2 simple ways to cook Frozen Broccoli in 20 minutes or less. Using frozen vegetables is a great way to add nutrients into your meals with all the nutritional value and half the time. This is the perfect healthy side dish for any meal!
Using frozen broccoli florets is my favorite way to add vegetables to a meal when I'm low on time. You can always find it in my freezer.
If you just thaw your frozen vegetables and serve them they can be, meh. But if you take just a few extra minutes to add some oil and seasoning you won't be able to put them down! All you need for method 1 is a baking sheet, parchment paper, a hot oven, and a little olive oil. Method number 2's cook time is even shorter and all you need is a microwave-safe dish and an inch of water for perfectly steamed broccoli florets.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Quick and Easy. The best way to add vegetables to your meal in 20 minutes or less!
- Healthy. Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals and the myth has been busted that frozen veggies don't pack the same nutrients fresh veggies do!
- No Prep work. Open the bag, dump and cook!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Frozen broccoli- any brand will work for this recipe.
- Salt & Pepper- this will be to taste. I recommend fine sea salt or Himalayan pink salt.
- Olive Oil- I prefer cooking with extra virgin olive oil but can use avocado oil or the oil of your choice!
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
Both cooking methods come together in just a few easy steps.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay the broccoli in a single layer on the sheet pan and season with olive oil, salt & pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven on 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!
Or
- Place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl
- Fill the bowl with 1-inch of water.
- Cover and microwave for 5 minutes. Drain the water.
- Add olive oil, salt & pepper. Enjoy!
FAQs
Frozen broccoli stays good in the freezer for up to 5 months.
Roasting the broccoli at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes is the best way to ensure crispy broccoli. When microwaving the florets, cook for 5 minutes with 1-inch of water in a covered microwave-safe bowl. No one wants soggy broccoli!
It will be dull in color and lose its bright green exterior when it's bad.
Frozen broccoli is picked and frozen at peak freshness, so it maintains its nutritional value. It is just as good if not better for you than fresh broccoli.
Top Tips
- Vegetables do not need to be bland, "Say it louder for the people in the back!". But really, adding oil and seasoning to your broccoli will keep you going back for more.
- You don't need to sacrifice time for nutrients. Frozen vegetables are one of the easiest ways to pack in nutrients to your favorite meals.
- Feel free to add more spices such as garlic powder and onion powder.
More Easy Side Dishes
🍳Recipe
Frozen Broccoli Two Ways
Equipment
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Roasted
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Place broccoli on the sheet pan, pour the olive oil on top and season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to make sure all of the broccoli is seasoned.
- Place in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes or until slightly browned.
Microwave
- Place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl. Pour in about 1-inch of water.
- Cover the bowl and place in the microwave. Set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave. Drain the water and season with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Notes
- Vegetables do not need to be bland, "Say it louder for the people in the back!". But really, adding oil and seasoning to your broccoli will keep you going back for more.
- You don't need to sacrifice time for nutrients. Frozen vegetables are one of the easiest ways to pack in nutrients to your favorite meals.
- Feel free to add more spices such as garlic powder and onion powder.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Nicolette says
I made the oven version last night and it was SO quick and easy! Perfect recipe for busy weeknights!!
Sarah Holt says
Hi Nicolette! Yayy so happy it turned out great for you and was so easy 🙂