5 Ways to Cook Frozen Broccoli for Fast, Nutritious Dinners

No need to wait around for traditional thawing: Cooking broccoli from frozen is simple. And there's no need to feel like you're cutting corners if you're cooking with frozen vegetables instead of fresh. Because they are usually frozen on the same day they're picked, the vegetables in your supermarket's freezer case may have as many—if not more—nutrients than the ones in the produce aisle. Frozen broccoli is a particular favorite; it's a healthy cruciferous vegetable you should always have stashed in your freezer. The secret to turning it into a fast, delicious dinner? Knowing how to cook frozen broccoli the right way.

Thaw in Hot Water

If you're using frozen broccoli in a stir-fry, frittata, casserole, or quiche, as a filling for calzones, or as a topping for pizza, it's a good idea to bring the broccoli to the same temperature as the rest of the ingredients for even cooking.

1. Place the broccoli in a bowl, cover with hot tap water, and let sit for a few minutes; drain off the water.
2. To speed up the process, change the water a few times, draining it off as soon as it gets cold before filling the bowl back up with hot water.

You can use frozen broccoli brought to room temperature in our Baked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce, Broccoli-Cheddar Quiche, and Deep-Dish Broccoli and Cheddar Pizza.

Blanch in Boiling Water

The fastest way to cook frozen broccoli is to blanch it in boiling water. Two to four minutes in salted boiling water is all it needs to become bright green and tender. In fact, a number of our recipes use the balancing technique, including our delicious Broccoli and Pasta Casserole and our Whole-Wheat Orzo Salad with Broccoli-Pine Nut Pesto.

Roast Frozen Broccoli

You can roast frozen broccoli exactly the same way you would fresh broccoli.

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a large bowl, toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet; roast until tender, about 15 minutes, rotating pan halfway through cooking.

Microwave Frozen Broccoli

This is one of the simplest ways to prepare frozen broccoli, and recipes like Steamed Broccoli with Lighter Ranch Dip and Broccoli with Almonds and Olives, are just as easy to make as they are delicious. Microwaving frozen broccoli the right way involves a simple three-step process:

1. Pour a bag of broccoli into a microwave-safe dish with a lid and add about 1/4 cup water.
2. Microwave on high for five minutes or until broccoli is as tender as you like it.
3. Drain and season with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and salt. Scatter with toasted nuts or drizzle with cheese sauce.

Cook Frozen Broccoli With Pasta or in Soup

You can boil frozen broccoli with pasta for the last few minutes of cooking—or add the frozen broccoli to soup and let it simmer until tender.

Pasta

In the mood for a quick and easy bowl of pasta with broccoli? Add the frozen broccoli directly to the pot of boiling pasta about three minutes before the end of the cooking time. Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander, then sprinkle with Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Boiling frozen broccoli is also a great way to add a boost of nutrition and color to packaged mac and cheese or instant ramen. Hungry for broccoli pasta? Try our Lighter Three-Cheese Mac with Broccoli or One-Pan Pasta With Broccoli and Lemon.

Soup

There's no need to thaw or cook frozen broccoli before popping it into a soup recipe. Just stir the broccoli into the pot and let it simmer until tender. This even works for classics like Cream of Broccoli Soup or new-to-you favorites like our Broccoli Chowder with Corn and Bacon.