You (almost) need to have a botany background to understand how this bitter family of veggies is related to one another. But one thing’s for sure: You’re going to want to dig into these 19 endive recipes, regardless if you understand them or not. Using Belgian endive (funny enough, not true endive) as a crisp vehicle for assorted toppings is always a favorite, but these leafy greens can also stand up to some serious heat, even in a salad!

1. Orecchiette with Escarole and Bread Crumbs: This comforting pasta gets an extra savory edge from anchovies. (via Three Clever Sisters)

2. Endive Leaves with Green Goddess Cream: Piped with a cooling cheese filling, these endive boats make for one elegant appetizer. (via A Food Centric Life)

3. Citrus Endive Avocado Salad: How gorgeous is this citrusy endive salad?! Not only does it get major props for its good looks, but it’s an outstanding antidote to cold weather. (via Gourmande in the Kitchen)

4. Lemony Egg Soup with Escarole: This take on avgolemono soup relies on a healthy dose of chopped escarole to add a touch of green. (via The New York Times)

5. Farro with Grilled Endive: Toss these little bundles on the barbie, and you’ll have a healthy salad for your cook out ready in no time! (via The First Mess)

6. Belgian Endive Tarte Tartin: How is it possible that such an impressive tart could require so few — only seven! — ingredients? (via An Edible Mosaic)

7. Gluten Free Salade Lyonnaise: There’s no need to hit up your favorite brunch spot to enjoy this frisée salad. It’s remarkably easy to make at home! (via A Sage Amalgam)

8. Sicilian Chickpeas with Escarole and Caramelized Onions: With every bite of this warm chickpea salad, you get a little taste of all the elements — bitter, nutty, sweet. (via Ezra Pound Cake)

9. Escarole, Provolone and Cherry Tomato Pizza: Escarole and its chicory cousin, radicchio, create a colorful topping for this savory pie. (via Martha Stewart)

10. White Bean + Escarole Chili: Mmm, a bowl of this hearty and healthy chili is sure to warm you up! (via Blue Apron)

11. Roasted Endive: Roasting endive with maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and orange zest mellows out its bitter flavor. (via Dine and Dash)

12. Chicory + Grapefruit Green Smoothie: No kale here, the green hue of this smoothie comes courtesy of curly endive. (via Craving Greens)

13. Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche in Endive: Get the fiesta in your mouth started right with this tantalizing combo. (via All Day I Dream About Food)

14. Endive Gratin with Ham and Gruyere: To make this side, belgian endive are first wrapped in ham than covered in a creamy bechamel and sprinkled with gruyere. Have mercy! (via Dinner for Two)

15. Endive Stuffed with Goat Cheese, Blood Orange and Walnuts: A playful and colorful assortment of goodies combine to create this stunning starter. (via Daisy’s World)

16. Liegeoise Salad: We bet you’ll enjoy this fish-free salad reminiscent of the classic Niçoise? (via Katie at the Kitchen Door)

17. Radicchio and Frisée Salad with Cipollini, Beets and Carrots: Make a meal out of this flavorful salad with the addition of a poached egg, or by tossing it with al dente pasta or steamed grains. (via Brooklyn Supper)

18. Bacon, Gruyere and Endive Quiche (Low Carb, Gluten-free): Think endive gratin in tart form. Soooo good, right? (via All Day I Dream About Food)

19. Apple Endive Strudel: Are you brave enough to enjoy endive for dessert? This recipe promises that the veggie’s bittersweet flavor all but disappears with the assistance of apples and aged balsamic. (via Discover Endive)

What’s your favorite way to prepare endive? Let’s have a chit chat in the comments!

Heather Sage
Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.