Looking for a savory twist on traditional brownies? These Broccoli and Feta Brownies are a fun, flavorful snack or side dish that combines the earthy goodness of broccoli, the tang of feta cheese, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of mozzarella. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to add a unique, savory treat to their menu, these brownies are packed with fresh ingredients and are simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This savory brownie recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The addition of broccoli and feta gives a surprising, yet delicious twist to the traditional dessert-like brownie. The combination of creamy mozzarella and feta with the crunch of broccoli makes every bite satisfying, while the fresh dill and scallions bring a burst of flavor. Perfect for a snack, light meal, or side dish, these brownies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a savory alternative for your lunchbox.
Ingredients
For these Broccoli and Feta Brownies, you’ll need:
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7 oz broccoli florets
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1 tsp olive oil (for sautéing)
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4 scallions, diced
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3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
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1¼ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free flour)
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup milk
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2 eggs, lightly beaten
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¼ cup olive oil
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4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
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4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
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3 tbsp grated pecorino cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 tsp salt. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1 minute, then remove them from the water. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and dry. Once dry, give the broccoli a rough chop.
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Sauté the scallions: Drain the pot, wipe it clean, and heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced scallions for about 1 minute, then set them aside.
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Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Add the milk, eggs, and ¼ cup olive oil, and mix until the batter thickens. If the batter seems too runny, gradually add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
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Fold in the ingredients: Gently fold the chopped broccoli, sautéed scallions, fresh dill, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella into the batter.
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Prepare for baking: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with grated pecorino cheese and lightly spray with olive oil.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
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Yield: 12 brownies
Variations
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Gluten-Free Version: Substitute almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
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Additional Veggies: Add other vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Cheese Options: Swap the mozzarella or feta for goat cheese or cheddar if you prefer different cheeses.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can also freeze these brownies for up to 1 month. To reheat, microwave or bake in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these brownies in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them before serving.
3. How can I make these brownies dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the feta and mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives, and use a non-dairy milk option such as almond or oat milk.
4. Can I use a larger baking dish?
If you use a larger baking dish, the brownies will be thinner, and the baking time will be shorter. Keep an eye on them while baking.
5. Can I make these brownies spicier?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of chili powder to give the brownies a spicy kick.
6. How can I make these brownies more flavorful?
Feel free to add more herbs, such as oregano or basil, or a bit of garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
7. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers to increase the veggie content.
8. Are these brownies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these brownies are vegetarian-friendly since they contain no meat products.
9. How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
10. Can I make these brownies sweeter?
While these are savory brownies, you can add a touch of honey or a sprinkle of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.
Conclusion
These Broccoli and Feta Brownies offer a savory and delicious twist on the classic brownie. With the combination of fresh broccoli, creamy feta, mozzarella, and a touch of dill, these brownies are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a savory snack or side dish. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized with a variety of vegetables and cheeses. Give these unique brownies a try, and enjoy a savory treat that will surprise and delight your taste buds!
Print
Broccoli and Feta Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 brownies
Description
These Broccoli and Feta Brownies are a savory twist on the classic brownie, combining fresh broccoli, creamy feta, mozzarella, and a hint of dill. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or light meal, these brownies are easy to make and packed with delicious, earthy flavors. Ideal for vegetarians and anyone looking for a unique savory treat, these brownies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
7 oz broccoli florets
1 tsp olive oil (for sautéing)
4 scallions, diced
3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1¼ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup olive oil
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 tbsp grated pecorino cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1 tsp salt, and cook the broccoli florets for 1 minute. Drain and dry them, then roughly chop.
- Sauté the scallions: In the same pot, heat 1 tsp olive oil and sauté the diced scallions for about 1 minute, then set aside.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, and olive oil, mixing until the batter thickens. Add flour if needed to adjust consistency.
- Fold in ingredients: Gently fold the broccoli, sautéed scallions, fresh dill, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella into the batter.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the batter to the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Top with grated pecorino and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- Cheese Variations: Swap feta and mozzarella for goat cheese or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Veggie Variations: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American