15 Must-Try Broccoli Recipes That Make Veggies Exciting

If you’ve been thinking broccoli’s just a sidekick, think again. These broccoli recipes prove it’s the real star—crispy, cheesy, garlicky, or tucked into creamy casseroles and cozy soups. You’ll find quick air fryer ideas for busy nights, comfort food classics, and even creative twists like broccoli pesto pasta and crunchy summer salads. Whether you’re sneaking in extra greens or just craving something fresh and flavorful, there’s a broccoli dish here that’ll totally change how you see this humble veggie.

Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

A white bowl filled with roasted broccoli and cauliflower florets, seasoned with herbs and spices. — Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

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Crispy, garlicky, and sprinkled with Parmesan, this quick 15-minute air fryer side will take your veggies to the next level. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping lunches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

Air Fryer Broccolini

A white plate with roasted broccolini sits on a marble surface. Two forks and halved lemons are blurred in the background. — xr:d:DAF7F8jELA4:6,j:3508720926850533569,t:24012715

Tender and slightly charred, this air fryer broccolini cooks up in minutes for a healthy, flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccolini

Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli (Teriyaki)

Close-up of cooked broccoli florets and chicken pieces topped with sesame seeds on a white surface. — Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli (Teriyaki). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Juicy chicken bites and crispy broccoli tossed in teriyaki sauce. Fast, flavorful, and lighter than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli (Teriyaki)

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Tray of roasted broccoli florets inside an air fryer, showing a mix of green and charred edges on a metal mesh rack. — Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turn frozen broccoli into crispy, seasoned florets everyone will love. Quick, easy, and a total game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Broccoli Casserole

A spoonful of broccoli cheese casserole is lifted from a baking dish with a crumbly, golden topping. — Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery crackers. This from-scratch broccoli casserole is comfort food at its best.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

A baked casserole with a golden, cheesy crust sits in a white dish on a wooden board, with fresh greens and utensils nearby. — Broccoli Casserole with Crackers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A crunchy, cheesy casserole that turns broccoli into a dish the whole family will ask for again.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A cup of broccoli soup topped with pieces of bread, with sliced bread and another bowl of soup in the background. — Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Rich, creamy, and loaded with broccoli and cheddar. Perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

A plate with two browned chicken patties, mashed potatoes, and broccoli in the background; a bowl of shredded cheese sits nearby. — Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Juicy chicken stuffed with broccoli and cheddar for a protein-packed, flavor-filled dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Two bowls of creamy soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese and chives, placed on a marble surface next to a spoon and napkin. — Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Thick, creamy, and cheesy perfection. This classic broccoli cheese soup is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole

Plate of stuffed bell peppers on a bed of yellow rice, garnished with herbs, placed on an orange cloth. A wooden spoon, a fork, a bowl of cheese, and a drink are nearby. — Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cheesy broccoli and seasoned chicken on a bed of rice and pasta. Easy to bake and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Pesto

A bowl of green pesto sits on a white surface, with a smaller bowl of pine nuts and a bowl of broccoli nearby. — Broccoli Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick, vegan, and gluten-free broccoli pesto made in 15 minutes. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

A plate of spaghetti with broccoli, cherry tomatoes, pesto sauce, fresh basil, and a side of creamy white sauce, next to a pan of the same pasta on a marble surface. — Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and lemon zest combine with broccoli pesto for a simple 30-minute pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Broccoli Raisin Salad

A plate of broccoli salad with chopped bacon, raisins, pumpkin seeds, and a creamy dressing. — Broccoli Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender broccoli, plump raisins, crispy bacon, and pumpkin seeds tossed in a light, slightly sweet dressing. A summer favorite.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Raisin Salad

Broccoli Rice Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy broccoli and rice casserole from a white baking dish. — Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese baked to perfection. A comforting, easy dish in 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole