With a super simple method and quick cooking time, this Boiled Broccoli is a favorite side dish for family meals. It’s easy to add flavor to or reheat, and is a great veggie for baby led weaning, babies, toddlers, and us adults too.
I am really of one mind when it comes to serving veggies to kids—what is the easiest way for me to prepare a veggie that my kids will actually eat? And while we have a few favorites, this super simple boiled broccoli is always in regular rotation.
It’s one of our favorites—in addition to Roasted Broccoli—because it’s really fast and really consistent.
You can season it simply with butter and salt (which is what we usually do) or add more flavor from toppings like lemon zest, Parmesan, or even a dip.
This is a great basic broccoli recipe to add to your rotation as an easy side dish to share.
(You may also like my Boiled Green Beans, Roasted Carrot Fries, Sautéed Shredded Brussel Sprouts, and Sautéed Yellow Squash.)
Table of Contents
Your toddler won’t eat? Help is here!
Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent your way!
Ingredients You Need
To make this Boiled Broccoli recipe, you need:
- Broccoli: Either heads, crowns, or precut florets.
- Butter (or olive oil): This ingredient is added at the end for flavor. You can use either one according to your preference.
- Salt (optional): Added for taste. If serving this to a baby, you can omit the salt on their portion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Boiled Broccoli so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. If you’re starting with broccoli crowns or heads, cut it into florets. (You can slice up the stem if you’d like, or discard it.)
Step 2. Add to a pot with water.
Step 3. Cook until just soft.
Step 4. Drain and toss with butter and salt.
TIP: This really is best when it’s not overcooked, so check it on the shorter end of the cooking time to help prevent that.
Frequently Asked Questions
You totally can, though the cooking time with be much shorter. Refer to the back of the package for cooking times. (It’s usually around 4 minutes.)
This pairs nicely with Chicken Tenders, Pizza Rolls, Flatbread Pizza, and Tofu Nuggets–among many other options!
No. While you can steam broccoli and possibly retain more nutrients, this is still a great way to serve up the veggie—especially if the kids like to eat it this way.
Best Tips for Success
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat to serve.
- Try not to overcook—the broccoli should be just tender when you poke it with a fork, but should not be falling apart or brownish.
- Serve with a dip like ketchup, salsa, guacamole, Cucumber Sauce, Cheese Sauce, or another favorite dip.
- Serve whole broccoli florets Baby Led Weaning style (without the salt).
- You may also like Roasted Broccoli, Broccoli Baby Food, Broccoli Mashed Potatoes, and Boiled Green Beans.
Related Recipes
Recipes
20 Healthy Broccoli Recipes
Vegetables
Quick Broccoli Fritters
Vegetables
Roasted Frozen Broccoli
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment and rate below!
Easy Boiled Broccoli (to Share with the Kids)
Ingredients
- 2 medium broccoli crowns (or 4-6 cups broccoli florets)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli crowns into florets if needed. Add to a pot and just cover with water.
- Cover the pot and place over high heat. When it comes to a boil, remove the cover, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until just tender when poked with a fork.
- Drain in a colander.
- Add a serving bowl and toss with butter and salt. Serve warm.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat to serve.
- Serve with a dip like ketchup, salsa, guacamole, Cucumber Sauce, Cheese Sauce, or another favorite dip.
- Serve whole broccoli florets Baby Led Weaning style (without the salt).
Nutrition
This post was first published December 2021.
All comments are subject to our Terms of Use.