Broccoli has a bit of a reputation. Some people swear by it as their favorite vegetable, while others seem to be repelled by its mere presence on the dinner table. But here’s the thing: broccoli is a superhero in disguise, ready to transform any meal into something special. Whether you want it to take center stage or simply enhance a dish, broccoli is your go-to green. The best part? It’s loaded with vitamins, fiber, and that satisfying crunch. And when you make easy broccoli recipes at home, you get to enjoy fresh ingredients, control the flavors, and skip any unnecessary additives found in store-bought options.
From creamy soups to hearty casseroles, broccoli’s versatility is unmatched. It absorbs flavors while still maintaining its unique texture, adding depth to whatever you’re cooking. In these five easy broccoli recipes, we’re diving into some classics that showcase just how much you can do with this humble vegetable. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or looking to add a healthy twist to a family favorite, these dishes will surprise and delight your taste buds. Let’s dig into these must-try recipes that will make you look at broccoli in a whole new light.
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The Mood: Brunch Vibes
Easy Broccoli Quiche
Easy Broccoli Recipe: Easy Broccoli Quiche
If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your brunch game, look no further than this easy broccoli quiche. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is actually simple to make. The key ingredients are broccoli, eggs, and cheese—three things that are pretty much destined to be together. The eggs serve as a creamy, fluffy base, while the cheese melts into every nook and cranny, giving you that gooey goodness we all love.
But the real star? Broccoli! It adds a subtle crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances out the richness of the quiche. Whether you use cheddar, Swiss, or even a little Parmesan, this quiche can be easily customized to your liking. And don’t be afraid to toss in some extra veggies or a handful of cooked bacon to make it extra special.
A tip for getting the perfect quiche? Pre-cook your crust slightly before adding the filling. This ensures a golden, crispy bottom that won’t turn soggy. And remember, let the quiche rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets perfectly.
This quiche is not only ideal for brunch, but it’s also great for meal prepping. Make it ahead of time, slice it up, and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s fantastic on its own or paired with a simple salad for a light dinner.
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Easy Broccoli Quiche
This Easy Broccoli Quiche is the perfect recipe anytime you have an abundance of garden-fresh broccoli on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
- 9-inch frozen deep-dish pie crust in aluminum tin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Place an oven rack in the middle position, place a cookie sheet on the oven rack, and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Take the pie crust out of the freezer and let it stand for 10 minutes. Prick the crust 10 times with a fork. Place the pie crust on the pre- heated cookie sheet in the oven, and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until light golden brown.
- While the pie crust bakes, heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and the edges begin to brown, 6–8 minutes. Add the onions, broccoli florets, and cheese to the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks, half-and-half, salt, and pepper until combined. Pour the mixture over the pie crust.
- Bake the quiche on top of the cookie sheet for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set and a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
- Move the quiche to a wire rack and let cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Learn more about this easy broccoli recipe in Broccoli Quiche Bliss: The Easy Recipe You’ll Turn to Again and Again.
The Mood: Creamy Indulgence
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Easy Broccoli Recipe: Cream of Broccoli Soup
There’s something magical about a warm bowl of cream of broccoli soup on a chilly day. This recipe gives you all the creamy comfort you’re craving without feeling too heavy. The star here is, of course, the broccoli. When cooked and blended, it creates a smooth, velvety texture that’s both satisfying and light.
To achieve that perfect creaminess, you’ll use a blend of vegetable broth, milk, and a touch of cream—just enough to give the soup body without overpowering the flavor of the broccoli. Garlic and onions provide a savory base, while a dash of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that’ll have people wondering, “What is that secret ingredient?”
The key to this soup is getting the right texture. After simmering the broccoli and aromatics, use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some of the broccoli florets and add them back in after blending.
This soup is perfect as a light lunch or dinner when served with a crusty baguette. You can even get creative and top it with a handful of shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or croutons.
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Cream of Broccoli Soup
A lighter version of a classic that’s just as satisfying, this cream of broccoli soup is easy to make. If you’ve never made this soup with broccoli from your garden, now’s the time. You won’t believe how fresh it tastes. Serve as a main course for lunch with a salad or half sandwich or as a satisfying starter at dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Soups
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium-sized stock pot, and sauté onion and celery until tender. Add broccoli and broth, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth, and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use an immersion blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot.
- In a small saucepan, over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter, stir in flour, and add milk. Stir until thick and bubbly then add to soup. Whisk to combine. Season with pepper and serve.
Learn more about this recipe in Comforting Cream of Broccoli Bowls.
The Mood: Cozy and Comforting
Healthy Beef and Broccoli
Easy Broccoli Recipe: Healthy Beef and Broccoli
We all know that beef and broccoli is the ultimate takeout comfort food, but did you know it’s super easy to make at home? In this healthier version, you’ll still get those rich flavors you crave, but with a fresher, cleaner twist. Key ingredients like lean beef and fresh broccoli take center stage, while soy sauce and garlic bring that savory, umami-packed punch.
The broccoli adds a crunch that perfectly contrasts the tender beef, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds takes it up a notch. One of the best things about making this dish at home is you can control the amount of sauce and salt, making it a great option for those watching their sodium intake. Don’t forget to use fresh ginger—it’s a game-changer that brightens up the entire dish.
