Best Broccoli Dishes That Are Anything But Basic

The broccoli recipe can not get simpler than this. Broccoli florets cut into similar sizes are tossed with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl, making sure each floret is coated evenly. 

Ensuring the florets don't get crowded, the seasoned broccoli is oven-roasted until the edges are crispy and golden brown. The aroma of garlic and the crispy texture of the resulting dish make it an addictive snack.

Another intimidating way to roast your broccoli, the recipe involves boiling the florets first. The tender broccoli is then mashed with a fork or potato masher. Smashing the broccoli increases its surface area which promotes caramelization during the roasting process.

The flatter surface of broccoli when exposed to heat gets evenly crispy and golden brown thoroughly. Before baking, the surface of the smashed broccoli is layered with a drizzle of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Overall, the recipe adds a gourmet touch to the meals without a fuss.

Following easy steps, you can bring the taste of Italian soup to your kitchen. The creamy soup can be prepared by adding diced potatoes which can be blended as it cooks. Once the base is ready, fresh broccoli florets are introduced which imparts a vibrant green color to the soup. 

The key ingredient that gives this soup its Italian flair is Parmesan cheese. As the soup simmers, Parmesan is added which melts to elevate the creamy richness of the soup. The finishing touch often involves a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top.

Related: Best Vegetable Soups for a Quick, Healthy Meal

The beef and broccoli dish is easy-to-make and the preparation does not involve any hard and fast rules. Tender beef strips and crisp florets are enveloped typically in a savory brown sauce which is prepared by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth and sometimes sugar. 

The star of the show is the beef, usually flank or sirloin, which is marinated before stir-frying. The cooking process is swift, as the marinated beef is quickly seared in a hot wok or skillet, followed by the addition of the vibrant green broccoli and the luscious sauce.

Less than half an hour for the preparation, and you can get your breakfast meal ready. These savory delights are a perfect make-ahead breakfast option and involve combining wholesome ingredients like chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, and beaten eggs in a muffin tin.

The fillings don't have to be limited and you can blend anything you prefer. If you are planning for a make-ahead option, store the batter in the refrigerator and bake muffins fresh in the morning.

Broccoli Gratin is the ultimate low-carb side dish variation to the traditional gratin. Broccoli Gratin follows a similar approach of preparation as the traditional one, but the star ingredient here is verdant broccoli florets that are layered in a baking dish, and covered with a creamy sauce.

The cheese sauce in Broccoli Gratin often incorporates a blend of cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère, all enhancing the richness of the dish. As the gratin comes out of the oven, it maintains the hallmark of a golden, bubbling top of the classic gratin.

A Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that is cherished favorite for both weeknight dinners and festive occasions. The dish typically involves combining cooked rice, blanched or steamed broccoli florets, and a velvety cheese sauce.

The cheese sauce not only adds a rich and savory flavor but also binds the ingredients together. Once assembled, the casserole is baked until golden, resulting in a bubbling, cheesy top that beckons with a comforting aroma.

Rigatoni is a robust pasta variety with ridges that are perfect to hold onto the accompanying broccoli sauce. Broccoli is the main ingredient of the sauce in which garlic, anchovies(a special addition for umami flavor), and a pinch of red pepper flakes are added.

The broccoli softens and melds with the savory elements, creating a flavorful and aromatic sauce that beautifully coats each rigatoni. The dish often incorporates grated Pecorino Romano cheese, contributing a sharp and salty kick that enhances the overall taste. 

Pesto sauce has established itself as a classic Italian condiment. And this recipe challenges the original ingredients and adds the natural flavors of broccoli. The broccoli contributes a vibrant green color and when tossed with pasta, the broccoli pesto coats the noodles with a rich and aromatic layer. The broccoli pesto imparts a slightly sweet, cruciferous taste to the sauce that will put you in awe.

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The irresistibly cheesy interior of the Croquettes beckons us for another bite. Each time you harvest broccoli, blend mashed potatoes with finely chopped, steamed broccoli and make a pocket for filling cheese cubes. 

The mixture is then shaped into croquettes, coated in breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior, and fried until golden brown. With a few simple steps, the recipe makes a perfect party appetizer, a side dish, or a fun twist on traditional mashed potatoes that will surely please everyone from kids to adults. 

