If you love the idea of combining fresh, vibrant vegetables with creamy, tangy cheese in a unique twist on a baked treat, then this Broccoli and Feta Savory Brownies Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. These savory brownies deliver a beautiful balance of textures and flavors — the tender broccoli, aromatic dill, and scallions meld perfectly with the rich feta, mozzarella, and pecorino cheeses. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and fresh, perfect for lunch, an appetizer, or even a snack. Once you try this recipe, it may just become your new favorite way to enjoy veggies and cheese all in one satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli and Feta Savory Brownies Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that effortlessly come together to create a dish packed with flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s boosting the freshness or lending a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Broccoli florets (7 oz): The bright green star ingredient, offering a fresh crunch and vibrant color after a quick blanch.
- Olive oil (1 tsp for sautéing + ¼ cup for batter): Adds richness and helps soften the scallions and bloom flavors.
- Scallions (4, diced): Give a mild onion aroma and a bit of bite, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh dill (3 tbsp, chopped): Brings an herby, slightly citrusy note that complements both broccoli and cheese beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1¼ cup): The base for structure; you can swap for almond or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures the brownies rise slightly for a tender, airy texture.
- Salt (1 tsp plus extra for boiling broccoli): Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness from the cheeses and eggs.
- Milk (1 cup): Hydrates the batter and helps create a soft crumb inside the brownies.
- Eggs (2, lightly beaten): Bind everything together while adding a touch of silkiness.
- Feta cheese (4 oz, crumbled): The savory, tangy highlight adding bursts of flavor with every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese (4 oz, shredded): Melts perfectly to create gooey pockets of richness.
- Pecorino cheese (3 tbsp, grated): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty finish and gorgeous golden crust.
How to Make Broccoli and Feta Savory Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with olive oil to ensure your brownies don’t stick and release easily once baked.
Step 2: Blanch and Chop the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt it with 1 teaspoon of salt to flavor the broccoli right away. Add the broccoli florets and boil for just 1 minute to soften them slightly while retaining their vibrant color and crunch. Drain onto a paper towel-lined plate and let dry before giving them a rough chop — this keeps nice chunks without sogginess.
Step 3: Sauté the Scallions
Empty and wipe your pot clean, then heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced scallions and sauté for about a minute to bring out their mild, sweet onion crunch. Set them aside to cool slightly before folding into the batter.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Slowly add the milk, eggs, and ¼ cup olive oil, stirring gently until the batter thickens. If the mixture feels too thin, add more flour one tablespoon at a time to reach a consistency that will hold your chunky ingredients well.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Gently fold the chopped broccoli, sautéed scallions, fresh dill, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella cheese into the batter. This is where all those fresh and creamy flavors come together, so be sure to distribute everything evenly!
Step 6: Transfer and Top
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the top generously with grated pecorino cheese, then lightly spray the surface with olive oil to promote a golden, crispy crust as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden brown top and a firm interior that springs back to the touch. This baking time creates a savory brownie that’s moist within but nicely browned on top.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Remove from the oven and let your Broccoli and Feta Savory Brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the brownies set, making slicing easier without crumbling. Now you’re ready to enjoy each flavorful, cheesy square!
How to Serve Broccoli and Feta Savory Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like a sprinkle of extra dill or chopped parsley add a pop of color and brighten each piece. A light drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt can elevate the richness and add a lovely contrast.
Side Dishes
These savory brownies pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted cherry tomatoes, or even a simple tomato soup. Their hearty nature makes them a perfect accompaniment to lighter sides and fresh veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut them into bite-sized cubes and serve with toothpicks for a party appetizer. Or serve warm alongside dips like tzatziki or hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired spread that’ll impress guests and keep everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Broccoli and Feta Savory Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep their moist texture and flavors well, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They’ll keep great in the freezer for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator for convenient reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This restores their crispy edges and melty cheese goodness better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Using gluten-free flour works well and makes this Broccoli and Feta Savory Brownies Recipe accessible to those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check the consistency of your batter and adjust with a bit more flour if needed.
Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli?
Definitely! While broccoli adds a fresh bite, you can experiment with chopped spinach, kale, or even zucchini. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture if you choose watery veggies to avoid soggy brownies.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap out the dairy and eggs for plant-based alternatives like almond milk, flax eggs, and vegan cheeses. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious with the right balance of ingredients.
How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?
Look for a golden brown crust on top and use a toothpick inserted in the center — it should come out mostly clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will also pull slightly from the pan when fully baked.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before transferring to the baking dish and baking as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli and Feta Savory Brownies Recipe is truly a little treasure if you adore combining wholesome ingredients with a creative twist. It’s a dish that brings comfort, freshness, and cheesy satisfaction all at once. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try — it’s bound to become a beloved staple that you’ll want to share at every gathering or enjoy on any day that calls for something special but uncomplicated.
