Broccoli and feta brownies turn savory ingredients into a surprising, tasty bar. They are soft, slightly crumbly, and studded with bright green broccoli and salty feta. The olive oil keeps them moist, the sugar adds a light sweetness, and the nuts add a crunchy finish. These bars make a great snack, packed lunch add-on, or a unique party bite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 9 squares
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Nutrition values are approximate and assume the optional 1/2 cup chopped nuts are included. Values per serving (1 of 9):
- Calories per serving: 314 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
Why Make This Broccoli And Feta Brownies
These savory “brownies” are fast to make and full of contrast. You get the mild bite of broccoli, the tangy salt of feta, and a soft, moist crumb from olive oil and eggs. They smell warm and buttery as they bake. Serve them when you want something different—great for kids who like finger food, for packed lunches, or as an appetizer at a casual gathering. They are an easy way to add vegetables to a snack that feels indulgent.
How to Make Broccoli And Feta Brownies
This recipe is straightforward. Chop the broccoli small so it mixes well. Whisk eggs and sugar until combined, then stir in oil. Combine dry ingredients separately, then fold everything together gently with the feta and nuts. Bake until set but still tender. Cool before cutting to keep clean edges.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so it blends into the batter.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, whisk the 3 eggs and 1/2 cup sugar until combined. Stir in 1/2 cup olive oil until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 3: Cooking
Fold in the 1 cup chopped broccoli, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/2 cup chopped nuts (if using). Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes. Lift out using the parchment (if used), or run a knife around the edges and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 9 squares and serve.
How to Serve Broccoli And Feta Brownies
Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair them with:
- A simple green salad for a light lunch.
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for a creamy contrast.
- As finger food on a platter with olives, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cured meats.
They work well for picnics, school lunches, brunch buffets, or as a savory snack.
How to Store Broccoli And Feta Brownies
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- In the refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- In the freezer: Wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then warm gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8–10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Broccoli And Feta Brownies
- Chop broccoli small and dry it well. Excess moisture can make the batter soggy.
- Use crumbled feta at room temperature so it blends through the batter easily.
- Don’t overmix once you add flour. Overmixing makes the bars tough.
- If you want less salt, reduce the added salt by half since feta is salty.
- Toast the nuts lightly before adding for extra crunch and flavor.
- Test doneness with a toothpick: a few moist crumbs are fine, but no raw batter.
- For a tighter crumb, press the batter evenly into the pan and tap once to remove air bubbles.
Delicious Variations
- Spinach & Feta: Replace broccoli with 1 cup chopped, well-drained spinach. Squeeze out excess liquid.
- Sun-dried Tomato & Basil: Fold in 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil.
- Cheddar & Chive: Swap feta for 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and add 2 tbsp chopped chives.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup for a more savory bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing. Excess water will thin the batter.
Q: Can I omit the sugar?
A: You can reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup or omit it, but a little sugar balances the salt of the feta and improves browning.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Replace feta with a dairy-free crumbly cheese or omit and add 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Texture will change slightly.
Q: Will these hold together without nuts?
A: Yes. The nuts add crunch and flavor but are optional. Without them the bars remain moist and sliceable.
Q: How do I reheat these?
A: Warm a square in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to refresh texture.
Q: Can I bake in a different pan size?
A: Yes. A 9×9-inch pan will make slightly thinner bars and reduce baking time a few minutes. Watch for doneness.
Q: Can I make mini muffins instead?
A: Yes. Spoon batter into greased mini muffin tins and bake 12–15 minutes until set.
Conclusion
These Broccoli and Feta Brownies are an easy, surprising way to enjoy vegetables in a snackable bar. They balance salty feta, tender broccoli, and a moist, slightly sweet crumb. Try them for a different appetizer or a fun lunchbox treat. For another take on this idea and inspiration, see this related recipe: Broccoli and Feta Brownie Bars – Hungry Happens. Enjoy baking and sharing these warm, savory squares.
Print
Broccoli and Feta Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory brownies made with broccoli and feta, offering a moist crumb and crunchy finish. Perfect for snacks or parties.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until combined. Stir in the olive oil until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped broccoli, crumbled feta, and nuts (if using). Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 10–15 minutes, then cut into 9 squares and serve.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Can be stored at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerated for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 314
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