Baked potatoes have always been popular and are a classic comfort food. Stuffing potatoes with delicious ingredients can take the simply baked potatoes to the next level. As we use broccoli and cheddar mix as stuffing, the crisp skin, the tender broccoli, and the gooey cheddar combine to give a satisfying medley of textures and flavors.

The broccoli also introduces a vibrant green color to potatoes and the cheese crust imparts a visually stunning look. The twist in this recipe can be a transformative introduction for individuals who are not fond of broccoli.

The large, meaty caps of the Portobello mushrooms make a perfect vessel for flavorful stuffings. In this recipe, the mushrooms are generously filled with a delicious mixture of sautéed broccoli, garlic, and onions and crumbled feta cheese. 

Once baked, the mushrooms develop a tender texture, and the stuffing becomes a golden, cheesy delight. For an added layer of smoky flavor and a slightly charred texture, you can also grill the mushrooms. 

Gnocchi are Italian potato dumplings. The preparation is easy and involves incorporating finely pureed broccoli into the gnocchi dough. As the puree gets along the dough, a beautiful green hue appears. 

Typically paired with a variety of sauces, such as a light garlic and olive oil drizzle or a classic marinara, Gnocchi di Broccoli offers a satisfying and flavorful experience. The result is a visually appealing and nutritious pasta alternative with relentless taste. 

Yet another recipe that is quick and requires minimal effort. This recipe not only elevates the taste of broccoli but also underscores the vegetable's versatility in creating a delicious and nutritious accompaniment. For the preparation, fresh broccoli florets are sautéed in olive oil until they develop a golden-brown caramelization, enhancing their natural sweetness.

The addition of minced garlic introduces a fragrant and savory element. The caramelized broccoli maintains a delightful crispness, adding a satisfying textural contrast to the dish.

The Broccoli and Feta Cheese Frittata offer a distinct departure from the traditional frittata. Sautéed broccoli florets combined with beaten eggs act as the base for preparation which is then loaded with crumbled feta cheese. The combination is then baked or cooked on the stovetop until the eggs are set, resulting in a fluffy and satisfying frittata.

Broccoli Apple Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the crispness of fresh broccoli with the sweetness of apples. Blanched broccoli florets and crisp apple slices come together with a burst of natural sweetness and a juicy crunch, a light dressing is enough to wrap them all. This colorful and nutritious salad is not only easy to prepare but also requires minimal ingredients for the preparation.

A crispy and savory side or snack, fritters are different from frittata(the name resembles somehow!). In this dish, finely chopped broccoli is mixed with a batter containing Parmesan cheese and garlic, then pan-fried until golden brown.

The result is a fritter with a crunchy exterior and a flavorful, tender interior. These fritters offer a convenient and handheld way to enjoy the combination of broccoli, Parmesan, and garlic, creating a satisfying appetizer or side dish.

When you don't want to indulge yourself in recipes, simply steam the broccoli florets until they are tender. Within a few minutes, these florets get cooked, and pair them up with homemade or store-bought hummus. With this creamy companion and straightforward approach, you can enjoy a flavorful and health-conscious dish without compromising on time or effort.

Also read: 20 Broccolini Recipes To Cook For Your Family

We have heard enough of beef and broccoli, but the tantalizing twist of super soft chicken with crispy broccoli can not be unseen. In this innovative dish, succulent chicken takes center stage, marinated to perfection and prepared with a meticulous touch to achieve unparalleled tenderness.

Complementing the tender chicken is the addition of crispy broccoli. The broccoli is often cooked at high heat, allowing the edges to caramelize and achieve a satisfying crunch. The contrast between the super soft chicken and the crispy broccoli is enough to make your next family meal memorable. 

The combination of cranberry and almond in the Cranberry Almond Broccoli Salad works wonders. The tartness of dried cranberries adds a burst of sweetness, creating a pleasant contrast to the crispness of fresh broccoli. Meanwhile, the sliced almonds contribute a satisfying crunch and a nutty undertone.

The color combination in this salad is also no less than magical. The deep green of the broccoli florets contrasts beautifully with the rich red tones of the dried cranberries and sliced almonds introducing an element of earthy beige. With an appropriate dressing or glaze, you can enhance both the taste and visual appeal of the salad.