Broccoli Recipes for the Backyard Vegetable Gardener

We love making lots of different broccoli recipes throughout the year. Nothing beats a cool broccoli salad during the summer. Cheesy broccoli soup is a great way to warm up in the winter. Broccoli can be eaten raw, steamed, grilled, boiled, roasted or baked. We've even heard of folks who batter and fry it. Broccoli is very nutritious and is used in a wide variety of American, Asian and Italian dishes. Before we get to some of our favorite broccoli recipes, here is some nutrient information...

One cup of chopped raw broccoli contains:

• 31 calories
• 2g fiber
• 3g protein
• 81mg vitamin C
• 43mg Calcium
• 19mg Magnesium
• 288mg Potassium
• 30mg Sodium
• 60mg Phosphorus

Here are some of our favorite broccoli recipes:

Cheddar Broccoli Soup - this broccoli recipe makes a rich and creamy soup, perfect as a starter course or as a meal all by itself

1/2 cup butter
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
4 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
1 pound loaf processed American cheese, cubed
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 pint half and half
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

In a large stock pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute until just softened. Add broccoli to the pot and stir. Pour 3 cans of chicken broth into the pot and bring to a simmer. Simmer uncovered about 12 minutes or until broccoli is tender.

Reduce heat to medium low and stir in processed cheese cubes. Stir until melted. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir again until melted. Pour in milk and stir to combine.

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and remaining can of chicken broth until dissolved. Stir this mixture into the soup. Simmer while stirring frequently until soup has thickened.

Serve immediately. Can be garnished with green onion, more shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, parsley, etc...

Sweet and Crunchy Broccoli Salad - this broccoli recipe makes a quick and tasty salad that has just the right amount of sweetness and crunch, great for picnics or any get-together

2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 red onion, diced
1 (8 oz) can sliced water chestnuts, roughly chopped
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/8 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheeses, onion, water chestnuts and bacon crumbles. Toss together.

In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole - this broccoli recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, an easy-to-make meal that's rich and creamy

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pound fresh or frozen broccoli florets
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup dry stuffing mix
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 white onion, diced
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 cups corn flakes, smashed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Poach chicken in water until tender. Let cool and shred into into bite sized pieces. While chicken is cooling, steam broccoli about 8 minutes or until barely tender.

In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup cheese, dry stuffing mix, black pepper, paprika, garlic and onion. Add chicken and broccoli and toss well to coat. Pile chicken and broccoli mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine melted butter and bread crumbs. Add in corn flakes and stir to combine.

Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of broccoli and chicken mixture. Sprinkle bread crumb and corn flake mixture over the cheese.

Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Elegant Pastry Ring stuffed with Ham and Broccoli - this easy broccoli recipe makes a tasty stuffed pastry, unique presentation makes this a hit at any table

1/4 pound cook ham, chopped
1 head of fresh broccoli, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 (8 oz) packages refrigerated crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, toss together ham, broccoli, onion, parsley, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic and nutmeg.

On a large baking sheet or pizza stone, arrange crescent roll triangles in a circle with the short sides to the middle and the long points sticking out. Allow for a 3 inch diameter circle in the middle. The sides of the crescent rolls closest to the center will overlap. Spoon the ham and broccoli filling over the flat crescent rolls. Fold the long points over the filling and tuck under the base on at the edge of the center circle. The filling will not be completely covered - there will be a small gap between the crescent rolls where the filling will show through.

Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Broccoli and Mushroom Pasta with White Wine Sauce - this broccoli recipe makes a light dish bursting with flavor, easy to make and oh so good

1 pound Penne pasta
4 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound fresh broccoli florets
8 button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta in boiling water according to package instructions. When cooked, drain pasta and set aside.

In a large pot, heat oil and butter over medium heat until butter is melted. Add garlic, broccoli and mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes. Add broth, white wine, lemon juice and lemon zest. Cover and simmer over medium low heat until broccoli is just tender. Don't overcook broccoli to the point that it falls apart. Turn off heat, remove cover and add cooked pasta to the broccoli mixture. Sprinkle in basil, oregano and red pepper flakes. Toss gently until pasta is coated. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Cheesy Egg and Broccoli Bake - this broccoli recipe makes a delicious brunch dish, light and airy and full of flavor

8 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup butter
2 shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup half and half
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Steam broccoli over 1 inch of boiling water. Cook until barely tender - about 5 minutes. Drain broccoli and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic saute for 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook another minute or until bubbly. Gradually add milk and then half and half, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and let cook for 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and season milk mixture with salt and pepper. Slowly add cheddar and Swiss cheeses, stirring constantly. Whisk eggs into the cheese and milk mixture slowly, making sure to whisk vigorously. Pour milk and cheese mixture over broccoli. Add basil and toss gently until well combined.

Pile broccoli and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake in preheated oven uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

We hope you enjoy these broccoli recipes as much as our family does.

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