17 Best Ways To Eat Broccoli (Mains, Sides, and More)

Find broccoli a little ... blah? Let these recipes open your eyes to the wonders of this vegetable once and for all!

By
Devan Grimsrud
Devan Grimsrud
Devan Grimsrud

Devan Grimsrud is a Berlin-based writer, editor, and recipe developer originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. After working in television production with James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern, she relocated to Berlin and became the managing editor at Kitchen Stories, an international digital cooking platform with millions of active users. 

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Updated February 12, 2025
Devan Grimsrud
plate of Bang Bang Broccoli smothered with Bang Bang sauce and garnished with fried onions and a small dish of sauce on the side

Simply Recipes / Ali Redmond

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

    Overhead view of a green baking dish with chicken and broccoli casserole and a serving spoon next to a small plate with a serving

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Robby Lozano / Food Styling by Sally McKay / Christina Daley

    "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

    broccoli tots on a plate next to a bowl of ketchup

    Simply Recipes / Molly Adams

    "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

    plate of Bang Bang Broccoli smothered with Bang Bang sauce and garnished with fried onions and a small dish of sauce on the side

    Simply Recipes / Ali Redmond

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

  • Broccoli Cheese Casserole

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole - an easy broccoli casserole you'll love!
    Elise Bauer

    "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

    Continue to 5 of 17 below

  • Skillet Chicken Divan

    Skillet chicken divan in a cast iron skillet (with some already served) at a table setting with a bowl of salad, a bowl of parmesan, a small bowl of chopped parsley, and a utensils

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

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

  • Crispy Parmesan Broccoli

    crispy parmesan broccoli on a platter next to a table napkin and a drink in a glass

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    "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

    Overhead view of a plate of broccoli stir fry recipe served over rice.

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon

    "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

    Sheet Pan Salmon with Broccoli - After baking
    Sally Vargas

    "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

    Continue to 9 of 17 below

  • Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bites

    Plate of Cheddar Egg Bites

    Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

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

  • Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing

    Bowl of Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing with Utensils, Next to a Table Napkin, a Glass of Water, and a Bowl with More Sesame Seeds

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

    "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

    Overhead view of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with spoon on a plate with pieces of bread and next to a spoon and drink glass

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Rachel Vanni / Food Styling by Tiffany Schleigh

    "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

    A bowl of beef and broccoli stir-fry.
    Elise Bauer

    "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

    Continue to 13 of 17 below

  • Mom’s Famous Broccoli Cheese Casserole

    My Mom’s Famous Broccoli Cheese Casserole in a dish

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    "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

    A bowl of broccoli and cheddar mac and cheese
    Elise Bauer

    "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

    Ground beef and broccoli stir fry over rice in a bowl at a table setting with a glass of water, a bowl of sliced scallions, and a bowl of sesame seeds

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

    "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

    Angled view of a stoneware bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Creamy Beans next to a spoon and all on a white background

    Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

    "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

    Continue to 17 of 17 below

  • Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

    Beef and Broccoli with Ramen Noodles
    Nick Evans

    "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

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