Don’t throw out those broccoli stalks: Turn them into something delicious, like these cheesy broccoli chips!

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

I usually eat them – but only after peeling them and chopping them up. Some people simply toss 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: Cheesy Broccoli Chips

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

• Save broccoli stems
• Peel the rough parts off of broccoli stems.
• Cut the stalks into thin coins (1/8 to 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!

Learn more about cooking with food scraps.

Other Uses For Broccoli Stems

Besides these cheesy broccoli chips, here are some other recipes and uses for broccoli stalks:

• Peeled, chopped up and added to broccoli slaw or a salad
• Peeled, chopped up and added to a quiche or frittata
• Peeled, sliced into thin coins and added to a vegetable platter
• Peeled and spiralized to make into broccoli “noodles”
• Cooked with other vegetables and puréed to make a creamy vegetable soup
• To make a broccoli pesto
• Chopped up and added to stir fry
• Combined with other leftover veggies to make homemade vegetable broth

More Zero Food Waste Recipes

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

• Black bean burgers
• Cheesy kale rice fritters
• Mini enchilada stacks
• Roasted carrot dip
• 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