Knowing how to freeze broccoli is the best way to save extra broccoli you have on hand and make sure you’re eating deliciously fresh veggies all year round! Frozen broccoli is so easy to prepare, too, making it a super easy side dish, and freezing it is so easy. This guide to freezing broccoli includes directions for blanching, steaming, and the Instant Pot.
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Why You Should Definitely Know How to Freeze Broccoli
- Broccoli’s peak season is typically between October and April, but I’m a big fan of it year-round. If you’re like me, then knowing how to freeze your perfect fresh broccoli is the gift that keeps on giving. With this method, you can stock up on gorgeous fresh broccoli while it’s in season, then freeze it for those warm summer months when the selection’s not as great.
- Because the broccoli’s cooked before we freeze it, you won’t have that bitter flavor or unpleasant texture you might get if you freeze fresh broccoli without cooking it first.
- This method works with any amount of broccoli. If you can store it then you can freeze it! Don’t be afraid to go broccoli crazy. As long as you store it properly, frozen broccoli will keep up to 8 months.
How to Thaw and Use Frozen Broccoli
So there’s actually a few different ways to thaw and use your frozen broccoli. It just depends on what you’re in the mood for!
To use the frozen broccoli in another recipe, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To heat and eat the frozen broccoli on its own…
- Microwave the Frozen Broccoli: Place the frozen broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, then pour in ¼ cup water. Cover the bowl with a plate, and microwave everything for 4 minutes on full power. After 4 minutes, carefully remove the plate and check the broccoli. If it’s not tender or hot enough, repeat the process for another 1-2 minutes.
- Microwave the Thawed Broccoli: Thaw broccoli overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer the thawed broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave everything 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- Boil the Frozen Broccoli: Bring large pot of salted water to a boil, then add in the frozen broccoli. Boil broccoli 1-2 minutes, then immediately use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli from the water.
- Sauté the Frozen Broccoli: Heat butter or oil in large skillet. Add frozen broccoli to melted butter (or hot oil) and sauté until broccoli is softened and warmed through.
My Favorite Broccoli Recipes
So now that you know how to freeze broccoli, and you know how to thaw frozen broccoli, try using it in these delicious recipes!
- Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Instant Pot Broccoli with an Easy Lemon Butter Sauce
- Grilled Broccoli
- Keto Broccoli Salad
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Whole30 Casserole with Chicken, Broccoli, Rice, and Mushrooms (Paleo, GF)
- Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread
- Tofu and Broccoli
- Pork Stir Fry
- Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Soup (Whole30, Paleo)
- Dill Dip
Chef’s Tips
- Cooking the broccoli first is absolutely imperative. If you skip this step, you’ll end up with frozen broccoli that’s bitter, has an unpleasant texture, and just isn’t great. For your convenience, we’ve listed out THREE different cooking methods for completely perfect frozen broccoli. You only need to use one method, though!
- When you’re choosing fresh broccoli, look for heads of broccoli with dark green buds and green stems. The broccoli should be vibrant – not wilted, mushy, or yellow at all. You’ll want to keep fresh broccoli in the fridge until you’re ready to use it or freeze it. Just dry it well and leave it in a loose produce bag so it doesn’t trap ethylene gas in the bag. Use it or freeze it within a week of bringing it home.
- If you don’t have a trivet for your Instant Pot, use a steamer basket instead! If you’re steaming the broccoli on the stovetop, just be careful not to overcrowd the basket. If you do, the broccoli won’t cook evenly.
Other How-To’s You’ll Be Glad You Know!
- How to Dice an Onion… the Easy Way!
- How to Truss a Chicken
- Orange Zest – How to Make It and Ways to Use It
- How to Freeze Zucchini (3 Ways)
- How to Freeze Corn (on the Cob and Kernels)
- All About Lemon Zest + 4 Ways to Zest a Lemon
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How to Freeze Broccoli (with 3 Cooking Methods)
Knowing how to freeze broccoli is the best way to save extra broccoli you have on hand and make sure you're eating deliciously fresh veggies all year round! Frozen broccoli is so easy to prepare, too, making it a super easy side dish, and freezing it is so easy. This guide to freezing broccoli includes directions for blanching, steaming, and the Instant Pot.
GO PREMIUM – AD FREE + MEAL PLANS
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Equipment for Cooking Method of Choice
- Freezer
- Freezer-safe sealable plastic bags
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli chopped
Instructions
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Cook broccoli according to preferred method below.
To Blanch the Broccoli
- Fill large bowl with ice and water to create ice bath. Set aside.
- Fill large pot with salted water and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Add chopped broccoli to water, cooking JUST until bright, vibrant green, approximately 3 minutes. You should be able to pierce stems with tines of fork.
- Immediately transfer broccoli into ice bath using slotted spoon. Let broccoli cool in ice bath approximately 5 minutes, then drain water and dry broccoli thoroughly with paper towels. Continue with "To Freeze Broccoli" section below.
To Steam the Broccoli
- Fill large bowl with ice and water to create ice bath. Set aside.
- Place steamer basket in large pot. Add enough water to fill pot approximately 2 inches – water should not touch steamer basket.
- Bring water to simmer over medium-high heat, then add broccoli to steamer basket, being careful not to overcrowd basket. Work in batches as needed.
- Cover pot with lid. Cook approximately 5 minutes, until broccoli is just bright green. You should be able to pierce stems with tines of fork.
- Immediately transfer broccoli into ice bath using slotted spoon. Let broccoli cool in ice bath approximately 5 minutes, then drain water and dry broccoli thoroughly with paper towels. Continue with "To Freeze Broccoli" section below.
To Cook Broccoli in the Instant Pot
- Add 1 cup water to Instant Pot and place trivet in bottom of pot.
- Add broccoli florets to trivet. Secure lid with vent in "Sealing" position and set to Manual High Pressure for 0 minutes. Note: for tender broccoli, use Manual High Pressure. For tender-crisp broccoli, use Manual Low Pressure for 0 minutes.
- If cooking on Manual High Pressure: Fill large bowl with ice and water to create ice bath. When cook time is up, immediately (carefully) Quick Release steam and remove lid. Transfer broccoli into ice bath using slotted spoon. Let broccoli cool in ice bath approximately 5 minutes, then drain water and dry broccoli thoroughly with paper towels. Continue with "To Freeze Broccoli" section below.If cooking on Manual Low Pressure: When cook time is up, immediately (carefully) Quick Release steam and remove lid. Transfer broccoli to flat surface and dry broccoli thoroughly with paper towels. Continue with "To Freeze Broccoli" section below.
To Freeze Broccoli
- Spread dried broccoli out on baking sheet in one single, even layer. Place baking sheet in freezer for 1 to 2 hours, until broccoli is completely solid.
- Once broccoli is frozen, transfer all pieces to freezer-safe sealable bag (or airtight freezer-safe container) and store in freezer until ready to use. Frozen broccoli will keep 6 to 8 months.
Notes
- This method works for any amount of broccoli, as long as you’ve got the freezer space, so feel free to get a little crazy!
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 39kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 37mgPotassium: 358mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 706IUVitamin C: 101mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 1mgNet Carbs: 5g
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Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She’s been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.
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