Posted by Mary Herrup, RD, Nutritionist, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, USDA Food and Nutrition Service and Kelsey Felter, University of Maryland Dietetic Intern in Food and Nutrition

Magic Crust Quiche with frozen broccoli.

Summer is in full swing with warm, long days to enjoy with friends and family. The season offers a perfect time to stock your freezer with vegetables to have on-hand. Frozen vegetables are simple to store and an easy way to make half your plate fruits and vegetables year round. One popular freezer favorite for every season is frozen broccoli.

Broccoli mixes well with a variety of flavors and sauces and can be used in a many recipes. The convenience of frozen broccoli makes it easy to add to soups, casseroles, egg dishes and more. Part of the MyPlate Dark Green Vegetable subgroup, broccoli adds lively color to meals and provides nutrients such as dietary fiber, folate (folic acid) and vitamin C.

Check out the latest infographic from MyPlate’s “5 Ways” series for recipe ideas to prepare this versatile vegetable:

The Super Soup: Cream of Broccoli Soup

Frozen broccoli works well in soups and provides a colorful way to add vegetables to your day. Serve as a starter, side or main dish and top with a dash of pepper for a little extra spice.

The Bread Bake: Brag About It Bread Bake

This hearty casserole with broccoli and chicken is delicious and easy to make. The top layer browns and puffs during baking and is sure to provide “bragging rights” for the chef!

The Magical Main: Magic Crust Quiche

Quiche makes a great breakfast, lunch or dinner. This recipe starts with a tasty broccoli and onion filling that is topped with a crust batter that “magically” forms at the bottom as it bakes.

The Crumb-Top Casserole: Broccoli and Corn Bake

This savory combination of broccoli and corn takes only three steps to prepare and certain to become a family favorite. Just mix, top and bake on a busy weeknight!

The Mac & Cheese Mash Up: Macaroni & Cheese with Broccoli

Try this spin on a classic! Broccoli with a cheesy sauce is a delicious combination so “mix and mash” for a new twist.

Find more of our “5 Ways” recipes and infographics at www.choosemyplate.gov/resources/infographics/5-ways-series.

Learn more about the Vegetable Group at ChooseMyPlate.gov. Follow @MyPlate on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, and sign up for MyPlate email updates at ChooseMyPlate.gov/GovDelivery.

Try these tasty recipes featuring frozen broccoli. Click the image to view a larger version.