Braving the Broccoli Battle: Broccoli Recipes for Kids

Sometimes, getting the family to eat broccoli feels like a never-ending battle. To all the parents out there looking to spice up their broccoli recipes for kids to make this vegetable a little more appetizing, we see you. We get it.

Check out these delicious ideas for broccoli recipes for kids so you can start getting those nutrient-packed veggies back in their diet.

With vital nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium, broccoli is quite the power food! Here are some basic tips for introducing broccoli into your kid's diet:

1. Serve smaller portions. Big, heaping portions can make them feel overwhelmed.
2. Let the kids voice their opinions. Ask them what they think could make broccoli yummier?
3. Make sure it tastes good to YOU. Why should they eat it if you don't think it tastes good? Who wants to eat bland food?
4. Be patient. It's a long game, not a miracle.

-Garlic-Butter Broccoli: Is there any problem that garlic and butter can't solve? With simple roasted broccoli on a sheet pan, making additions like garlic-butter, or one of your child's favorite seasonings, it could totally kick things up a notch.

-Broccoli Quiche: Quiche is so easy because all you have to do is mix it all up, throw it in a pre-made pie crust, and bake it in the oven! If your kids love eggs, this is also a great option.

-Broccoli-Cheddar Soup: Growing up, I used to have this every Sunday for lunch at Schlotszky's, and it just tasted amazing, especially with a hot, crispy-crusted turkey sandwich. The broccoli-cheddar soup I make at home still brings back great memories. It's cheesy, creamy, and hearty. And, oh yeah: it's got broccoli in it! If you're trying to limit high-calorie ingredients, try a modified recipe.

-Cheesy Broccoli Bites: For some reason, when you make things bite-sized, they automatically become just a little more appealing to kids. If you can find a cookie-cutter that makes dinosaur shapes, all the better! Because as we know, dinosaur shapes make everything taste better. You can also make these in a mini-muffin pan. If you're looking for something store-bought, Aldi also sells SimplyNature broccoli bites in the frozen section that may be worth a try!

-Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes: For this yummy cheese sauce you can pour over the potatoes, you'll need butter, flour, milk, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sharp cheddar cheese, and of course, 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets. Slowly simmer it all on the stove, and place in your semi-hollowed baked potatoes. You can also twice-bake it!

-Broccoli Tots: these baked bites are the perfect dupe for regular tater tots, and you could even modify a cheeseburger tater tot casserole to include these broccoli tots instead. With simple, fresh ingredients like broccoli, egg, onion, cheese, bread crumbs, and seasonings, your kids will barely notice they're getting those sneaky veggies.

-Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole: Cheese is the ultimate cover-all for the picky eaters. Whether it's chicken, veggies, or a side dish you just can't seem to get the kiddo to try, cover it up with some cheese, stick it in a casserole, and it's a whole new ballgame.

-Broccoli Pesto Pasta: Pesto is one of my favorite things to make from scratch. The beauty about adding broccoli to this recipe: it blends right in with the flavorful basil. Here's what you toss into the food processor: broccoli, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and fresh lemon zest, and extra-virgin olive oil. Use it on your favorite kind of pasta, but I like using mini shells or rotini.

-Mac-n-Cheese Chicken With Broccoli: With three of my favorite things: pasta, chicken, and cheese, who even notices the fourth ingredient is? This broccoli chicken mac and cheese has a delicious parmesan cheesy sauce, and with the addition of cooked chicken and fresh broccoli, it turns a classic side dish into a whole one-pot meal!

Patience is half the battle when trying to get your kiddos to eat healthy foods. If broccoli isn't working, try incorporating other green veggies like spinach, brussels sprouts, and kale. Don't worry, you're doing great! And don't forget to share your favorite recipes with the ones you love on FamilyApp!