Spicy Broccoli Spread
A vibrant, spicy broccoli spread with garlic, red pepper, and Parmesan, perfect for appetizers or snacks, offering a flavorful, nutritious option for veggie lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, cook broccoli, covered, in a small amount of boiling, salted water about 12 minutes or until tender.
- Drain well.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Add cooked broccoli and crushed red pepper to the skillet; cook for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until cheese melts and mixture is heated through.
- Serve as a spread or dip.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the spread instead of just mixing. You can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available; just ensure you thaw and drain it well before cooking. If you want to spice it up, add a dash of cayenne pepper. Feel free to substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version, or try other hard cheeses like Grana Padano.
Serving Suggestions
This spread is fantastic served warm with crusty bread or pita chips. Pair it with a fresh vegetable platter for a colorful appetizer. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish, or use it as a filling in wraps. It also complements Mediterranean dishes beautifully, so consider serving it with a side of Hot Pepper Soup for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spicy Broccoli Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For a quick option, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Broccoli Spread contains roughly 222 calories, with 8g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this spread a day in advance. Just follow the instructions, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently to enjoy the flavors at their best.
What can I serve with the Spicy Broccoli Spread?
This spread pairs well with a variety of items such as toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks. You can also serve it as a unique topping for baked potatoes or as a filling in sandwiches.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! The Spicy Broccoli Spread is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat products. With the option to substitute Parmesan for nutritional yeast, it can also be made vegan, broadening its appeal in vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).