There’s something about broccoli that, try as you might, your kids just don’t want to eat it. Perhaps it’s the fact that it’s green, or that it looks like little trees, or that raw broccoli isn’t the most appetizing snack. However, no matter how hard your kids try to avoid this coniferous veggie, the nutritional value is virtually unmatched, so getting broccoli to be a regular part of your kids’ diet is important for their health and development.
The best way to do this? Make it more appealing than plain old, steamed broccoli on a plate. Mix broccoli with cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy, handheld broccoli tot; blend it into a sauce; or serve it simply over your kids’ favorite noodles for a meal guaranteed to get your kids asking for seconds and thirds. If you’re struggling to find a good way to get broccoli into the regular dinner rotation at home, check out our guide for 10 healthy broccoli recipes for kids for some helpful and delicious broccoli inspiration.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Bites
Getting your kid to not just eat broccoli, but to like it, is a breeze if you make it into a fun, bite-size snack. Broccoli and cauliflower is combined with cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown for a kid-friendly snack time treat.
30 minutes 30 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Broccoli and Cauliflower Bites.
Mini Broccoli Quesadillas
Quesadillas are easy to make and perfect for tiny hands to grab, dip, and enjoy. Roasting the broccoli here gives it a great flavor and pairs great with all that melty cheese.
10 minutes 180 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Mini Broccoli Quesadillas.
Easy Broccoli Pesto
Sometimes the best way to get your kids to eat a vegetable is to change its form completely! This pesto has all the classic flavors of a basil pesto but is made with broccoli – add it to just about anything for a tasty and simple way to get more veggies on your kids’ plate.
5 minutes 100 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Easy Broccoli Pesto.
Broccoli Cheese Sticks
Crispy, cheesy broccoli sticks are a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies in a way they’ll really enjoy. Serve these as a healthy after-school snack or as a side dish for any main course.
35 minutes 150 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Broccoli Cheese Sticks.
Roasted Broccoli
Sometimes simplicity is the best way to get your kids to eat their veggies. This broccoli is roasted with garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice for bright, simple flavors that the kids and adults at the table will really love.
25 minutes 150 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Roasted Broccoli.
Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots
These small, dippable tots are loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and plenty of flavor that are fun to make and easy to enjoy.
35 minutes 25 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots.
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Packed with vegetables and healthy grains, these handheld bites are a great way to get your kids to love broccoli without even knowing they love it. Plus, these bites freeze well and can be quickly reheated for a last-minute snack.
25 minutes 175 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites.
Easiest Pasta and Broccoli
This one-pot broccoli pasta dish is a dinner that everyone at the table will enjoy. Ready in 15 minutes and made with just five ingredients, this tasty, veggie-packed pasta is sure to be a weeknight dinner hero.
15 minutes 290 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Easiest Pasta and Broccoli.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice with Broccoli
No matter how busy your day is, you can get this nutritious dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. Packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains, this one-pot meal gets all the necessary nutrients on your kids’ plate in a tasty way.
25 minutes 530 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Cheesy Chicken and Rice with Broccoli.
Healthy Cheddar Broccoli Soup
A hearty soup is a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies, and this soup focuses more on the broccoli and less on the cheese for a nutritious soup that’s also rich and creamy.
30 minutes 110 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Healthy Cheddar Broccoli Soup.