How to Cook Frozen Broccoli (+ Recipe Ideas!)

Not sure what to do with that broccoli in your freezer? How to cook frozen broccoli (straight from the freezer, no thawing needed) for a perfect veggie side dish!

Frozen vegetables last much longer than fresh produce. And don’t worry, they’re just as nutritious! Plus, frying them makes them a lot crunchier and more delicious than steaming or microwaving them — so this is the best way. 🙂

(Related: How to Love Vegetables)

Broccoli is a great side dish because it goes with so many dishes. You can add it to pasta, enjoy it as an accompaniment to baked/grilled protein, or even throw it in a salad.

Broccoli Nutritional Facts

Broccoli is a green vegetable, technically part of the cabbage family. It’s rich in nutrients like vitamins C, K, and A, as well as folic acid, 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 roast frozen broccoli

Roasting frozen broccoli is easy and requires very little prep work. And you don’t have to thaw the broccoli before you roast it! I know, overwhelmed right?!

This cooking method may take longer than heating frozen broccoli in the microwave, but it keeps the broccoli from becoming soggy (which I think is definitely preferable!).

Here are the main steps:

Spread the frozen broccoli on a baking sheet or baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Mix the broccoli florets with olive oil and spices (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. (Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the frozen broccoli florets.)

Quick tip: If you’re 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 after cooking.

(You can find the recipe for Whole Oven Roasted Frozen Broccoli at the end of this post.)

You can use pretty much any spice you have on hand. It all depends on what goes well with the rest of the meal you are preparing!

Should frozen broccoli be thawed before cooking?

nope! You can (and should) make frozen broccoli straight from the frozen (without thawing) when roasting in the oven. Otherwise you will end up with mushy broccoli.

storage tips

Store cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Recipe ideas for broccoli

If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are some of my favorite roasted broccoli recipes:

You can even throw it in a cheese chowder for broccoli cheddar treats!

For more vegetarian recipes, check out these posts for instructions and inspiration:

And now here is the complete printable recipe/how-to for Roasting Frozen Broccoli. Enjoy!