Hot Broccoli Dip

This hot broccoli dip fit into my plans perfectly. I needed a dip for a family get-together, and I needed a big batch of it to boot. But, I figured if I had leftovers I had better make a dip that I could use for other than a dip. This dip is more than a dip. It’s also absolutely fantastic (maybe, just maybe, more fantastic than when used as a dip) on baked potatoes.

Hot Broccoli Dip

This hot broccoli dip was a big hit at our get-together. I’d make it again, and make a little extra for baked potatoes. If you’re serving it as a dip, serve with celery, carrots, crackers or thick chips, such as Fritos Scoops. Wimpy chips need not apply!

Also try my pizza dip.

Hot Broccoli Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Hot Broccoli Dip

This hot broccoli dip fit into my plans perfectly. I needed a dip for a family get-together, and I needed a big batch of it to boot.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, dip
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 419kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 head broccoli
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 8 ounce cream cheese softened
  • 1 1 ounce Ranch dressing mix
  • 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 16 ounce sour cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble or chop fine.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the broccoli florets off the head. Add to the boiling water and let boil for 1 1/2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Chop into small pieces.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Spray a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with non-stick spray. Add the dip mixture and spread out evenly. Cover and bake for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly,

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 602mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1530IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 481mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creamy Dill Broccoli Slaw

This creamy dill broccoli slaw is a wonderful spin on my favorite salad, creamy cucumber salad. Loaded with dill and a hint of lime, it has a great summer flavor with plenty of crunch to it. I added a few sliced fresh chili peppers and chives from our garden for garnish. Cilantro would also make a great addition to this slaw.

Creamy Dill Broccoli Slaw

You can substitute ‘normal’ shredded cabbage for the broccoli if you wish. Broccoli slaw tends to stay crunchier longer than cabbage, which can get soggy in no time. If you do make this creamy dill broccoli slaw with cabbage instead, sauce only the amount of slaw you plan on serving. That way the leftovers won’t get drenched in sauce and become soggy.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Creamy Dill Broccoli Slaw
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5 from 1 vote

Creamy Dill Broccoli Slaw

This creamy dill broccoli slaw is a wonderful spin on my favorite salad, creamy cucumber salad. Loaded with dill and a hint of lime, it has a great summer flavor with plenty of crunch to it.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, creamy, slaw
Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 231kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli slaw a small bag
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 lime lime zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup dill chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin I used slightly less
  • chile pepper sliced, for garnish (optional)
  • chives sliced, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Place the slaw mix in a medium resealable container.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients except for the garnish. Add to the slaw. Cover and shake gently to coat.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with sliced pepper and chives, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 608mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 480IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Broccoli in Hoisin Sauce

Summer is such a great time for a stir-fry. Fresh in-season vegetables scream ‘stir-fry me’ out at you as you walk through the farmer’s market or grocery store. In fact, a few heads of broccoli where screaming at me the other day, so I took them home and made a quick stir fry with broccoli in Hoisin sauce. And boy am I glad that I did!

Broccoli in Hoisin Sauce

Hoison sauce adds a nice sweet and salty flavor to any veggies. Don’t be afraid to also add a few pinches of dried red pepper flake or fresh sliced chile peppers.
I love stir-frying broccoli in Hoisin sauce. I love it even more when cooked outside. I fire up my charcoal grill which has a fantastic, large wok insert. The wok gets incredibly hot over the coals, much hotter than I could ever get it on my flattop electric stove. It’s perfect for stir-frying anything, and quickly. If you have a 22″ Weber charcoal grill I can’t recommend the wok enough.

Of course, you can make this just as easily indoors, using a wok.

Also check out one of my other favorite grilled side dishes, Asian grilled vegetables. Stir-fried broccoli is also fantastic with my Mongolian Grill stir-fry sauce.

Broccoli in Hoisin Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Broccoli in Hoisin Sauce

Hoison sauce adds a nice sweet and salty flavor to any veggies. Don’t be afraid to also add a few pinches of dried red pepper flake or fresh sliced chile peppers.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, broccoli
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 34kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat up a wok over high heat.
  • Stir-fry the broccoli with the garlic and oil for 3 minutes.
  • Combine the ginger, water, Hoisin and salt and stir in the broccoli.
  • Stir-fry until the sauce thickens.

