Broccoli is full of fiber, vitamins and minerals, but no kid wants to eat a pile of mushy overcooked broccoli (neither does Mom!). And no one has to eat it that way with these 35 delicious broccoli recipes and ideas, which pair the green veggie with food kids already love for meals that are fresh, delicious and family-friendly.

1. Broccoli Cheddar Hash Brown Bake: It feels good to know your kids have had a serving of vegetables before they’ve even left the house for school. This broccoli cheddar hash brown bake is a simple breakfast recipe for any morning.
2. Broccoli Beef Stir-Fry: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, stir-fry beef in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil until cooked to desired doneness; remove and keep warm. Stir-fry broccoli and chopped onion in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes. Combine 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground ginger; add to the pan and stir to combine. Serve over rice.
3. Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup: This slow cooker soup uses broccoli and carrots, but your kids will be all about the cheese. Slice and brown some smoked sausage to put on the side for added protein. This soup keeps well too!
4. Broccoli Mashed Potatoes: Add broccoli to something the kids already love – mashed potatoes! Boil peeled, diced potatoes in salted water until very tender, about 20 minutes. Cut the florets off the broccoli and add to boiling potatoes; cook for about 7 minutes more. Drain and return to pot. Heat desired amounts of milk, cream and butter in a small saucepan. Pour the mixture into the potatoes and broccoli, then mash together. These are great with anything you’d serve regular mashed potatoes with, like beef stew.
5. Ranch Broccoli with Parmesan: Sauté broccoli florets with a sprinkling of ranch dip seasoning from a packet. Yup, making ranch broccoli is that easy! Cook until tender then top with a generous handful of Parmesan cheese for an easy weeknight side dish.
6. Dairy-Free Broccoli Potato Soup: Can you make a creamy broccoli soup without a ton of cheese? My family enjoys this vegan broccoli soup that uses various plant-based milks to get the creamy texture we all love.
7. Broccoli Pesto: As simple as adding steamed broccoli purée to your favorite homemade basil pesto or store-bought pesto, and the kids will be none the wiser! Add to pasta, spread on pizza crust … the possibilities are endless.
8. Broccoli Mac & Cheese: Whether homemade or from a box, mac and cheese is a perfect match for broccoli. Or stir in some sliced kielbasa and bake for an easy dinner casserole.
9. Broccoli Quiche: This classic broccoli quiche recipe is simple and delicious … and filled with broccoli!
10. Broccoli Cheese Brown Rice: Cook brown rice as you normally would and about 10 minutes before it’s done, add finely diced broccoli and a layer of cheddar cheese on the top to steam. Once tender, stir to combine for a veggie-filled side dish.
11. Green Smoothies: Smoothies are my go-to method of ensuring my kids get enough vegetables each day. This broccoli smoothie recipe for kids is a hit every time we make it. Cherries give it a fun red color, so unless the kids see you blend it, they probably wouldn’t even guess it’s got broccoli in it too!
12. Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli: This is the easiest (and most delicious!) broccoli recipe ever! In a bowl, toss broccoli florets with a bit of olive oil and chopped garlic. Line the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet and squeeze some lemon juice on top. Roast at 400 degrees F until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
13. Easy Broccoli Egg Muffins: Perfect for a quick snack or breakfast, these bite-sized broccoli cheese and egg muffins are a great alternative to scrambled eggs. What’s even better is that you can make these ahead of time!
14. Chopped Broccoli Salad: Combine your desired amounts of chopped broccoli, chopped onion, crumbled bacon, raisins and sunflower seeds in a bowl. To make the dressing, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup sugar with 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar until smooth. Pour over broccoli mixture and stir to coat evenly. A great side for sliders.
15. Broccoli Cheese Chicken Bake: A layered dish that’s a complete meal in one pan. But what really makes this broccoli cheddar chicken casserole so good is the buttery crunch from the crushed crackers.
16. Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Crescent Rolls: Combine cooked, shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken from the store is great for this), chopped broccoli and Monterey Jack cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stuff store-bought biscuit dough or crescent roll dough with a spoonful or two of the mixture. Roll and seal, then bake according to package instructions.
