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For a super quick and easy last minute vegetable side, this cheesy roasted frozen broccoli is ultra simple and comes out perfectly caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside.

You know when you get home from work and you're tired and the thought of making dinner just seems so HARD? Add making a vegetable side to that (you know, to be healthy and all) and sometimes you just cant.
But, what if I were to tell you that you can throw frozen broccoli right on a baking sheet and roast it? It's so easy. I mean, seriously, straight out of the bag (well with just a touch of seasoning put on - no one wants bland broccoli) easy.
You no longer have an excuse. **In a pinch, you can also make Instant Pot steamed broccoli, crispy air fryer broccoli or this sous vide broccoli if you have fresh broccoli.
Why you'll love this roasted broccoli recipe
- Using frozen florets makes this an easy recipe and requires almost no pre-planning. It's already cut and washed so it's ready to be cooked straight from the bag - no thawing required!
- Frozen vegetables are great for meal prep when you just want a simple option to throw in the oven.
- The melted Parmesan cheese adds a nice umami flavor to the broccoli and the coconut sugar helps the edges to caramelize.
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Ingredients

I recommend using frozen broccoli florets for this. If you use chopped broccoli or broccoli pieces, the results just won't be as good.
Avocado oil work the best for roasting, as it has a high smoke point, is healthy and has a great flavor. You can also use olive oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil.
A touch of coconut sugar is used to help the edges caramelize, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end to add the wonderful umami flavor.
The full list of ingredients and instructions is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Variations and substitutions
- You can replace the Parmesan cheese with a drizzle of lemon juice, lemon butter, chili butter, or crumbles of blue cheese.
- Add seasonings like red pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc. for extra flavor.
- A sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or basil can be good on this (you can even use an Italian seasoning blend).
- Omit the coconut sugar to keep this recipe sugar free.

Step by step instructions to make oven roasted frozen broccoli
- Preheat the oven to 450°F, with the baking sheet inside. We want the baking sheet to be very hot when we add the broccoli. This helps excess water evaporate, letting the broccoli caramelize faster.

- Place the frozen broccoli in a bowl and toss with the avocado oil, salt, black pepper and coconut sugar.

- Place the broccoli directly on the heated baking sheet and roast for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are slightly browned and caramelized. **If the edges are not as brown as you'd like, broil it for a minute or two to crisp the edges.
- Remove, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.
It can also be served with lemon like this sauteed broccolini recipe or using the lemon butter in the Instant Pot steamed broccoli recipe.

Expert tips
- Make sure the sheet pan is hot before placing the broccoli on it - this helps it to caramelize in the oven.
- Spread the pieces out so they're not touching for the best results.
- Don't stir the broccoli while it's cooking. Leaving it be allows it to caramelize better and prevents it from getting mushy.
- If you want crisper edges, place the broccoli under the broiler for a minute or two.

What to serve with cheesy roasted frozen broccoli
Make it a meal and serve this broccoli with some of these favorites:
Frequently asked questions
Roasting the frozen broccoli at a high temperature keeps it from getting soggy while it's cooking. It's also important to place it on a pre-heated baking sheet to help it crispy up faster.
Store broccoli in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through. The results will be mushier than when fresh.
It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but will be much softer and mushier when reheated. Reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until heated through.
More favorite vegetable side dishes
If you love this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below and let us know your favorite thing about it. We'd also love to connect on Instagram! Follow us at @went_here_8_this for awesome recipes and all sorts of fun food stuff 🙂
Recipe

Cheesy Roasted Frozen Broccoli
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen broccoli
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon coconut sugar substitute brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F, with the baking sheet inside.
- Place the frozen broccoli in a bowl and toss with the avocado oil, salt, pepper and coconut sugar.
- Place the broccoli directly on the heated baking sheet and roast for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are slightly browned and caramelized. **If the edges are not as brown as you'd like, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp the edges.
- Remove, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.
Expert Tips:
- Make sure the baking sheet is hot before placing the broccoli on it - this helps it to caramelize in the oven.
- Spread the pieces out so they're not touching for the best results.
- Don't stir the broccoli while it's cooking. Leaving it be allows it to caramelize better.
- If you want crisper edges, place the broccoli under the broiler for a minute or two.
Nutrition

Jen says
Such a game changer! I tend to focus on the main dish more so having a quick and easy (plus healthy) side dish as a go-to is very helpful. Thank you!
Danielle says
Your welcome Jen!
Kate says
No way! I would never have thought of doing this but yes, of course, such a great idea. Green veg is always subject to whether I have the time and energy to start prepping it, and no more! Thanks for such a great recipe.
Danielle says
You're welcome Kate! It's an easy way to get a nice healthy (yummy) side!
Jess says
This is my family's favorite way to eat broccoli. So easy and super flavorful!
Danielle says
So glad you like it!
Gina says
I never think to roast frozen broccoli! But roasting is my favorite method for fresh so I HAVE to try this! The tip of preheating the baking sheet is a great one!
Danielle says
I hope you try it Gina!
Dannii says
I never thought to cook frozen broccoli like this. Such a great idea.
Danielle says
It makes it easy!