Let’s be honest – trying to get kids to eat broccoli can feel like convincing a cat to take a bath. The moment that little green tree thing appears on their plate, you’re met with protests, wrinkled noses, and dramatic cries of “Do I have to?” If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Broccoli is packed with vitamins, fibre, and all sorts of goodness that growing kids need, but getting them to actually eat it is another story. So, if you’re tired of dinner table stand-offs, here’s a realistic, stress-free guide to making broccoli a kid-approved favourite.
1. Start Early, Start Simple
If you’re lucky enough to have babies or toddlers, start them on broccoli as early as possible. Kids who grow up eating it are far more likely to enjoy it later on.
- Offer it in small amounts with meals, making it part of the norm.
- Avoid pressure—no “Eat it or else!” threats. Just put it there and let them explore.
- Mix it with familiar foods like mashed potatoes or mild cheese sauce.
For older kids, don’t worry—it’s never too late to introduce it in a fun way!
2. Make Broccoli Taste Amazing
If you’re just steaming broccoli and plonking it on the plate, you might as well wave a white flag now. Kids love flavour! Here’s how to make broccoli irresistible:
- Roast it – A bit of olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of cheese makes it crispy and delicious. Put that Air Fryer to good use!
- Stir-fry it – Soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey make broccoli a tasty side dish.
- Add cheese – Because let’s be real, melted cheese makes everything better.
- Make broccoli “chips” – Bake thin broccoli pieces in the oven until crispy. Never through the broccoli stalks away. They making them into chips instead.
- Serve it with a dip – Hummus, ranch, or yoghurt-based dips can work wonders.
The key? Experiment with textures and flavours until you find what your child actually enjoys.
3. Sneak It In (Without Them Noticing!)
Sometimes, the best way to get kids to eat broccoli is to be sneaky. If your little one has a sixth sense for detecting vegetables, try these tricks:
- Blend it into pasta sauce – Mix finely chopped or blended broccoli into tomato or cheese sauce.
- Hide it in mash – A little broccoli mixed with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes? Genius!
- Make broccoli nuggets – Blend with cheese and breadcrumbs, bake until golden.
- Add it to pizza – Chopped up tiny under a layer of cheese = no complaints!
- Put it in a smoothie – Spinach usually gets all the attention, but a small handful of broccoli in a fruity smoothie works wonders. Mix with juiced carrots for added sweetness.
No need for deception—just a little creative cooking!
4. Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen
Kids are way more likely to eat what they help make. So, get them in the kitchen!
- Let them choose the broccoli at the supermarket.
- Ask them to help chop (with a child-safe knife) or break it into “little trees.”
- Have them stir it into pasta or mix it with cheese sauce.
- Make a “Broccoli Taste Test” game—try it raw, roasted, steamed, and see which they like best!
The more ownership they have over the meal, the more excited they’ll be to eat it.
5. Turn Broccoli Into a Fun Game
Kids love games, so why not turn mealtime into playtime? Some ideas:
- Broccoli Superpowers – “Eat your broccoli and get superhero strength like the Hulk!”
- The Colour Challenge – “How many green foods can we eat today?”
- The Broccoli Countdown – “Can you eat five pieces before I count to ten?”
- Funny Faces – Arrange broccoli into smiley faces or animal shapes.
- Try reading our Broc the Brave story to your little ones at dinner time and encourage them to grow up strong like Broc!
When broccoli is fun, kids are far more likely to eat it!
6. Lead By Example
If kids see you grimacing at your own broccoli, they’ll assume it’s gross. But if they see you eating it happily, they’ll be curious.
- Eat it enthusiastically – Even if you’re not a fan, pretend!
- Talk about how tasty it is – “Mmm, this roasted broccoli is delicious!”
- Make it a family thing – Have everyone at the table try it together.
Kids copy what they see—so show them that broccoli is something to enjoy, not endure.
7. Be Patient (and Keep Trying!)
If your child refuses broccoli the first time, don’t give up! Research shows it can take 10-15 tries before a child accepts a new food.
- Keep offering it in different ways.
- Praise effort, not just results.
- Stay calm and don’t turn it into a battle.
One day, out of nowhere, they might just eat it—and even like it!
So, what’s your favourite way to get your kids to eat broccoli? Let us know in the comments!
Leave a Reply