Steamed broccoli is fine, but let’s be real, it’s never the star of the dinner table. I’ve rounded up 24 broccoli side dishes that are so ridiculously good, even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds.
1. Broccoli Mash with Garlic and Parmesan
Skip the usual mashed potatoes and bring this to your next holiday dinner. That gorgeous green hue makes it pop on the table and in photos, and the fact that it’s low carb means it disappears fast.
It’s tender, salty, garlicky, and cheesy. I might even dare say it beats classic mash.
2. Broiled Broccoli With Spicy, Sesame Scallion Sizzle
Even the biggest broccoli fans know that roasting and steaming can feel a bit repetitive. That’s why I adore this broiled broccoli.
It’s so easy and shakes things up in the best way. The flavor is fantastic, and that spicy, sesame scallion sizzle on top? Let’s just say I could eat it with a spoon.
3. Quick Broccoli and Cheese
Okay, this one starts with steamed broccoli, but it’s definitely not the boring kind. We’re talking about florets absolutely smothered in a blanket of ultra-cheesy goodness.
That cheese transforms everything. Make it once, and I promise you’ll be craving it on repeat.
4. Quick Broccoli Pasta
The ingredient list might look a little long, but this pasta comes together in a snap. You get tender noodles cloaked in a tangy, creamy sauce with loads of herbs and spices. With all that cheese, it’s basically a grown-up mac and cheese, exactly what you need to win over picky eaters.
5. Broccoli Tots
If you loved the broccoli fritters idea but want something even more kid-friendly, these tots are it. They share a lot of the same ingredients, like garlic and onion powder, and turn out just as golden and crisp around the edges. If your kids are tater tot fanatics, they’ll absolutely flip for these broccoli tots.
6. Broccoli Stir-Fry
You absolutely don’t need meat to make a killer stir-fry. Honestly, sometimes it’s even better without.
Load it up with broccoli, onions, peppers, and mushrooms, and drench everything in those same bold, earthy sauces. It’s just as flavorful, and it cooks up lightning fast.
7. Crunchy Baked Broccoli
This one goes by the nickname ‘broccoli crack,’ and honestly, it lives up to the hype. You’ll want it with absolutely everything.
It needs only eight ingredients, mostly pantry seasonings, and it’s cheesy, garlicky, and topped with a crispy Panko crunch. Best part? It’s on the table in 30 minutes flat.
8. Easy Low Carb Broccoli Fritters
Fritters are my secret weapon for getting both kids and grown-ups to devour their greens. These have those irresistible crunchy edges and soft, tender centers, kind of like roasted potatoes but so much more exciting. I mix in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, and almond flour for a low-carb twist that’s crazy good.
9. Roasted Broccoli
Need a vegan roasted broccoli? Just skip the Parmesan.
It stays wonderfully crunchy and delicious, no cheese required. If you miss that salty, cheesy kick, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast does the trick.
The original recipe also omits garlic, but I never do. I toss it in every time.
10. Roasted Broccoli Salad With Couscous and Lemon
Craving a broccoli salad that’s hearty and filling? This roasted broccoli salad with couscous is the answer.
It’s packed with little chunky bits and has a warm, earthy, nutty flavor. Chopped hazelnuts bring the crunch, but you can totally swap in pine nuts if that’s more your style.
11. Broccoli Cheddar-Stuffed Baked Potatoes
If you’re ready for a side that’ll make you weak in the knees, pile fluffy baked potatoes high with a dreamy cheese-smothered broccoli sauce. It’s a healthy, hearty way to take a classic baked potato to a whole new level. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.
12. Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
I’m a huge fan of Parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts, so I can’t believe it took me forever to give Parmesan-roasted broccoli a shot. This side is bright and tangy, and honestly, you won’t even realize you’re eating broccoli. It’s loaded with so much cheese, garlic, and zesty lemon that my whole family demolishes it before I can get the words out.
13. Broccoli and Cheddar Potato Skins
Potato skins are always a fun appetizer or side, and while they’re usually loaded with cheese and bacon, this version adds a pop of green for a little extra goodness. Just make sure to chop the broccoli florets nice and small so they’re easy to scoop up and devour.
14. Loaded Roasted Broccoli
Okay, I know these won’t replace loaded fries, but they’re a pretty great alternative when you’re aiming for healthier. They all cook on one sheet pan, which means minimal cleanup. Just toss fresh florets with oil, salt, pepper, or whatever seasonings you love, and roast them up.
15. Broccoli Casserole
Nobody makes broccoli casserole quite like my grandma, but this recipe comes surprisingly close. You only need a handful of ingredients, less than ten, and just four simple steps.
Even total beginners can pull it off. It’s rich, cheesy, and topped with wonderfully crunchy cracker crumbs.
16. Orzo with Broccoli
Like I said, broccoli plays well with just about anything, and orzo is no exception. This dish is lovely served warm or chilled, with simple but scrumptious seasonings that make it perfect for a Sunday spread.
Pile it next to prime rib, pork loin, or a piece of flaky fish. Delicious.
17. Garlic Grilled Broccoli
It’s tough to beat grilled broccoli. It’s effortless to throw together and keeps that snappy crunch, plus the smoky, garlicky flavor is totally addictive. Under 100 calories a serving, it’s a side that fits pretty much any way of eating: vegan, keto, low-carb, you name it.
18. Broccoli Gratin
I have a major soft spot for potatoes au gratin, tender slices with cream and cheese, what’s not to love? But the carbs can add up fast, so when I want something lighter, I turn to this broccoli version.
The original recipe skips onions, but I always slice them super thin and toss them right in. It’s creamy, cozy, and completely satisfying.
19. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli and Bacon
Broccoli and cheese are always a winning pair, but when you bring bacon into the picture? Oh man, it’s irresistible.
The bacon adds this incredible salty, savory depth that takes the veggies and cheese to a whole new level. Spoon it over pasta or serve it alongside chicken and potatoes.
20. Vegan Curried Broccoli Chickpea Salad
Here’s another stunning broccoli salad that’s fantastic warmed up or chilled. It’s a total showstopper with all those gorgeous colors, and it’s incredibly filling; those protein-packed chickpeas make it substantial enough for a main dish. Chewy and crunchy, with loads of umami, this beauty comes together in just 20 minutes.
21. Scalloped Corn and Broccoli
Kids go crazy for corn. I mean, don’t we all?
So mixing it with broccoli is a total no-brainer if you want them to eat more veggies. This creamy, comforting dish uses just seven ingredients and comes out fabulously cheesy with a hint of natural sweetness from the corn.
22. Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
If you’re a meat-and-potatoes type who has to talk yourself into eating greens, this one’s for you. You get all the glory of perfectly seasoned, crispy roasted potatoes… with a few sneaky little broccoli trees scattered on the pan. It’s the easiest way to add some green without any drama.
23. Broccoli and Cauliflower “Rice”
Love rice on the side but want to cut carbs? This is your answer.
Cauliflower rice is already a hit, and mixing in broccoli makes it even more colorful and flavorful. With just two net carbs per serving, it’s an absolute dream for anyone eating keto.
24. Broccoli Risotto
Tangy, cheesy, and oh so creamy, this broccoli risotto is as good as it gets. It takes about 45 minutes, but every single bite is loaded with flavor.
You can easily stir it up while your chicken dinner finishes cooking. If you love Italian food, you’ll be head over heels for this one.