10 Broccoli Recipes That Prove It’s Better Than Cauliflower

Broccoli gets my award for vegetable MVP. Yes, it beats out cauliflower and sweet potatoes — and I’m not just saying that because I personally love broccoli. The reason this brassica is at the top of my list is because it’s so versatile. Whether you’re starting with a head of fresh broccoli or a bag of the frozen stuff, there is no shortage of what this tree-like vegetables can do. It can be roasted as a weeknight side, cooked on the grill, or tossed in salads and slaws; it’s perfect partnered with pasta, loaded on sandwiches, or blended into pesto; and if you’re not cooking with your broccoli stems and leaves, you should be.

Here are 10 broccoli recipes that prove it’s the hero of the produce (and freezer) aisle.

In case you didn’t already know, allow me to share the good news: you can roast broccoli straight from the freezer and still get the same irresistible caramelized char and crispy edges as the fresh stuff. The trick is high heat and starting with a super-hot pan.

Get the recipe: Oven-Roasted Frozen Broccoli

Consider broccoli the best reason to fire up your grill tonight. Here, it’s marinated with lemon and olive oil, showered with Parm, and grilled until it’s get the most irresistible smoky char.

Get the recipe: Grilled Parmesan Broccoli

Inspired by the classic reuben sandwich, this vegetarian version may be even better. Crispy, crunchy, garlicky broccoli gets piled onto the sandwich as soon as it’s done roasting.

Get the recipe: Broccoli Reuben Sandwich

Here’s a sure way to make broccoli the star of your next potluck. I love that this take on broccoli slaw uses the whole head of broccoli, crunchy stalk and florets. Use a box grater to prep the broccoli or toss it in the food processor.

Get the recipe: Light & Easy Broccoli Salad

We all know that tossing broccoli with your pasta is a good idea, but blitzing broccoli with feta to make a pasta sauce is an ingenious move you have to try.

Get the recipe: Broccoli & Feta Pesto

If you’re getting a little tired of your regular roasted broccoli, it’s time to give your go-to side dish an upgrade by tossing it with toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh ginger. It’s a tiny change that makes a huge difference.

Get the recipe: Sesame-Ginger Roasted Broccoli

This recipe turns your favorite side dish into the star of a super savory salad from the grill. Partner it with whatever else you grilled to round out dinner, or top it with a few strips of chicken, steak, or salmon and turn the salad into dinner.

Get the recipe: Grilled Broccoli and Radish Salad with Garlicky Miso Dressing

If the combo of broccoli and cheese holds a special place in your heart, it’s time to give this creamy casserole a try. Tender broccoli gets smothered in a creamy, tangy cheese sauce, then topped with butter crackers and more cheese for a side dish everyone will devour.

Get the recipe: Broccoli-Cheese Casserole 

It only takes 20 minutes stands to make this takeout favorite with tender beef and crunchy broccoli blanketed in savory brown sauce.

Get the recipe: Easy Takeout-Style Beef and Broccoli

Broccolini is basically broccoli’s longer, skinner, and arguably tastier cousin. The best way to prepare it is also the simplest: Toss it in a hot pan with olive oil and lots of garlic until it’s vibrantly green and tender. 

Get the recipe: Easy 10-Minute Garlic Broccolini