Nutrition

Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 225mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 425IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Broccoli Cheese Wonton Cups

My wife flat-out loved these spicy broccoli cheese wonton cups. I have to admit, they are definitely a non-boring way to serve vegetables. It always seems like you have to do more and more every day to keep from serving boring sides! Well, a nice kick from habanero Jack cheese and fried jalapenos really makes up for what would’ve been ‘just’ broccoli. Oh, and love that crunch from the wonton cups, too. You need that difference. These cups are quite tasty and well, kinda cool looking too! Heck, I think you could serve them as appetizers!

Spicy Broccoli Cheese Wonton Cups

If you don’t like spicier foods like we do, substitute shredded mozzarella or provolone for the habanero Jack cheese and French fried onions for the crispy jalapenos. Spicy broccoli cheese wonton cups are great without the spicy. I think blanched carrots or cauliflower would work just fine. Or heck, use them all and make mixed vegetable cups.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded cheese. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Also try my jalapeno popper wonton cups.

Spicy Broccoli Cheese Wonton Cups
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4 from 2 votes

Spicy Broccoli Cheese Wonton Cups

A nice kick from habanero Jack cheese and fried jalapenos really makes up for what would’ve been ‘just’ broccoli. Oh, and love that crunch from the wonton cups, too. You need that contrast.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, spicy, wontons
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 cups
Calories 116kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375 F.
  • Prepare an ice bath by filing a large bowl halfway with ice then add water. Note: You can skip the ice bath and rinse the cooked broccoli under cold water, but I find that you lose some of the broccoli doing it that way, so I prefer to use an ice bath.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
  • Add the broccoli and boil for 1 1/2 minutes.
  • Drain the broccoli and place into the ice bath to stop the cooking.
  • Chop the cooked broccoli and transfer to a bowl.
  • Add the cheese, jalapenos, egg and salt and pepper and stir gently to combine.
  • Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray.
  • Press 2 wonton wrappers into each pan cup. I like to add one wrapper then place another on top, rotated 45 degrees from the bottom one to better fill the cup.
  • Divide the broccoli mixture between the cups.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 410IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Broccoli Cheddar Pockets

By golly, these broccoli cheddar pockets do taste just like the pockets you can get out of the freezer section in your grocery store! Actually, they taste even better. Quite a bit better! That might because there’s extra ooey-gooey extra sharp cheddar cheese inside. Oh, yeah, there’s some healthy broccoli thrown in too. Plenty of if. And well, yes, I did add a bit of bacon. How could you not? All that good broccoli cancels out any ‘bad’ in the bacon, right? That’s my story at least.

Broccoli Cheddar Pockets

You can make a big batch of these broccoli cheddar pockets then freeze them for later. Just pop them into the microwave or oven to reheat (until the cheese melts). Nice and easy!

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

You can easily make copycats of the other pocket flavors you find in your grocery store’s freezer. Just fill with cooked (the dryer the better!) ingredients and seal! Try my pulled pork pockets too!

Broccoli Cheddar Pockets
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5 from 1 vote

Broccoli Cheddar Pockets

By golly, these broccoli cheddar pockets do taste just like the pockets you can get out of the freezer section in your grocery store! Actually, they taste even better. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, cheese, pockets
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 337kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups broccoli florets frozen chopped
  • 4-6 slices bacon cooked, chopped (optional)
  • 1 ¾ cups sharp cheddar cheese grated, about 5 ounces
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chives chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 tube Pillsbury® Crusty French bread dough
  • 1 egg
  • Water

Instructions

  • Cook broccoli per package instructions. Drain well.
  • Place broccoli in a large bowl and gently stir in the bacon, cheddar, sour cream and chives.
  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  • Lightly flour a flat surface.
  • Divide the dough into 4 equally sized pieces and roll out into 6″ x 8″ rectangles.
  • Divide the broccoli mixture between each piece of dough, placing the ingredients in the center.
  • Fold the 2 shorter sides of the dough over the filling, stretching to cover.
  • Fold the 2 long sides over like a burrito and pinch the edges to seal.
  • Place the pockets seam-side down on the baking sheet.
  • Beat the egg and 1 tablespoon warm water in a small bowl or glass. Brush the pockets with the egg wash.
  • Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 488mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 897IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 391mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This broccoli cauliflower salad could be the easiest salad I’ve ever made. And it’s so good that I’ve made it 3 times in the last 2 weeks. It has a nice fresh crunch. And a little creaminess. And just enough smoky bacon flavor to make you really happy.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

I bake my bacon at 400 F on a foil-lined baking sheet for 20 or so minutes, depending on the thickness and how crunchy I want it to be, turning once. Easy clean up. You can drain off the grease for later use or let it cool and just wrap the foil up and toss it. No mess, no fuss. And the bacon is cooked perfectly, ready to go into a batch of broccoli cauliflower salad!

