- Next, arrange them in a pre-baked pie crust.
- Whisk together eggs, milk or cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Finally, pour the mixture over the broccoli. Bake until the quiche is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes.
7. Broccoli fritters
These fritters provide a tasty and nutritious way to enjoy broccoli, packed with fiber and essential nutrients.
Ingredients:
Broccoli florets, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper.
How to make broccoli fritters:
- Steam blanch the broccoli florets.
- However, mash them and mix them with beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small patties.
- Overall, pan-fry the fritters until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes.
8. Broccoli pesto pasta
This pasta dish combines the vital flavors of broccoli pesto with the satisfying comfort of pasta.
Ingredients:
Broccoli, basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pasta.
How to make broccoli pesto pasta:
- Steam blanch the broccoli florets.
- Blend them with fresh basil, minced garlic, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to make a pesto sauce.
- On the other hand, toss the pesto with cooked pasta.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes.
9. Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken
This dish pairs the lean protein of chicken with the nutrients and creaminess of broccoli and cheese. This broccoli recipe is my favourite among all these recipes because I love cheese stuffed chicken. It has mouthwatering flavours in it.
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
How to make broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken:
- Flatten the chicken breasts and stuff them with blanched broccoli florets and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In addition, season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Lastly, bake the stuffed chicken until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes.
10. Cream of broccoli soup
Cream of broccoli soup offers comfort and warmth, along with the nutritional benefits of broccoli.
Ingredients:
Broccoli, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cream, butter, flour.
How to make cream of broccoli soup:
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Then, add chopped broccoli and vegetable broth.
- Moreover, simmer until the broccoli is tender. Blend the soup until smooth.
- In a separate pan, make a roux with butter and flour, then add cream.
- Combine the roux and cream with the blended soup.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes.
11. Loaded broccoli salad
This salad provides a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from broccoli, along with protein from Greek yogurt and healthy fats from sunflower seeds.
Ingredients:
Broccoli florets, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey.
How to make loaded broccoli salad:
- Steam blanch the broccoli florets.
- Combine with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey to make the dressing.
- Toss the salad with the dressing until well-coated.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes.
12. Cranberry-almond broccoli salad
This salad is loaded with antioxidants from broccoli and dried cranberries. Almonds provide healthy fats and protein, while Greek yogurt adds calcium and probiotics.
Ingredients:
Broccoli florets, dried cranberries, almonds, red onion, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey.
How to make cranberry-almond broccoli salad:
- Steam blanch the broccoli florets.
- Combine with dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and diced red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey to make the dressing.
- Toss the salad with the dressing until well-coated.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes.
13. One-pot garlicky shrimp & broccoli
This dish is a low-calorie and protein-rich option. Broccoli provides vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while shrimp offers lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients:
Shrimp, broccoli florets, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
How to make one-pot garlicky shrimp & broccoli:
- In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Add broccoli florets, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook until the broccoli is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes.
14. Ginger roasted salmon & broccoli
This recipe combines the heart-healthy benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from salmon with the nutrients and antioxidants found in broccoli.
Ingredients:
Salmon fillets, broccoli florets, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
How to make ginger roasted salmon & broccoli:
- Place salmon fillets and broccoli florets on a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix minced ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to make a glaze.
- Furthermore, brush the glaze over the salmon and broccoli.
- Then roast in the oven until the salmon is cooked and the broccoli is tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes.
15. Roasted broccoli rabe grilled cheese sandwich
Broccoli rabe is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This sandwich offers a tasty way to enjoy its benefits, along with the calcium and protein from the cheeses.
Ingredients:
Broccoli rabe, bread, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, black pepper.
How to make roasted broccoli rabe grilled cheese sandwich:
- Toss broccoli rabe with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Roast in the oven until slightly crispy.
- Then assemble the sandwich with roasted broccoli rabe, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese between two slices of bread.
- Lastly, grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes.
In additioni to the above, here are 3 delicious ways to enjoy broccoli recipes:
- Roast it with some olive oil and garlic for a simple and flavorful side dish.
- Steam it and toss it with a squeeze of lemon juice for a light and healthy option.
- Add it to your favorite stir-fry for a boost of nutrients and texture.
Health Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse with numerous health benefits. Firstly, it is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Additionally, broccoli contains fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, the vegetable is rich in antioxidants that protect the body against harmful free radicals.
Moreover, studies suggest that consuming broccoli may have anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall well-being. Besides, broccoli is known for its potential to support heart health due to its high fiber and antioxidant content.
Lastly, this flexible vegetable has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet. Make sure you try the above broccoli recipes for an easier and faster mouthwatering side dish.
Summary
In conclusion, these 15 broccoli recipes offer different flavors and options to suit every palate. Whether you prefer soups, stir-fries, pasta dishes, or salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Moving from one recipe to the next, you can try new tastes and textures while reaping the health benefits of this amazing vegetable. So, why wait? Grab some broccoli, head to the kitchen, and explore these fantastic recipes. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
FAQs
What pairs well with broccoli?
Broccoli goes well with a lot of ingredients. For a savory combination, try pairing it with garlic or cheese. If you prefer a refreshing twist, lemon is an excellent choice. You can also add some crunch by mixing broccoli with nuts like almonds or pine nuts. These pairings bring out the best flavors and textures in broccoli, making your dishes even more delicious and enjoyable.
How to give broccoli more flavor?
Firstly, consider roasting it in the oven. This method brings out the natural sweetness of broccoli and adds a smoky taste. Additionally, you can sauté broccoli with garlic or onions to infuse it with mouthwatering flavors. Another option is to steam the broccoli and then toss it with a flavorful dressing or sauce, such as a tangy lemon vinaigrette or a creamy cheese sauce. Lastly, don’t forget to season your broccoli with herbs and spices like black pepper, paprika, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
What spices go well with broccoli?
Several spices complement the flavor of broccoli beautifully. Garlic powder adds savory notes, while black pepper adds a touch of heat. For a smoky taste, paprika is a great choice. If you enjoy some spice, crushed red pepper flakes work well. Lastly, dried herbs like oregano or thyme bring a delightful herbal touch. Adding these spices will enhance the taste of your broccoli dishes and make them more delicious.
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