Want to know the best way to cook frozen broccoli so it’s crispy and delicious (not mushy)? Whether you’re roasting in the oven or steaming in the microwave, these two foolproof methods will give you flavorful, perfectly cooked broccoli in under 20 minutes.
Frozen veggies are a meal prep lifesaver, and broccoli is no exception! It's always in my freezer, ready to become a quick side dish. 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!
Why Cook Frozen Broccoli?
- Quick & Convenient – No chopping or washing required.
- Budget-Friendly – Frozen broccoli is often more affordable than fresh.
- Versatile – Works as a simple side or as an ingredient in bigger meals.
But let’s be honest—just thawing frozen broccoli and serving it as is? Not great. The key to making frozen broccoli taste amazing is adding a little oil and seasoning to enhance the flavor. The same trick works wonders for frozen Brussels sprouts and frozen green beans, both of which roast beautifully in the oven or crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
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Ingredients
- Frozen broccoli. Any brand will work for this recipe.
- Salt & Pepper. This will be to taste. I recommend fine sea salt or Kosher 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.
Method 1: Roasted Frozen Broccoli (Crispy & Flavorful)
- Step 2: Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Method 2: Microwave Steamed Frozen Broccoli (Soft & Tender)
- Step 1: Place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 inch of water. Cover and microwave for 5 minutes. Drain the water.
- Step 2: Add olive oil, salt & pepper. Enjoy!
Sarah's 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.
- Feel free to add more spices such as garlic powder and onion powder.
- For even more flavor, add butter and a squeeze of lemon juice after microwaving!
What to Serve with Frozen Broccoli
Frozen broccoli makes a great quick side dish, but it’s even better when paired with a main course. Try serving it with:
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Linguine – Toss broccoli into the sauce for a complete meal.
- Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon – Oven-roasted broccoli and salmon are a great pairing.
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs – A delicious, easy-to-make chicken dish with crispy skin and smoky barbecue flavor.
More Easy Side Dishes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
Recipe
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Frozen Broccoli Two Ways
See the full post for extra tips and photos
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.
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Sarah's 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.
- Feel free to add more spices such as garlic powder and onion powder.
- For even more flavor, add butter and a squeeze of lemon juice after microwaving!
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 🙂