Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! As noted in the recipe, you can substitute the regular flour with either almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious.

My family doesn't like feta cheese. Can I use something else?

Feta provides a distinct tanginess that works beautifully in this recipe, but if it's not a family favorite, try using crumbled goat cheese or even ricotta mixed with a bit of lemon zest to mimic feta's brightness. The texture and flavor will be different, but still tasty!

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time and bake it later?

I wouldn't recommend preparing the full batter too far in advance, as the baking powder will lose its effectiveness and the vegetables might release too much moisture. However, you can prep all the components (blanch the broccoli, sauté the scallions, measure dry ingredients) up to a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.

What can I serve with these savory brownies to make a complete meal?

These versatile squares pair beautifully with soup (especially tomato), a hearty salad, or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, add a protein like grilled chicken or fish on the side.

Broccoli and Feta Brownies Recipe

Name: Broccoli and Feta Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 7 oz broccoli florets; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp oil; 4 scallions, diced; 3 tbs fresh dill, chopped; 1¼ cup flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup milk; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup olive oil; 4 oz feta cheese, large crumbles; 4 oz mozzarella cheese; 3 tbs grated pecorino cheese

This savory Broccoli and Feta Brownies recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delectable, cheese-filled treat that’s nothing like the chocolate dessert you might be imagining! Packed with vibrant broccoli, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs, these savory squares make a perfect appetizer, side dish, or light meal. Ready in just an hour, they’re a game-changer for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Surprisingly Simple: Don’t let the unique combination fool you—these savory brownies come together with basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer when entertaining guests.
Nutrient-Rich: Sneaks in vegetables in the most delicious way possible—even veggie skeptics will be asking for seconds!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these brownies ahead of time for quick meals throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Broccoli florets: The star vegetable that adds beautiful green color, texture, and nutrients to every bite.
Scallions: Provides a mild onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Fresh dill: Brings a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the broccoli and cheese.
Flour: Creates the structure for these savory squares. Can be substituted with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise and achieve that perfect texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the brownies.
Olive oil: Contributes to the moist texture and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Feta cheese: The distinctive tangy flavor that makes these brownies special. Keep it in large crumbles for pockets of cheesy goodness.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy, melty goodness throughout the brownies.
Pecorino cheese: A sharp, salty finishing touch that creates a beautiful crust on top

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your savory brownies? Here are some delicious options:

Mediterranean Style: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
Protein Boost: Mix in some cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon bits.
Vegetable Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower, spinach, or asparagus depending on what’s in season.
Cheese Variations: Try goat cheese instead of feta, or swap the mozzarella for Gruyère or fontina.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

How to Make Broccoli and Feta Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Give a medium baking dish (approximately 10½ x 7½”) a light coating of olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Bring water to a boil in a pot and add the broccoli florets with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them boil for just 1 minute—we want them tender-crisp, not mushy! Drain and place on paper towels to dry, then give them a quick rough chop.

Step 3: Sauté the Scallions

In the same pot (now emptied and dried), heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the diced scallions and sauté for about a minute until they’re just softened. Set them aside.

Step 4: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, beaten eggs, and ¼ cup olive oil, mixing until combined. You’re looking for a somewhat thick batter—if it seems too runny, add more flour one tablespoon at a time.

Step 5: Add the Good Stuff

Fold in the feta crumbles, mozzarella, blanched broccoli, sautéed scallions, and chopped dill. This is where the magic happens—every bite will have a perfect balance of cheese, vegetables, and herbs.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle the top with grated pecorino and give it a light spray of olive oil. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps them set up properly so they’ll cut into neat squares.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: A quick 1-minute blanch is all you need—overcooked broccoli will make your brownies watery.
Cheese Temperature: Allow the feta to come to room temperature before folding it in—it will distribute more evenly throughout the batter.
Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to hold all the add-ins without letting them sink to the bottom.
Even Distribution: Make sure the broccoli and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent flavor in every bite.
Pan Size Matters: Using a larger baking dish will result in thinner brownies and a shorter baking time, while a smaller dish will yield thicker squares that take longer to cook through.

How to Serve

These versatile savory brownies can be enjoyed in countless ways:

As a Main Dish

Serve warm squares with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a satisfying light meal.

For Brunch

Cut into smaller pieces and serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a memorable weekend brunch.

Appetizer Style

Slice into bite-sized squares and offer with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for an impressive party starter.

Picnic Perfect

These travel well, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or packed lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They actually get even more flavorful as the ingredients have time to meld together!

Freezing

These savory brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label them with the date so you know when you made them.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30-45 seconds, though the texture won’t be quite as nice.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! As noted in the recipe, you can substitute the regular flour with either almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
My family doesn’t like feta cheese. Can I use something else?

Feta provides a distinct tanginess that works beautifully in this recipe, but if it’s not a family favorite, try using crumbled goat cheese or even ricotta mixed with a bit of lemon zest to mimic feta’s brightness. The texture and flavor will be different, but still tasty!
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time and bake it later?

I wouldn’t recommend preparing the full batter too far in advance, as the baking powder will lose its effectiveness and the vegetables might release too much moisture. However, you can prep all the components (blanch the broccoli, sauté the scallions, measure dry ingredients) up to a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.
What can I serve with these savory brownies to make a complete meal?

These versatile squares pair beautifully with soup (especially tomato), a hearty salad, or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, add a protein like grilled chicken or fish on the side.

Final Thoughts

These Broccoli and Feta Brownies are a delightful twist on the typical savory bake—unique enough to spark conversation at your next gathering, yet accessible enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender broccoli, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs creates something truly special that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your meals or simply want to try something new, this recipe delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation!