5 Easy Frozen Broccoli Recipes That Use Up the Bag

For a long time, I thought frozen vegetables were inferior to fresh. I’d walk quickly past the freezer aisle with my nose in the air because I just assumed if I wanted to eat well, fresh was the only way to go. It turns out, I was all wrong. Because frozen vegetables are flash-frozen at their peak ripeness, they’re equal to and sometimes superior to the nutrition in the produce section. Since learning this, I’ve embraced the freezer aisle and, without a doubt, frozen broccoli is my favorite choice. I find the dinner possibilities to be limitless, and tend to turn to these frozen broccoli recipes again and again. Now, I am never without a bag or two in my freezer — it makes for the start of easy, wholesome dinners on busy weeknights.

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1. Use it in a stir-fry.

Courtesy of Dessert for Two

Frozen broccoli and stir-fry are a perfect match. The high heat means your broccoli will be crispy-tender, not soggy. To make dinner extra quick and easy, pick up a bag of frozen pre-cooked rice or even cauliflower rice to serve it over. It’s sure to be faster than takeout — and a lot healthier.

Try the recipe from Dessert for Two.

2. Add it to a casserole.

Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven

This time of year, we’re all craving comfort foods, like cheesy pasta bakes and casseroles. Why not lighten up your favorite casserole by adding frozen broccoli to the mix? It’ll still be plenty creamy and cheesy.

Try the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

3. Turn it into pesto.

Courtesy of Woman’s Day

If you’ve never had broccoli pesto before, know that once you try it, you may just push basil pesto aside. Use whole-wheat pasta to make it even more wholesome, and make a double batch: Leftovers make a great sandwich spread or sauce for grilled chicken and fish.

Try the recipe from Woman’s Day.

4. Make a sheet pan supper.

Courtesy of Gimme Delicious

A sheet pan dinner is about as easy as it gets on busy weeknights. Choose your favorite protein, add some frozen broccoli, and dinner will be on the table pronto.

Try the recipe from Gimme Delicious.

5. Turn them into tots.

Photo Credit: She Likes Food

Okay, so maybe tater tots aren’t a complete dinner, but broccoli tots make for a fun way to get your veggies in. Serve them alongside ketchup or even warmed marinara sauce.

Try the recipe from She Likes Food.

Read next: 8 Healthy Spinach Recipes That Use Up the Whole Bag