What To Do With Leftover Broccoli

We’ve all been there – you’ve cooked up a delicious broccoli dish, and now you’re left with a few too many florets or stems that didn’t make the cut.

Instead of tossing them into the bin, there are several ways you can make the most of your leftover broccoli.

This article will explore various methods of repurposing those unused pieces to transform them into equally delicious and nutritious meals.

With a little creativity, you can easily integrate your leftover broccoli into a wide range of dishes, from pasta to pizza, and even new inventive recipes. Whether you have stems and leaves or a handful of florets, keeping an open mind and experimenting with unique flavours will yield fantastic results.

Plus, proper storage techniques can help ensure your broccoli stays fresh and ready to use!

Let’s dive into what you need to know…

Storing Leftover Broccoli

When you have some broccoli left over, there are a couple of ways to keep it fresh and tasty for future use.

Let’s explore the options of storing it in the fridge and freezing it.

In the Fridge

To store your leftover broccoli in the fridge, follow these steps:

Rinse the broccoli under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Pat dry the broccoli with a clean towel or kitchen paper.
Store the broccoli in a sealed plastic container or a resealable plastic bag in your fridge. Make sure there’s some room for air circulation inside the container.
Place the container or bag in the vegetable drawer or on the bottom shelf, where it’s cooler and more humid.

Your leftover broccoli should stay fresh for up to 5 days.

You can use it in salads, stir-fries, or other dishes during that time. Remember to check for any signs of spoilage before using it.

Freezing Broccoli

Freezing broccoli is another excellent option for preserving leftover broccoli.

You can use frozen broccoli in soups, casseroles, and other cooked dishes.

Here’s how to freeze your leftover broccoli:

Blanch the broccoli by briefly boiling it in water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunging it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Drain the broccoli well and pat it dry using a clean towel or kitchen paper.
Lay the broccoli out on a baking tray, making sure the florets are not touching.
Place the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours, until the broccoli pieces are fully frozen.
Transfer the frozen broccoli to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container, and label it with the date that you froze it.

Frozen broccoli can last for up to 6 months, retaining its flavour and nutritional value.

To use it, simply add the frozen pieces directly to your dish, or thaw them in the fridge overnight if preferred.

Creative Recipes

Leftover broccoli doesn’t have to go to waste; you can turn it into delightful dishes that’ll leave you craving more! Here are some ideas for using up leftover broccoli in various creative ways, sorted into four categories: Salads, Stir-Fries, Casseroles, and Soups.

Salads

Broccoli Salad: Toss your leftover broccoli with some chopped red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crispy bacon. Mix in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, cider vinegar, and sugar. Your tasty broccoli salad is ready to serve.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad: Combine equal parts broccoli and cauliflower florets, along with diced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and a handful of raisins. Drizzle a tangy mustard vinaigrette over the top, and then gently toss everything together.

Stir-Fries

Broccoli Stir-Fry: Transform your leftover broccoli into a vibrant stir-fry. Heat some oil in a wok or large frying pan, then add garlic, ginger, and your choice of protein (tofu, chicken, or beef). Once cooked, add the broccoli and any other veggies you fancy, like bell peppers or carrots. Finish with a generous splash of soy sauce and serve over rice or noodles.

Casseroles

Broccoli Casserole: For a comforting meal, try a broccoli casserole. Layer your leftover broccoli with cooked rice, cooked chicken, and a homemade cheesy sauce. Top everything with a breadcrumb mixture made from butter, breadcrumbs, and grated cheese. Pop it in the oven until bubbly and golden.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole: Put a twist on the classic broccoli casserole by adding cauliflower to the mix. Simply layer broccoli and cauliflower florets with a luscious cheese sauce and top with grated cheese. Bake until golden and delicious, then serve as a delightful side dish or a vegetarian main course.

Soups

Broccoli Cheese Soup: Turn your leftover broccoli into a creamy broccoli cheese soup. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot, then add chopped broccoli and vegetable stock. When the broccoli is tender, blend the soup until smooth. Finish by stirring in grated cheddar cheese, cream, and seasoning with salt and pepper.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup: For a heartier version of broccoli cheese soup, add potatoes and carrots to the mix. Sauté onion and garlic, then add chopped broccoli, potatoes, carrots, and vegetable stock to the pot. Simmer until tender, blend the soup, and stir in grated cheddar, cream, and seasonings. Enjoy your delicious broccoli cheddar soup with crusty bread for dipping.

Pasta and Pizza Combinations

Spaghetti with Broccoli

You can easily turn your leftover broccoli into a delicious pasta dish.

First, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. While your spaghetti is cooking, sauté your chopped broccoli in a bit of olive oil.