Pro tip: Quickly blanch the broccoli before adding it to the pan to keep it vibrant green and full of nutrients. Plus, it helps keep that satisfying crunch! Serve it with brown rice or quinoa for an extra healthy boost.
What makes this recipe special is how fast it comes together. You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you don’t feel like waiting for delivery.
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Healthy Beef and Broccoli
This Healthy Beef and Broccoli dish cuts back on the amount of sodium found in the soy sauce, which helps make this a much more guilt-free version of a favorite takeout dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to desired heat level)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Brown rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Once well browned, remove from the pan and set aside.
- To the same pan, add the garlic, shallot, and scallions. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add the broccoli, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 3/4 cup water. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Remove the cover from the pan and add the sauce. Cook until the sauce starts to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the steak and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Top with sesame seeds and serve over brown rice or quinoa, if desired.
Notes
- To cook the quinoa, put 2 cups water per 1 cup quinoa in a saucepan over high heat. Add salt. Once the water is boiling, lower the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Serve.
Learn more about this easy broccoli recipe in Better-Than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli
The Mood: Busy Weeknight
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
Easy Broccoli Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
There are few things more satisfying than coming home to a meal that’s already made, and this slow cooker honey mustard chicken and broccoli delivers just that. Combining the sweetness of honey with the tang of mustard, this dish is an explosion of flavor with minimal effort.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the chicken to become fall-apart tender while soaking up the honey mustard sauce. Broccoli is added toward the end of cooking so that it retains its bright color and crisp texture. This way, you get the best of both worlds—juicy, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli.
One tip for success: Make sure to use chicken thighs for this recipe, as they tend to stay moist and tender during slow cooking. And if you’re a fan of extra sauce (who isn’t?), feel free to double the honey mustard mixture—you’ll definitely want to drizzle it over your rice or potatoes. This dish is perfect for busy families, as it’s a one-pot wonder that saves you time and dishes. It’s also versatile—swap out the broccoli for another veggie if you’d like!
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Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
Cooking slow and low makes this chicken dinner flavorful and is an easy way to make a full meal. Brown sugar under the skin of each chicken thigh and fresh squeezed orange juice adds the perfect amount of sweet and tang to this satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine or white wine vinegar
- 8 ounces fresh broccoli florets
Instructions
- Spray the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Zest half the orange and then squeeze the juice from that half. Place the zest and juice in a small bowl and cut the remaining orange half into wedges to be used for garnish; set aside.
- Add the maple syrup, mustard, garlic, and salt to the bowl with the orange zest and juice stir to mix well. Set aside.
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and use your fingers to separate the skin from the meat. Slide 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar under the skin of each thigh and spread it evenly.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 4 minutes, until golden. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and arrange the thighs skin-side up.
- Drain off all but 1 teaspoon of the oil from the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Pour in the wine and stir to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the maple syrup mixture and cook, stirring, until the sauce begins to thicken and boil. Pour over the chicken in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on High for 3 hours.
- Separate the broccoli florets and lay them over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on High until the broccoli is steamed to crisp-tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve, garnished with the reserved orange wedged.
Learn more about this recipe in Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli: Your New Weeknight Hero.
The Mood: Indulgent Italian
Broccoli Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Easy Broccoli Recipe: Broccoli Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Few things in life are as comforting as a big plate of fettuccine Alfredo, and when you add broccoli and chicken into the mix, it becomes a complete meal that hits all the right notes. The creamy Alfredo sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while tender chunks of chicken and lightly steamed broccoli add texture and balance to the dish.
The trick to making a perfect Alfredo sauce lies in the balance between butter, cream, and Parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan is key here because it melts smoothly and adds that nutty, salty punch you crave in Alfredo. The broccoli provides a bright contrast to the richness of the sauce, and chicken adds protein to make this dish even more satisfying.
For a silky sauce, be sure to cook it low and slow, stirring constantly. And don’t skimp on the freshly cracked black pepper—it cuts through the richness and brings out the flavor of the cheese.
This dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner or even a special occasion. You can pair it with a simple Caesar salad or garlic bread for the full Italian experience.
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Broccoli Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Possibly the ultimate comfort food in its creamy, cheesy goodness, fettuccine alfredo is a fantastic recipe to have in your back pocket. This version uses broccoli and chicken to add a bit of protein and nutrients to this classic pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until almost al dente. Add the broccoli and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Drain and return to the pot.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and sauté until fully cooked. Add the chicken to the pasta/ broccoli mixture.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 30 seconds, then whisk in the milk and cheeses and continue whisking until the sauce thickens about 5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta, broccoli, and chicken and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes and serve.
Learn more about this recipe in Indulgent Broccoli Chicken Fettuccine.
And there you have it—five easy broccoli recipes that showcase just how versatile this vegetable can be. From creamy soups to indulgent pasta dishes, broccoli truly shines when paired with the right ingredients. The best part is, these recipes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a win-win for any meal.
Feeling inspired? Try experimenting with broccoli in other ways—maybe a roasted broccoli salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a broccoli and cheese stuffed baked potato. The possibilities are endless!
Want to grow your own broccoli for these delicious recipes? Check out our Broccoli Gardening Guide for everything you need to know about planting, nurturing, and harvesting your own fresh broccoli right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you grow the best-tasting broccoli for all your favorite dishes.
Now it’s your turn: What’s your favorite way to enjoy broccoli? Have any secret tips or easy broccoli recipes? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
