Mediterranean Broccoli and Feta Brownies
These Mediterranean Broccoli and Feta Brownies are a savory twist on the traditional brownie, blending nutritious broccoli with tangy feta cheese for a unique and delicious snack or side dish. Unlike sweet brownies, these are cheesy, moist, and packed with Mediterranean herbs, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy snack. Serve them warm or at room temperature as part of a mezze platter, alongside a salad, or as a savory bread replacement.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
1 ½ cups broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
¾ cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
2 large eggs
½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
Optional Add-ins:
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts (for crunch)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly with olive oil.
Prepare the Broccoli:
Steam the broccoli florets until just tender (about 3–4 minutes), then chop them finely.
Allow them to cool slightly.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and garlic until smooth.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
Fold in the Broccoli & Cheese:
Add the chopped broccoli, feta cheese, parmesan, and parsley.
If using, add sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, or red pepper flakes.
Fold everything together until evenly distributed.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve:
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then cut into squares.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with Greek yogurt dip, tzatziki, or hummus.
Enjoy as a savory breakfast, brunch, or light dinner.
Serve alongside Mediterranean salads or soups.
Tips
Finely Chop the Broccoli: For best texture, make sure the steamed broccoli is finely chopped so it blends well into the batter.
Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can make the brownies dense. Fold the ingredients gently until just combined.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment makes it easier to lift out and slice the brownies cleanly.
Serve Warm or Cold: These brownies taste great warm out of the oven or chilled the next day.
Variations:
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Add Protein: Mix in cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein.
Swap the Cheese: Use goat cheese, mozzarella, or ricotta in place of feta for different flavor profiles.
Herb Boost: Try adding fresh dill, basil, or mint for more Mediterranean freshness.
Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or harissa paste for heat.
Veggie Variation: Replace part of the broccoli with spinach, kale, or zucchini.
Q&A
Q: Can I freeze Mediterranean Broccoli and Feta Brownies?
A: Yes! Once cooled, wrap the brownies tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make these egg-free?
A: You can try using flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), but the texture will be slightly softer.
Q: Are these brownies suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely! These are a great way to sneak in vegetables for picky eaters. The cheesy flavor is usually kid-approved.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Q: Can I serve these as a meal?
A: Yes! Pair with a side salad or soup for a light lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Based on 9 squares)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Vitamin C | 40% DV |
| Calcium | 12% DV |
Note: Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Broccoli and Feta Brownies offer a nutritious, savory twist on a classic treat. Packed with broccoli, feta, and Mediterranean herbs, these brownies are light, cheesy, and satisfying without being heavy or greasy. They make an excellent breakfast, snack, or light meal, perfect for those looking to add more vegetables into their day in a creative way.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, hosting brunch, or just craving something different, these savory brownies are a wholesome, flavorful option you’ll want to make again and again!