Mediterranean Broccoli Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Mediterranean Broccoli Bake combines tender steamed broccoli with vibrant red peppers, salty kalamata olives, and rich cheeses for a flavorful vegetable dish. It’s an easy, healthy option perfect as a side or a light vegetarian main.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets (from 1 medium head)
- ½ cup red peppers, chopped
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut the crowns away from the thick stems. Break the crowns into smaller florets and place them in a steamer basket.
- Step 2: Add about one inch of water to a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, place the steamer basket with broccoli into the pot, cover, and steam for 5 minutes until tender.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully remove the steamed broccoli from the basket and transfer it to a baking dish.
- Step 4: Scatter the chopped red peppers and halved kalamata olives evenly over the broccoli. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the crumbled feta, parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of fresh dill on top.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the cheeses begin to brown and bubble.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of fresh dill over the top. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top before baking.
- Swap fresh dill for oregano or basil to vary the Mediterranean flavors.
- Use part-skim feta for a lighter version, or add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. The broccoli bake is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated without losing much flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain it before steaming or baking to avoid excess moisture.
Can this dish be made vegan?
To make it vegan, omit the feta and parmesan, or substitute with plant-based cheeses. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
PrintMediterranean Broccoli Bake Recipe
This Mediterranean Broccoli Bake is a flavorful and healthy dish combining steamed broccoli with vibrant red peppers, briny kalamata olives, and a blend of feta and parmesan cheeses. Infused with fresh dill and olive oil, it’s perfect as a nutritious side or a light main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets (from 1 medium head)
- ½ cup red peppers, chopped
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Cheese & Herbs
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp fresh dill, divided
Other
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Wash broccoli thoroughly and separate the crowns from the large stems. Break the crowns into smaller florets. Place these florets into a steamer basket.
- Steam Broccoli: Add about one inch of water to a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, place the steamer basket with broccoli into the pot. Cover with a lid and steam for 5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Preheat Oven: While broccoli steams, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Assemble Bake: Carefully remove the steamed broccoli from the steamer basket and transfer to a baking dish. Evenly distribute the chopped red peppers and halved kalamata olives over the broccoli. Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of olive oil on top.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and parmesan cheese over the vegetables. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh dill evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese starts to brown and bubbles slightly, signaling a deliciously baked dish.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of fresh dill over the top, and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Steaming broccoli lightly before baking ensures it’s tender yet retains a pleasing texture.
- You can substitute kalamata olives with green olives if preferred, but kalamatas provide a distinctive Mediterranean flavor.
- Use fresh dill for the best herbaceous aroma; dried dill may alter the taste profile.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or can be served as a vegetarian main with a side of crusty bread.
- For a crispier cheese top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Keywords: Mediterranean broccoli bake, baked broccoli, feta cheese broccoli, healthy vegetable bake, vegetarian side dish, steamed broccoli, Mediterranean diet
