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For a super quick and easy last minute vegetable side, this 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 Broccoli, air fryer broccoli or this sous vide broccoli if you have fresh broccoli.
These Roasted Leeks, Broiled Tomato Slices and Cheesy Cauliflower Bake are also some ultra easy, mostly hands off side dishes that are great for busy weeknights.
Check out the roasted frozen broccoli story!
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. Buy Avocado Oil online. 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 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.
How to Roast Frozen Broccoli
Preheat the oven to 450F degrees, 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, 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.
It can also be served with lemon like this Sauteed Broccolini Recipe or using the lemon butter in the Instant Pot Broccoli recipe. This Chili Butter is also incredible on this broccoli!
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.
- You can replace the Parmesan cheese with a drizzle of lemon juice, lemon butter, chili butter, or crumbles of blue cheese.
Store broccoli in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350F degree 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.
What To Serve With Roasted Frozen Broccoli
Make it a meal and serve this broccoli with some of these favorites:
- Sous Vide Lobster Tail
- Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Paprika
- Homemade Meatloaf
- Sous Vide Salmon
Did you make this recipe? Rate it and leave a comment to let me know how you liked it!
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 450F degrees, 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.Â
- 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.
- You can replace the Parmesan cheese with a drizzle of lemon juice, lemon butter, chili butter, or crumbles of blue cheese.Â
- Store broccoli in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Â
- 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.Â
Nutrition
Jen
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
Your welcome Jen!
Kate
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
You're welcome Kate! It's an easy way to get a nice healthy (yummy) side!
Jess
This is my family's favorite way to eat broccoli. So easy and super flavorful!
Danielle
So glad you like it!
Gina
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
I hope you try it Gina!
Dannii
I never thought to cook frozen broccoli like this. Such a great idea.
Danielle
It makes it easy!