If you have an abundance of broccoli in your kitchen, then you can use this guide for how to freeze broccoli. Frozen florets can be used in a variety of ways, including in smoothies!

broccoli on a baking sheet
Contents hide
1 Tips
2 Recipe Steps
3 FAQs
4 Recipes Using Frozen Broccoli
5 Other Guides to Freezing Food
6 How to Freeze Broccoli

Tips

  • Broccoli is in peak season in North America from October through April, but it is generally available all year round.
  • According to the Environmental Working Group, broccoli is on the “Clean Fifteen” list of produce with the least amount of pesticides. So, this means that it’s okay to buy non-organic versions, if you prefer.
  • Fresh broccoli is very versatile, and can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, or stir-fried. But, if you find that you have too much in your kitchen, then you can easily freeze it to use later.

Recipe Steps

Step One

The first step in freezing broccoli is to break it up into florets. One large head will yield about 3 1/2 cups of florets.

Step Two

The next step is to bring a pot of water to simmer, so that you can gently blanch the broccoli. To help preserve the sulphorophane (one of its cancer-fighting compounds), it’s important to blanch it at a low temperature.

Step Three

Once your water is simmering, add the florets to the pot. Let them simmer for about 3 minutes.

Step Four

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the blanched florets to a bowl filled with ice and water. This will stop the cooking process and make sure your florets stay nice and green in color.

Step Five

Next, use your slotted spoon to transfer the florets from the water bath to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure that they do not touch each other. This will ensure that your broccoli freezes individually, and not in one giant clump.

blanched broccoli on baking sheet

Step Six

Place your baking sheet in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours. Then, remove the baking sheet and transfer the frozen florets to a zip top bag. Store in the freezer for up to several months.

frozen broccoli florets

FAQs

Why is it important to blanch the broccoli before freezing it?

You don’t have to, but it is a known method of getting rid of any microbes or bacteria, plus any enzymes that will cause your vegetables to deteriorate in the freezer. This is the recommended method.

I hate the taste of broccoli! How can I still eat it?

Put the frozen florets in a smoothie with frozen bananas and berries. I promise you won’t even taste the broccoli this way.

Can I steam broccoli in an Instant Pot pressure cooker?

Yes! Here is my recipe for Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli Florets.

Recipes Using Frozen Broccoli

bag of frozen broccoli

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
broccoli ready to be frozen

How to Freeze Broccoli

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
Print Recipe

If you have an abundance of broccoli in your kitchen, then you can use this guide for how to freeze broccoli. Frozen broccoli florets can be used in a variety of ways, including in smoothies!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head of broccoli, broken into florets.

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to simmer.
  2. Once your water is simmering, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Let them simmer for about 3 minutes.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a bowl filled with ice and water. Let the broccoli cool in the ice bath for about 2 minutes.
  4. Use your slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli florets from the water bath to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Place your baking sheet in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  6. Remove the baking sheet and transfer the frozen broccoli florets to a zip top bag.

Notes

  1. Store frozen broccoli in the freezer for up to several months. When you’re ready to use it, just remove it from the bag.
  2. You can throw frozen broccoli into a smoothie, or you can roast or steam frozen broccoli to eat as a healthy side dish. 
  • Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Stovetop and freezer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: frozen blanched broccoli, guide to blanching and freezing broccoli, how to make frozen broccoli

Don’t forget to join the Clean Eating Kitchen newsletter. You’ll get my Clean Eating Quick Start Guide, plus links to all the latest recipes.