When working with a head of broccoli, what do you do with the broccoli stalks? Eat them – or throw them out?

No matter what camp you’re in, I have a great idea for you to try.

Cheesy broccoli chips.

Promise me this: The next time you find yourself with excess broccoli stalks, try this super easy recipe!

About The Recipe

These broccoli “chips” couldn’t be easier to make:

• Peel the rough parts off of broccoli stems.
• Cut the stalks into thin coins (1/8 o 1/4-inches each)
• Drizzle the coins with olive oil.
• Sprinkle with garlic powder and top generously with Parmesan cheese.
• Bake and enjoy!

Take it from me: These broccoli chips are addictive. If you cut the broccoli thin enough, it becomes crunchy upon baking. Plus, the cheese toasts up nicely in the oven, making for double crunch.

They’re not as crispy as potato chips, per se, but nearly as addictive. And so much healthier!

Recipes That Help Reduce Food Waste

Did you know that 80 million pounds of food is thrown away every year in the United States? Put another way, 40 percent of the food supply is wasted every year. These are sobering statistics.

One small thing that can make a big impact to reducing food waste is to avoid throwing away food scraps. How? By repurposing them and preparing them in delicious ways.

Using food scraps is also a great way to save money. 

Many people would consider broccoli stalks scrap food. They’re not! Whether you’re making stir-fry or cheesy broccoli soup, the stalks are fair game.

And if you choose this cheesy, crispy recipe instead… you start buying broccoli just for the stalks!

More Zero Food Waste Recipes

Save money and make something unique by using up food scraps. Here are some zero-waste recipes to try:

• How to make homemade vegetable broth (out of  vegetable scraps)
• Black bean burgers
• Cheesy kale rice fritters
• Mini enchilada stacks
• Red wine pasta sauce (using leftover wine)
• Turkey chili (using leftover Thanksgiving turkey)
• Beer pancakes with macerated strawberries and blueberries (to use up the last berries in your fridge)
• Thanksgiving leftover croquettes

Cheesy Broccoli Chips

Yield: 2 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Cut the broccoli stalks into very thin coins to make the chips as crispy as possible.

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Ingredients

• 3 broccoli stalks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425F.
2. Using a vegetable peeler, peel off any nubby parts of the broccoli stalks. Cut into thin coins.
3. Toss the broccoli coins in olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder.
4. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until broccoli is roasted and browned in some spots, and cheese is melted.