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. You can use a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
• Cut the stalks into thin coins (1/8 to 1/4-inches each). You can use a mandolin for uniform slices.
• Drizzle the coins with olive oil.
• Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder.
• Top generously with grated 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!

Serve With Dipping Sauce

These broccoli chips hold their own and don’t need a dipping sauce to taste great.

But if you want to pair these with a dip, consider trying:

• Ranch dressing
• Chipotle mayo
• All-purpose dipping sauce (similar to comeback sauce)

Consider one of these 50+ dipping sauces for fries, veggies, and more.

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
  • Try this broccoli salami salad with sweet onion dressing
• 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

If you want to start saving more money on food, it’s wise to start learning ways to reduce food waste. Every time you throw food away, you’re also throwing away money.

While it’s not always easy or appetizing to use up food scraps, there is so much potential to not only save money – but also to get creative and come up with something delicious out of a food scrap you were considering throwing away.

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
• Banana-egg pancakes (using soft bananas)