The Best Ways to Cook Broccoli (And a Few to Avoid)
Broccoli doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Those childhood dinners or cafeteria lunches with overcooked florets might have given it a bad rap — but when prepared right, it’s full of fresh flavor and crunch. When done correctly, broccoli transforms into something rich, flavorful, and even crispy, depending on the method. The best broccoli cooking methods bring out its natural sweetness, keep some of that bite, and pair beautifully with everything from pasta to protein to a big bowl of rice. Plus, they’re all really easy.
Let’s break down the best ways to cook broccoli, the quick tricks that make each method work, and… maybe a few approaches we suggest skipping entirely.
Serve it raw
Hey, sometimes the best cooking method is not cooking at all.
Raw broccoli is crisp, earthy, and loaded with nutrients, especially when dunked into a tasty dip or tossed in a hearty salad. It’s the perfect addition to a veggie platter or grain bowl when you’re short on time or just want that satisfying crunch.
Broccoli pro tip: Slice florets thinly and toss with a good amount of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and shaved parmesan for a simple raw broccoli salad.
Roasted
This might just be the top contender for the best ways to cook broccoli, and for good reason. Roasting caramelizes the edges, crisps up the florets, and brings out a deep, nutty flavor that steaming could never match (more on that, later).
How to roast broccoli:
- Toss Taylor Farms Broccoli Florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Spread in a single layer on a sheet pan
- Roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once for even browning
Try this: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or grated parmesan before serving. If you need a little more punch, finish it off with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Or, get everything you need in one package. Try our Broccoli Caesar Roast Kit, which comes with pre-cleaned, pre-chopped florets, plus Caesar sauce, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Within a half hour, you’ll have a crispy, flavorful side dish fresh out of the oven.
Air fryer
If you want crispy broccoli with minimal effort and practically zero oven preheating, the air fryer is your best friend.
How to do it:
- Toss broccoli with a little oil and seasoning
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through
You’ll end up with golden, crisp-tender broccoli with less oil and faster cleanup than roasting. Bonus: it also makes a great last-minute side when you forgot to plan ahead.
Grilled
Grilling adds a smoky depth and char that takes broccoli into side-dish stardom. This works especially well for summer cookouts or when you already have the grill fired up and think, “What else can I throw on here while this thing is still going?”
How to do it:
- Toss florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Thread onto skewers or use a grill basket or foil
- Grill over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally
Top with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to balance the char.
Sautéed
Fast, flavorful, and super adaptable, sautéed broccoli is great for stir-fry night or a quick veggie side that can go with almost anything.
How to do it:
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat
- Add florets and sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender and slightly browned
- Add garlic or onion for more depth of flavor
Optional: Splash in a bit of soy sauce or sesame oil and crank up the umami just a bit.
Tossed in soups
Broccoli is always comforting in a bowl of soup. Creamy purées, veggie-packed broth, you really can’t go wrong.
Tips for soup success:
- Add chopped florets toward the end of cooking so they retain color and texture
- If blending for a soup like broccoli cheddar, simmer broccoli in broth with garlic, onion, and potatoes before puréeing.
The worst ways to cook broccoli
There’s definitely a time and place for nostalgia, and a lot of people grow up eating broccoli like this, but let’s be honest: boiled or over-steamed broccoli rarely tastes like something you’re excited to eat again. Boiling broccoli leaches out the nutrients and the flavor; oversteaming broccoli turns it to mush.
That said, if you must steam, try to keep it brief: 3–4 minutes max, and shock it in cold water right after to immediately stop the cooking.
Your Broccoli Glow-Up Awaits
Perfectly cooked broccoli can make just about any meal better — it’s one of those rare vegetables that works just as well beside steak as it does stirred into soup. The trick is knowing which cooking methods bring out its natural sweetness and snap (and which ones rob it of both). And now, you know them.
Oh, one final tip: If you’re using Taylor Farms Broccoli Florets, the prep work is already done. No chopping, no mess, just straight to the good part(s). Use our handy product locator to see what Taylor Farms products are in stock at nearby stores and start cooking up your new favorite method.
