Freezing Broccoli is the PERFECT way to preserve the nutrient packed veggie for later use! You’ll have broccoli for all kinds of recipes when you know how to freeze broccoli!
You already know how to cook frozen broccoli, we’ve talked about blanching veggies, and you have some recipes for using broccoli!
Why This Recipe Works
- FAST
- EASY
- You Have Everything You Need In Your Kitchen Right Now!
Here’s How It’s Done….
STEP 1. Boil
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and gather your other supplies
STEP 2. Cut Up
Cut the broccoli into bite size pieces.
STEP 3. Blanch!
Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes.
STEP 4. Shock and Drain
Plunge the broccoli into ice water to stop the cooking
STEP 5. Spread out on baking sheet on top of parchment paper and freeze.
This will allow you to freeze the florets individually and you'll then be able to use as many as you need for recipes instead of having them all stick together in the bag. Just make sure they aren't touching on the pan when you put them in the freezer. Freeze them for at least 2 hours-6 hours.
STEP 6. Pack.
Pack into resealable plastic bags, squeeze out as much air as possible. Spread back out into the bag and stack for freezing
How to Freeze Broccoli
To freeze broccoli, blanch the broccoli in salted water, shock in ice water and then pack into bags labeled .
How to Use Frozen Broccoli
You can USE frozen broccoli in all kinds of recipes! Try with stir fry, make it into casseroles and add it to eggs even!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How Long is Frozen Broccoli Good For?
Frozen Broccoli is good for 6 months - 1 year. You will want to use it before that time.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Broccoli?
There’s no need to thaw them before using in your recipe, but if you want to thaw it, run cold water over it for a minute or two. If you put the bag that they are frozen into the fridge, they will also thaw. You will notice a lot of liquid in the bag. No need to use this liquid in your recipe.
Do I Need to Blanch Broccoli Before Freezing?
Yes, you DO need to blanch broccoli before freezing. Blanching preserves the texture, vegetables and flavor for freezing.
How Do I Blanch Broccoli Before Freezing?
To blanch your broccoli before freezing, simply follow the process that is outlined in the recipe card below or in the photos above!
Can I Freeze Fresh Broccoli Without Blanching?
You CAN freeze the broccoli without blanching, however, the ice crystals that develop during will change the cell structure and your will be very mushy . It is much better to blanch.
What Happens If I DON’T Blanch the Broccoli Before Freezing?
If you do not blanch before freezing, the broccoli will be more mushy, less colorful and have less nutrients available. Texture is an important part and you will want to preserve as much of the fresh texture as possible.
Can I Freeze An Entire Head of Broccoli?
You CAN freeze an entire head of broccoli, however, you will need to blanch it and then cover it well. Because of the way it takes up space, you will probably want to cut the florets from the head first and freeze those.
Can I Do Broccoli Rice?
Yes, you can. Once it has been slightly boiled, pack it into bags and freeze.
Can I Freeze Roasted Broccoli?
Yes, once your veggie has been cooked, you can. HOWEVER, the texture will be much different when you thaw it. It’s best to roast fresh broccoli and then consume what you roast.
Can I Do This With Rabe?
Yes, just follow the instructions in this recipe card, it is the same process.
How To Know When It's Bad
If you notice….
- The broccoli appears encased in ice crystals or frost
- It is very light colored and dry
- Broccoli has been in longer than 6 months.
- There was a lot of air in the package.
Tips and Tricks
- Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project. You don’t want to have boiling water bubbling away and not have everything else you need.
- Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the broccoli in. That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it.
- Only put a few pieces of broccoli into the boiling water at first. You don't’ want to reduce the simmer with the broccoli you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time.
- Remove the iced broccoli to a colander or a towel lined baking sheet to drain. You will want the it as dry as possible before packing into the bags.
- Squeeze as much air from the freezer bag as you can before you seal it.
- Label the bag BEFORE you put the it in. It's much easier to write on an empty bag!
- And HERE is more information that you probably ever wanted to know about Broccoli!
PRO TIP: After you have squeezed the air out and sealed the bag, then spread the broccoli back out in the bag so that it will lay flat in the freezer. This allows it to freeze evenly and is best for space saving in your freezer!
Need MORE Broccoli Info?
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How to Freeze Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 tbs kosher salt
- 1 lb broccoli
Instructions
- Put a large stock pot of 4 quarts of water on to boil over high heat on the stove top. Add salt to the water
- While waiting for the water to heat, gather your other supplies. Place a large bowl in the sink with 1 Quart of water in it. Do not add the ice until just before adding broccoli to the boiling water.
- When water comes to a boil, reduce heat to medium so that water is at a hard simmer.
- Add ice to the bowl of water in the sink.
- Add your broccoli to the boiling water quickly using tongs or other tool. Only add a few pieces to the water at a time so that the water does not lose its boil
- Allow the vegetables to stay in the water just long enough to begin to change colors. You'll notice the color brightens.
- Remove the broccoli and plunge immediately into the ice water bath. Allow to soak there for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the vegetables to a paper towel lined tray to dry.
- Use the paper towel to squeeze the broccoli gently and remove as much water as possible. Then lay the broccoli out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not allow the pieces to touch each other. Freeze for 2-6 hours.
- Once frozen, measure quantities into resealable plastic bag. Squeeze as much air as possible from the bag and seal. Label the bag and place into the freezer.
Notes
- Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project. You don’t want to have boiling water bubbiling away and not have everything else you need.
- Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the broccoli in. That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it.
- Only put a few pieces of broccoli into the boiling water at first. You don't’ want to reduce the simmer with the broccoli you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time.
- Remove the iced broccoli to a colander or a towel lined baking sheet to drain. You will want the broccoli as dry as possible before packing into the freezer bags.
- Squeeze as much air from the freezer bag as you can before you seal it.
- Label the freezer bag BEFORE you put the broccoli in. It's much easier to write on an empty bag!
Nutrition
A VERSE TO SHARE
I've been so short with people lately. For what reason? I have no idea. I would never treat people I don't know like that, why do I treat my loved ones so curtly?
Ephesians 4: 2-3
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
Chris Fraser says
Love the freezing tips
Wendi Spraker says
Glad I could help
James L. Patterson says
Great recipe
Wendi Spraker says
Thanks James, glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for leaving a comment!
Tim says
Amazing!!
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Tim! Thanks!