I’ve also made this salad a few times for road trips. It really holds up well to travelling.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my delicious marinated vegetable salad and my tangy broccoli salad.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This broccoli cauliflower salad could be the easiest salad I’ve ever made. And it’s so good that I’ve made it 3 times in the last 2 weeks.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, cauliflower, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 634kcal

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 2 cups cauliflower cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cups celery chopped
  • 1 cup peas frozen, thawed
  • 1 ½ cups bacon cooked, chopped

For the dressing

Instructions

For the salad

  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

For the dressing

  • Whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
  • Blend into the vegetables. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 634kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 61g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 793mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 386IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw

I was somewhat pessimistic when I first saw this recipe for Oriental Ramen broccoli cole slaw. My wife sent it to me and asked that I make it for her to take to work for lunch. And of course, I did!

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw

I was really surprised at how much I liked this oriental Ramen broccoli cole slaw. It is fresh. The flavors are not overpowering, with just a hint of seasoning. This makes a pretty good-sized batch, but for a huge crowd I’d double it. It holds up well for picnics and family get-togethers.

This slaw is great with my Ramen-seasoned chicken wings.

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw
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4 from 1 vote

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Coleslaw

I was really surprised at how much I liked this oriental Ramen broccoli coleslaw. It is fresh. The flavors are not overpowering, with just a hint of seasoning. This makes a pretty good-sized batch, but for a huge crowd I’d double it. It holds up well for picnics and family get-togethers.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, broccoli, cole slaw, coleslaw
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 248kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Do not open the noodle packages. Instead, crush them in your hands. Then, open them, remove and reserve the spice packets, and pour the noodles into a large bowl.
  • Add the broccoli, nuts, sunflowers seeds and green onions.
  • In a small bowl or Mason jar, combine the sugar, oil, reserved Ramen spices and vinegar. Whisk or shake well then pour into the bowl of slaw.
  • Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Toss lightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Mmmmmm. Simple, but oh so good! These cheesy broccoli baked potatoes remind me of the wonderful potatoes at Hog’s Breath Eatery, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I used to eat at Hog’s Breath regularly. Man, did they have great baked potatoes. Sadly, the Hog’s Breath Eatery has closed. That means I have to make more baked potatoes like this one at home instead of saving up my cravings for the next time I go to Fayetteville.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

I used my homemade cheese sauce on these delicious cheesy broccoli baked potatoes. You can use your own or pre-made if you like, but my version is so easy to make.

Also try my cheesy mushroom baked potatoes, my mushroom and onion baked potatoes, and my take on the Hog’s Breath classic baked potato, The Works.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Mmmmmm. Simple, but oh so good! These cheesy broccoli baked potatoes remind me of the wonderful potatoes at Hog’s Breath Eatery, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Course Main or Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, cheese, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 184kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a small pan of water to a boil.
  • Add a pinch of salt.
  • Add the broccoli and cook 3-4 minutes or until just barely tender.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the broccoli from cooking further.
  • Split the potatoes along the tops.
  • Divide the broccoli among the potatoes and top with the cheese sauce.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 1032mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 286IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Tangy Broccoli Salad

There’s no reason to have a lame side with dinner. I admit it, I spend most of my time concentrating on the main dish, with the side dish being just that… a side thought. I’m working to change that, and this tangy broccoli salad is a great example.

Tangy Broccoli Salad

You can also make this tangy broccoli salad using cauliflower. Or get the best of both worlds and make my broccoli cauliflower salad! And my version of Martin’s broccoli salad is amazing too!

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Tangy Broccoli Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Tangy Broccoli Salad

There’s no reason to have a lame side with dinner. I admit it, I spend most of my time concentrating on the main dish, with the side dish being just that… a side thought. I’m working to change that, and this tangy broccoli salad is a great example.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 -12
Calories 102kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook bacon until crisp. Drain and crumble.
  • Combine the mayo, sugar and vinegar in a large bowl.
  • Stir in the bacon and remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 667mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1263IU | Vitamin C: 182mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.