Cooked broccoli is a common vegetable dish. It is made by cooking the raw broccoli in an oven or in a pressure cooker for about 10 minutes and then draining any excess water from it. After cooking the vegetable, you will end up with some leftovers. To keep them longer, you may wonder if you can freeze cooked broccoli?
Yes, you can freeze cooked broccoli. Freezing the vegetable is a great way to preserve them for a long time. Cooked broccoli should be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. Properly stored, they can last for about 9 to 12 months in the freezer.
Does Cooked Broccoli Freeze Well?
Frozen broccoli is a popular option for people who want to have a quick meal on the go. But, can it freeze well? Yes, it can!
Freezing vegetables does not alter or damage their nutrients, but they will turn mushy and water-logged when thawed.
Since the broccoli will be used to cook a meal, freezing the vegetable shouldn’t be an issue.
The only thing you will need to do is chop broccoli into smaller pieces and place them inside a freezer bag. Keep them airtight and the cooked broccoli will freeze well.
How To Freeze Cooked Broccoli
Freezing all types of vegetables can be done quickly and easily at home. Since the broccoli is already cooked, there’s no need to blanch them first.
Be sure to follow the proper steps if you want your broccoli to turn out better than before.
Step 1: Allow to Cool Down
Allow the broccoli to cool down to room temperature. If you try to freeze the vegetable while it’s still warm or hot, it will cause condensation in the container or bag. The moisture from the condensation will damage the broccoli when it’s freezing. After it thaws, you may find that the broccoli is mushy and soft.
Step 2: Flash Freezing
Once the broccoli has cooled down, you will want to flash freeze them first. This will prevent the cooked broccoli from sticking to each other when it’s stored in the freezer.
On the tray, lay a sheet of parchment paper. Then place the broccoli onto the tray, ensuring that they don’t touch each other.
Then place the broccoli into the freezer for about 2-3 hours to freeze.
Step 3: Transfer to Freezer Bag
Once it’s completely frozen, remove them from the freezer. Transfer the broccoli to the freezer bag.
Then gently press on the bag to remove any excess air before sealing it.
Step 4: Label and Freeze
Write the date of freezing on the bag and place it into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Cooked Broccoli?
As for how long it will take before the broccoli freezes, that will depend on the thickness of the vegetable and how cold you keep your freezer at.
Generally, cooked broccoli has a shelf life of 9 to 12 months in the freezer. After that time, the vegetable will start to deteriorate in quality.
However, you can still safely eat the cooked broccoli beyond that point. The only thing is that the broccoli will not taste as fresh as it should.
So, it’s best to try to use cooked broccoli within a year for the best quality.
How Do You Defrost Cooked Broccoli?
There are different methods to thawing cooked broccoli. If you’re going to be adding them to a meal, you can simply remove the broccoli from the freezer and place them directly into the meal while it’s cooking.
If you’re going to eat the broccoli fresh, you defrost them using cold water.
To save time and energy, use this quick, easy tip to defrost cooked broccoli in a bowl of cold water.
Let the cooked broccoli sit in the cold water for up to 12 hours before you eat it. It’s a much easier way to defrost frozen vegetables than using a microwave or oven.
Can You Refreeze Cooked Broccoli?
Cooked broccoli can be frozen again, only if it has not thawed completely yet. This means the vegetable is more than 80% frozen. If that’s the case, you can place them back into the freezer. There will be no change in the texture or taste.
However, if the broccoli has thawed completely or you used it in your cooking already, I recommend that you do not refreeze them. Doing so will only cause the broccoli to become softer and lose more of its flavors.
Other Questions about Cooked Broccoli
Can you freeze cooked broccoli casserole?
You can freeze cooked broccoli casserole in small portions for use later. Before freezing, wrap the casserole in a layer of plastic and seal it tightly.
Cooked broccoli casserole should not be frozen because its texture will change.
Can you freeze cooked broccoli rabe?
Frozen broccoli rabe is a quick and easy way to preserve the vegetable. It can be served with pasta, pizza, or lasagna.
If you want to freeze cooked broccoli rabe, you should blanch it first and then freeze it in an airtight container. Make sure that your freezer has enough space so that it will not become too big when frozen.