17. Broccoli Hummus: A creamy dip (or spread!) made with white beans and steamed broccoli, this broccoli hummus is a crowd pleaser.
18. Veggie Platter: You’ve probably heard it before … if you serve it, they will come. Okay, maybe the saying doesn’t go exactly that way, but sitting out a rainbow of crunchy, vibrant vegetables – including broccoli – on a serving tray for when the kids get home from school will only improve your odds of them actually choosing to snack on them. A side of dip doesn’t hurt either.
19. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes: They’re easy, affordable and delicious, but best of all, these broccoli cheese loaded twice baked potatoes are a total kid pleaser.
20. Broccoli Orange Juice: For families who love to juice, use 1/2 head of broccoli (stalks and all), 2 oranges, 1 cucumber and 1 carrot for an amped-up morning drink.
21. Broccoli Nuggets: Like the veggie version of tots! Broccoli nuggets are tasty served warm or at room temperature, making them a great option for packed school lunches.
22. Broccoli Tamales: Never tried making tamales? They’re easier than you think! Start with a basic corn dough, and for the filling, use a combination of broccoli, mushrooms and zucchini with Monterey Jack cheese.
23. Broccoli Chicken Pasta: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm oil and add diced chicken; cook until slightly brown. Add tomatoes, broccoli, salt, pepper and oregano, and simmer until chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook and drain pasta. Combine pasta with chicken mixture and add basil. Toss well and top with Parmesan cheese.
24. Broccoli Chicken Alfredo: Pasta, prepared Alfredo sauce and steamed broccoli make for a filling, quick meal for lunch or dinner. Add grilled chicken breast to really fill the kids up.
25. Sweet Potato Broccoli Bake: Pair broccoli with a sweet starch for a great combination of flavors. Roast the two with your favorite seasonings – cinnamon for sweetness, garlic for a savory taste – and enjoy straight out of the oven.
26. Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry: With this broccoli and chicken stir-fry recipe, you can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
27. Broccoli & Shrimp Penne: In a light sauce of oil, garlic and Italian seasoning, sauté chopped broccoli and shrimp until cooked. Toss in cooked penne pasta and top with Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon. Dinner is served!
28. Broccoli Quinoa Casserole: Full of nutrients AND cheese, this broccoli quinoa casserole is a family dinner win.
29. Stuffed Squash with Broccoli & Chicken: Using your favorite squash – we love spaghetti or butternut – hollow out the inside and pre-roast. Stuff with cooked chicken, broccoli and rice, then top with cheese and return to the oven. Bake until cheese bubbles.
30. Broccoli Ravioli: The kids will love this twist on pasta! This broccoli ravioli recipe uses thinly sliced yellow squash in place of pasta for a gluten-free meal, but you could also use wonton wrappers from the store.
31. Broccoli Pizza Crust: Ever thought of making a pizza crust out of puréed broccoli? Me neither … but this mom did, and her kids loved it! Check out her broccoli pizza crust recipe for your next pizza night.
32. Simply Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower: Toss broccoli and cauliflower with garlic, salt, pepper, a bit of oil and a squeeze of lemon, and roast at 400 degrees F in a single layer until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
33. Easy Broccoli Salad: A raw salad with a creamy dressing is a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for lunch. This easy broccoli salad is a must for your recipe box.
34. Broccoli Chicken Noddle Soup: Take your traditional chicken noddle soup to the next level with a heaping serving of broccoli. Whether the soup’s homemade or out of a can, the broccoli will soak up the flavors of the chicken broth and hardly be noticed.
35. Pasta Salad: The kids will be too busy enjoying the turkey breast and bacon in this pasta salad recipe to even notice the broccoli that’s also in it!

However you work broccoli into your family’s diet, one thing’s for sure: There are endless ways to eat broccoli that don’t involve the icky mushy texture kids hate so much. You’ll make broccoli lovers out of them in no time with these delicious recipes!