Not sure what to do with that broccoli in your freezer? Here’s how to cook frozen broccoli (straight from frozen, no defrosting necessary) for a perfect veggie side dish!
Frozen veggies last a lot longer than fresh produce. And don’t worry: they’re just as nutritious! Plus, roasting gets them much crispier and more delicious than steaming or microwaving – so this is the best way to go. 🙂
(See also: How to Love Veggies)
Broccoli is a great side dish, because it goes well with so many meals. You can put it in pasta, enjoy it as a side with baked/grilled protein, or even toss it in a salad.
Broccoli Nutritional Info
Broccoli is a green vegetable, technically part of the cabbage family. It’s rich in nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and A, along with folate, iron, potassium, and fiber.
Because it’s packed with antioxidants, it can help reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and promote heart health.
How to Cook Frozen Broccoli
The best way to cook frozen broccoli in my opinion is roasting it in the oven. It’s way more delicious than boiled or steamed broccoli because it gets crispy – rather than soft, watery, and mushy!
If you haven’t tried roasting broccoli before, please give it a shot – it’s the best.
And don’t worry – roasting frozen broccoli is easy and requires very little prep work. And you don’t even need to thaw the broccoli before you roast it! I know, mind blown, right?!
This cooking method may take longer than microwaving frozen broccoli, but it helps keep the broccoli from getting soggy (which I’d say is definitely preferable!).
The full recipe with all the details is at the end of this post, but here are the main steps:
- Spread the frozen broccoli on a sheet pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil + seasonings (salt, pepper, and garlic powder). Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of bright flavor.
- Roast in the oven until slightly crispy. (The cook time will depend on the size of the frozen broccoli florets.)
Quick tip: if using foil to line your sheet pan, be sure to spray it with cooking oil or olive oil spray before adding the broccoli. That way, the broccoli won’t stick to the foil once it’s cooked.
(You can find the full oven roasted frozen broccoli recipe at the end of this post.)
You can use pretty much any seasoning you have on hand. It all depends on what’ll go well with the rest of the meal you’re making!
Should frozen broccoli be thawed before cooking?
Nope! You can (and should) cook frozen broccoli directly from frozen (without thawing) when roasting in the oven. Otherwise, you’ll end up with soggy broccoli. So please don’t defrost it first!
Storage Tips
Store cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Recipe Ideas for Broccoli
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are some of my favorite recipes to eat with roasted broccoli:
- “Cheesy” Vegan Mushroom Quinoa
- Saucy Chicken with Artichokes and Tomatoes
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Crustless Quiche with Veggies & Goat Cheese
- Almond Crusted Tilapia Recipe
You can even throw it in some cheesy soup for broccoli cheddar deliciousness!
For more veggie recipes, check out these posts for instructions + inspiration:
- How to Roast Frozen Veggies (+ Recipe Ideas!)
- Garlic Herb Roasted Veggies
- How to Cook Frozen Cauliflower
- 5 Ways to Encourage Infants to Eat More Vegetables
- How to Cook Frozen Brussels Sprouts
- Maple Cinnamon Roasted Veggies
- How to Cook Frozen Asparagus
- Miso & Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- How to Cook Frozen Green Beans
And now, here’s the full printable recipe/instructions for how to roast frozen broccoli. Enjoy!
How to Cook Frozen Broccoli
Here's how to roast frozen broccoli in the oven for the perfect veggie side dish!
Ingredients:
- Frozen broccoli (do not thaw first!)
- Olive oil, as needed
- Desired seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Spread frozen broccoli in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Do not thaw first!
- Drizzle veggies lightly with oil, then sprinkle with desired seasonings. Toss to coat.
- Roast veggies for 20 minutes, until fully heated and browned around the edges.
- Optional: squeeze lemon juice over veggies for extra freshness!
What’s your favorite dish to make with broccoli? Let me know in the comments!
