17 Best Ways To Eat Broccoli (Mains, Sides, and More)
If you find broccoli a little blah, these 17 recipes are sure to change your mind. From simple side dishes to broccoli-loaded bakes, they're easy, they're cheesy, and they're full of broccoli!


If your go-to broccoli recipes are feeling a little blah lately, it's time to switch things up with one of the recipes below. There are classic takes on broccoli casseroles, easy broccoli soups, and, of course, deliciously glossy broccoli stir-fries.
As you're browsing our favorite broccoli recipes, don't forget to read the helpful tips and tricks from our editors and contributors!
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

"No fresh broccoli on hand? No problem! You can substitute frozen broccoli florets instead. There’s no need to thaw them first, just microwave as directed in this recipe." —Julia Levy, Simply Recipes Recipe Tester
5-Ingredient Broccoli Tots

"Once you mix your broccoli with the bread crumbs, eggs, and cheese, the mixture should hold together well when you squeeze it in the palm of your hand. If that is not the case, you can add a little water or milk one tablespoon at a time until the mixture comes together." —Molly Adams, Simply Recipes Contributor
Bang Bang Broccoli

"Use just broccoli florets, a mix of broccoli and cauliflower, or broccolini." —Devan Grimsrud, Simply Recipes Contributor
Broccoli Cheese Casserole

"Fresh broccoli is best in the recipe, but you can use frozen broccoli. Cook frozen broccoli florets in the microwave for half the time the package directions instruct. They'll continue cooking with the rest of the casserole." —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder
Skillet Chicken Divan

"Serve over rice or egg noodles." —Senior Editor Laurel Randolph
Crispy Parmesan Broccoli

"I love the slightly nutty flavor of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, but aged cheddar or Gruyere would work well, too." —Molly
Broccoli Stir-Fry With Ginger and Sesame

"Feel free to toss in some protein, like thinly sliced beef, chicken, or even shrimp for a more filling dish." —Elise
Sheet Pan Salmon and Broccoli with Miso Butter

"The best way to test doneness is to use a thermometer, which when inserted into the center of the fish should register between 130°F and 135°F." —Sally Vargas, Simply Recipes Contributor
Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bites

"If you make these in full size muffin tins, up the baking time to 30 minutes." —Elise
Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing

"We developed and tested the recipe using a 1,200-watt microwave. Depending on the power of your microwave, you may need to cook the broccoli for longer, adding more time in 1-minute intervals. Look for visual cues—the broccoli is ready when it’s bright green, and tender, but not mushy." —Liz Mervosh, Simply Recipes Recipe Developer
Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

"This soup calls for an immersion or standard blender to smooth it out and create a creamy dimension before adding in finely chopped broccoli florets for texture. If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry! You can also keep things more rustic and use a potato masher or even the back of a wooden spoon to mash the vegetables." —Devan
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

"Put the steak in the freezer for 15-30 minutes before slicing; it will be firmer and easier to slice thin." —Jaden Hair, Simply Recipes Contributor
Mom’s Famous Broccoli Cheese Casserole

"I like to use aged cheddar for extra umami flavor but use whatever cheddar you prefer. I use the cheese two ways; in a simple mornay sauce as well as on top of the casserole to keep things extra cheesy." —Molly
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

"Make sure to cook the pasta al dente because it will continue to cook with the cheese mixture." —Elise
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

"For a more colorful stir fry with extra nutrition, add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or carrots." —Jasmine Smith, Simply Recipe Recipe Developer
Broccoli Cheddar Creamy Beans

"For cheesier beans, use more cheese (duh) or swap for extra sharp cheddar. I also like to add a teaspoon or two of nutritional yeast, which adds a delicious nacho-esque flavor." —Laurel
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

"You could use a wide range of noodles for this dish. You could use six to eight ounces of fresh ramen or udon noodles. Even soba noodles would work." —Nick Evans, Simply Recipes Contributor