Once tender, add some garlic, chilli flakes, and a pinch of salt to the mixture.

Finally, toss the spaghetti with your cooked broccoli, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Your simple and tasty Spaghetti with Broccoli is ready to be enjoyed!

Pesto Broccoli Pasta

Another great option is to make a Pesto Broccoli Pasta. Follow these steps:

Boil your preferred pasta (e.g. penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
In a blender or food processor, combine your leftover broccoli with pesto sauce, a splash of olive oil, and a bit of parmesan cheese.
Blend until smooth, and then mix with your cooked pasta.

This vibrant dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also bursts with freshness and flavour.

For serving suggestions, check out what to serve with pesto pasta.

Broccoli Pizza Toppings

Don’t forget the classic combination of broccoli and pizza!

Chop your leftover broccoli into small florets and scatter them over your pizza base. You can combine the broccoli with other toppings, such as:

Sliced red onions
Sweetcorn
Grilled chicken
Cherry tomatoes

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings, and remember to finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and perhaps a drizzle of pesto sauce.

Bake your pizza according to the base instructions, and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal in no time.

Using Up Broccoli Stems and Leaves

Leftover broccoli parts need not go to waste. There are plenty of delicious ways to use up those stems and leaves, ensuring nothing goes unused.

The stalks, stems, and leaves can be just as tender and flavoursome as the florets and can be incorporated into various dishes.

Here are some wonderful ways to put them to good use.

Slaws and Salads

Don’t be too hasty in discarding your broccoli stems. They can add a lovely crunch to slaws and salads. The key is to shred the stems finely and mix them with other veggies like cabbage, carrots, and peppers. You can finish it off by adding your favourite dressing.

For a simple yet delightful broccoli stem slaw, follow these steps:

Trim any tough ends and peel the stalks to reveal the tender interior.
Use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to slice the stems thinly.
Toss the stems with other veggies and add a zesty dressing.

You can also integrate broccoli leaves into your salads. They have a mild, slightly peppery flavour that pairs nicely with other greens. Simply chop the leaves and combine them with mixed greens for a tasty and nutritious salad.

Texture in Stir-Fries

Broccoli stems and leaves can provide a welcome texture and taste when added to stir-fries. To use them in your recipes, follow these instructions:

Stems: Slice the broccoli stems diagonally into thin slices to add a crunchy dimension to your stir-fry. The thin pieces will blend well with the other ingredients, soaking up sauces and flavours.
Leaves: The tender leaves can be roughly chopped and added towards the end of cooking to retain their texture and fresh taste. They’ll wilt slightly, similar to spinach, but will still be a flavoursome addition.

By incorporating these leftover broccoli parts into your slaws, salads, and stir-fries, you’ll not only minimise waste but also enhance your meals with exciting flavours and textures.

Adding Unique Flavours

Sprucing up leftover broccoli can be an exciting culinary adventure. You can easily add unique flavours while still maintaining its nutritious benefits. Here are some ideas to make your steamed or grilled broccoli even more delightful.

Steamed Broccoli: If you have some leftover steamed broccoli, give it a delightful twist by tossing it with crunchy elements. Start by sprinkling a bit of salt and pepper, and then add a generous helping of crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix in some toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds to create a satisfying, crunchy texture.

If you prefer a salty and tangy taste, consider adding chopped anchovies to your steamed broccoli. Stir in a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce to further enhance the flavour. Don’t forget to top it off with some freshly chopped parsley for an aromatic finish.

Grilled Broccoli: Grilled broccoli works incredibly well with a variety of different sauces. A great option is to mix tahini with a bit of honey for a savoury-sweet blend. Drizzle this over your grilled broccoli and season with some salt and pepper for a truly delicious dish.

Another idea is to incorporate your leftover broccoli into more complex dishes. Stir it into a creamy macaroni and cheese or a fragrant broccoli pasta for a mouth-watering combination. Leftover grilled broccoli can also be a fantastic addition to beef and broccoli, bringing extra smokiness to the dish.

For a lighter option, blend the grilled broccoli with some ripe avocado for a smooth and creamy texture. This unique blend makes for an excellent pasta sauce, a nutritious smoothie, or even a tasty base for a quiche or gratin.

With these creative ideas, you can transform your leftover broccoli into an extraordinary delight. Whether you prefer crunchy, smooth, tangy, or smoky, there are myriad ways to enhance your broccoli dishes for a flavourful and enjoyable meal.

No matter the combination, your broccoli will maintain its nutritional benefits, including the powerful antioxidant sulforaphane, ensuring a tasty and healthy dining experience!

Love cooking with veggies and reducing waste? Check out what to do with leftover cauliflower!