7 Simple Ways to Use Broccoli Stalks
By Hannah Healy
Updated May 17, 2023
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Many people just throw away the broccoli stalks, but there are so many great uses for them. I’ve come up with at least 7 ways to make good use of those spears of broccoli.
First, let me clarify what I mean by “broccoli stalks”…
There is the whole bottom part or “trunk” of the broccoli “tree” so to speak. Then, there’s the tough outer layer of that “trunk” that you can slice off with a peeler or paring knife to reveal the tender inner section.
When I cook broccoli, I always include that tender inner section so as to not waste it (it’s perfectly good broccoli!). But then there’s still that rough outer layer left over.
This list will include uses for both the whole stalk (the trunk of the broccoli tree) and the tough outer layer of the stalk.
7 Ways to Use Broccoli Stalks:
1. Cut off tough outer layer and cook the inner section
I always do this when cooking broccoli so as to not waste any of it. Use a paring knife or a peeler to take off the tough outer layer of the stalk. Chop up the inner part and cook it as you would cook the florets. I usually steam them.
2. Compost
If you have a garden or a farm composting is a great way to turn your food scraps into fertilizer. Use your food to make more food! Now that’s what I call sustainable! Composting can be really easy with products like this compost tumbler.
Some cities like San Francisco have a compost program that goes along with the garbage collection program, so even if you don’t have a garden or farm, you can still put your food scraps into the compost bin and it will be collected and used for a farm.
3. Make broth
Use the tough outer layer of the stalk for broth. I have a container of veggie scraps that I save in my freezer. Every time I make broccoli, I add the tough parts of the stalk to this container along with other veggie bits like the ends of carrots, kale stalks, cauliflower stalks, etc.
When the container is full I use it to make a big batch of broth and use the vegetable scraps. Of course, I only use organic vegetables for broth. I wouldn’t want to create a broth full of pesticide residue!
You can make vegetable broth or you can add veggie scraps to your bone broth for added nutrients.
4. Slice them very thinly and sauté or add to casseroles or frittatas
Since the stalk is tough it can be hard to steam large chunks of it, but if you take care to slice or chop it very finely and cook it a little longer, you can sauté it with a stir-fry or add it to casseroles or frittatas.
5. Feed them to your dog (in limited amounts)
I often give my dog broccoli stalk bits (that’s my dog Lentil in the photo below…isn’t she sweet!). Since it’s tough, it’s a fun thing for her to chew on…almost like a rawhide bone! I give my dog a little bit of broccoli just about every time I make it and now when I get out the cutting board and start chopping a vegetable, she runs into the kitchen thinking that she’ll get a broccoli stalk.
If you’ve never given your dog raw broccoli before, start out with just a little bit and see how they react. Broccoli should be fine for dogs in small amounts, but it’s always best to see how they do with a little bit first. As with other animals, make sure to not give your dog too much as it could potentially cause digestive upset.
6. Soup
Use several full broccoli stalks to make a pureed soup. Chop up the stalks and cook it with broth, any other vegetables you want (like onions or garlic) and seasonings, then puree with a hand blender. Add cream if you want cream of broccoli soup. Check out my broccoli soup recipe here!
7. Chicken or Goat Feed (in limited amounts)
Many people have backyard chickens or goats for the eggs and goat milk. Broccoli stalks are a great supplement to their diet. Of course, it shouldn’t be the only thing they’re eating, but it’s a good way to make use of it! Make sure to not give them too much as large amounts could potentially cause digestive upset.
I… umm… eat them along with all the other parts of the broccoli??
I eat them right along with the crown! It’s all broccoli!
I give them and a few carrots a few pulses in the food processor, add a bit of poppyseed salad dressing (Aldi), some dry cranberries and toasted salted sunflower seeds… absolutely delicious side salad. can’t imagine wasting them!
I peel them, then chop them finely in the food processor. Then I saute them with the onions, garlic and any other vegetables I am putting in spaghetti sauce. My kids, including the veggie-averse one, never knew it was there!
I grind them in the food processor and make brocolli cheese soup. Or just use them in soup. So much is wasted in this world and they are full of flavor and vitamins. I also feed to goats and chickens, when we do not eat them.:)
Chop them up in a food processor add a little olive oil and spices and use over wheat paste. Its a way to add flavor without to many calories.
I chop them up in 1cm cubes en cook them 2 minutes longer then the broccoli and just eat them as well. Just as tasty!
I peel the stalks & then shred them with my baby Moulinex. I add a few handfuls of the florets as well. Then I made a basic cream soup base: 1 Tbsp butter, 1 Tbsp. flour. Stir & gradually whisk in 1 C. milk until thick. Add shredded broccoli, stir, cook for about 5 minutes. Add 1 C. florets and cook 5 minutes more. Voila, home-made cream of broccoli coup! My husband loves it!!
I just cut the knots off, slice them transversely, and eat them with hummus. Almost nothing goes to waste and it’s a good source of fiber. I call them broccoli stars so people are more intrigued when I share them at lunch.
I also save the (peeled) stalks for munching on — rather like carrot sticks — for myself or for a child who needs a snack before dinner. Also, you can julienne the stalk’s inside and add it to coleslaw.
We remove the tough outside, slice it thin and eat it as “chips” with vinegar.
I haven’t tried this myself but I saw an episode of Rachel Ray where she sliced them longways (like carrot sticks) and roast them with a drizzle of garlic and EVOO.
I slice them up and eat them raw. They are sweet, crunchy and delicious.
They are my absolute favorite parts. I make sure to by broccoli that has a HUGE stalk so that I can have all that delicious sweetness. I cook it the same way with the florets. So much better than the florets too.
So do I and I steam them, serving with a little oil, lemon juice and salt.
After I peel the tough outer layer, I use a Julienne peeler to make a broccoli slaw to mix in with lettuce on our salads Or add to chopped cabbage for coleslaw. If I’m lazy that day, I just throw the trees into my freezer baggie for stocks.
I make slaw also!
I just eat them raw and it is my favorite part, so much less bitter than the florets. Sweet and crunchy!
Now you’r talking! It’s my favorite part as well. I also like to peel off the tough skin, cut into 3-4 inch lengths and marinate in your favorite vegetable marinade. It’s great for parties or JUST PLAIN SNACKING! 🙂
Thanks so much for this. I just bought some organic broccoli and thought I should be able to do something with the stalks. I did freeze some for veggie broth. 🙂
I always give them to my bunnies they love them but I do like that juice idea
I have an old vegetarian times cookbook with a broccomole recipe! it’s a little time intensive, but tastes great and is very low fat.
I peel them and slice thin, slice some radishes, and cut up some tomato. I add a bit of Italian dressing and even my grandkids loved it.
I save the “tree part” as we call it in our house and I add it to meatloaf, stuffed peppers anywhere I want the family to get extra veggies. If you chop it up very fine they don’t even notice it. I had to hide it as my husband is not a huge veggie fan. 🙂
I do this, too — I grate it up with the cheese grater & add it to just about every soup or sauce or casserole or burrito or WHATEVER that I’m feeding my family. Not huge amounts, but it’s great for bulking up gravies or whatever — waste not, want not!
I like the idea of using a cheese grater. Once I get it grated the possibilities will be exciting. I’m such a lover of broccoli, I feel shame at all the “stalks” I’ve tossed. 🙂
I toss them in my juicer with the rest of the goodies for my morning green juice.
YES YES YES, ME TOOO 🙂
Yep, same here.