Cutting broccoli was an enigma to me for a long time. I’d usually just hack at it until I had reasonably sized broccoli for whatever I was making. I was often left with a HUGE mess on my cutting board of stray pieces of broccoli and tiny green buds. Until I saw the light! Er, I mean, learned the correct way to cut broccoli. It’s actually SUPER easy to cut broccoli into beautiful florets. Even those tricky middle-of-the-crown pieces. The trick lies in never touching the dark green buds with a knife. You’ll do all the cutting on the stems. I’ll show you how. You can use the cut broccoli florets for so many things, including in salads, to use in recipes, or just to enjoy as a healthy snack with your favorite dip. Here’s the easy, mess-free way to cut broccoli into big or small florets.
How to cut a broccoli crown into florets
The first step to cutting a head of broccoli is to separate the edible florets/stems from the tough, thick center stem.
How to cut florets in half without making a mess!
You’ll now have a bunch of florets- some already the perfect size but some huge and needing to be cut down. In this step, we’re aiming to have about 1 square inch of dark green buds on top. Here’s how to cut down the larger florets WITHOUT making a huge mess!
How to cut small, bite-size broccoli florets and stems
The larger florets you just cut are perfect for some recipes. But sometimes you need smaller, bite-size florets. Like if you’re trying to sneak them into boxed mac and cheese for your kids. Been there. Done that. Here’s how to cut the larger florets down to smaller florets AND stems, which you can also use for cooking!
How to wash and store cut broccoli
I recommend washing the broccoli AFTER cutting it into florets for two reasons. First, it’s easier to cut if it’s dry to start with. And second, it will get cleaner because there is more surface area available to wash once it’s cut. I usually just throw all the florets (and stems) in a colander as I finish cutting them and then give them a rinse.
Once you’re done washing it, make sure you shake as much water off as you can. This will help you cook it better as well as keep it fresher for longer if you are storing it. You can store the cut broccoli in an airtight container in your fridge for about 5 days, maybe even longer. This is GREAT for meal prepping- get the broccoli all set for any recipes you have planned for the week to save some time later! Or add a few broccoli florets to your packed lunch with some ranch dressing, dill dip, or homemade hummus for dipping. Yum.
What to do with the broccoli stems, stalk, and leaves
You can use the small, tender broccoli stems for basically any recipe that calls for broccoli. But the thick, center stalk from the broccoli crown is tough and fibrous. I honestly usually toss it (or throw it in my compost). But you CAN eat it- some people peel it because the inside is more tender than the rest. You could throw it in a soup and puree it or use it in a stir fry. Here’s a great resource on everything you need to know about eating the broccoli stalk! The leaves from broccoli are completely edible. You can throw them in a salad, or use them in any recipe that calls for greens (such as in this Chicken Soup with Sweet Potato, Quinoa, and Greens).
Easy recipes using broccoli florets
Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon Instant Pot Chicken, Broccoli, and Quinoa with Cheese Easy Beef and Broccoli (pictured above) Broccoli Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Steamed Broccoli with Soy Mayonnaise Dip Chicken and Broccoli Linguine with Lemon Butter Basil Sauce Broccoli Avocado Soup
And if you use this technique for cutting cauliflower florets, be sure to try this roasted cauliflower with raisins and pine nuts! Did you try this method of cutting broccoli (or cauliflower) into florets? Please comment below and Rate this Recipe!
