Cooking and Baking

How to Roast Frozen Vegetables (Straight from the Bag!)

Rachel Kor November 19, 2024

Sponsored by Beleaves

Roasting vegetables is one of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy veggies. But did you know you can roast frozen vegetables straight from the bag? That’s right—no thawing or pre-cooking required. It’s an easy and convenient option for busy weeknights, and the results can be just as tasty and crispy as fresh vegetables. 

Beleaves goes all out for their greens. Cultivating quality in an Israeli greenhouse, a place known for its rich and fertile soil. Their produce grows freely, is untainted and absolutely pest-free. They live by their values, adhering to the highest halachic standards while putting forth a fresh, rich product with utmost purity and kashrut. 

“We account for every variable with unwavering quality control, so you get large, flourishing florets with low water retention that release less liquid when defrosted.”

Here’s everything you need to know about how to roast frozen vegetables to perfection.

Why Roast Frozen Vegetables?

1. Convenience: Frozen vegetables are pre-washed, checked for bugs, cut, and ready to cook, saving you time on prep.

2. Minimal Waste: No worrying about vegetables going bad before you get a chance to use them.

3. Versatility: You can roast virtually any frozen vegetable, from broccoli to brussels sprouts to mixed veggie blends.

How to Roast Frozen Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to getting that crispy texture. The high heat ensures the vegetables cook quickly and evenly, with the outside becoming golden and slightly crispy while the inside stays tender.

Step 2: Choose the Right Baking Sheet

Use a large, rimmed baking sheet to give the vegetables enough room to roast properly.  If you’re roasting multiple types of vegetables, it’s best to use separate sheets to accommodate their different cooking times.

Step 3: Spread the Vegetables Out

Take the frozen vegetables directly from the bag and spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry about thawing them first—they can go straight from the freezer to the oven. Make sure they’re in a single layer with a little space between each piece for optimal roasting. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of roast, so avoid cramming them together.

Step 4: Season Them Well

Frozen vegetables need seasoning to bring out their full flavor. Drizzle with a generous amount of olive oil (about 1–2 tablespoons per pound of vegetables) to help with browning and crispiness. Then add salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. Some popular seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs. You can also toss the vegetables in a balsamic glaze or sprinkle with parmesan cheese in the final minutes of roasting for extra flavor.

Step 5: Roast, Stir, and Check

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the vegetables for about 20–30 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. Stirring ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the type of vegetables and their size, so check them around the 20-minute mark to ensure they’re golden and crispy but not overcooked.

Step 6: Enjoy

Once the vegetables are roasted to your liking (crispy on the outside and tender on the inside), remove them from the oven. Give them a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve them immediately as a side dish, or toss them into salads, pastas, or grain bowls.

Tips for Perfectly Roasted Frozen Vegetables

1. Don’t Thaw: Frozen vegetables release moisture as they cook, so thawing them before roasting can make them soggy. Keep them frozen until they hit the hot oven.

2. Use Parchment Paper: Once you have perfectly roasted vegetables it would be a shame to find them stuck to the pan!

3. Use Enough Oil: Olive oil helps vegetables crisp up and ensures the seasoning sticks. If you want a lighter option, use a spray bottle for even oil distribution.

4. Use High Heat: Roasting at 425°F allows the vegetables to caramelize and develop that desirable crispy texture.

Roasting frozen vegetables is a game-changer for anyone looking to prepare a healthy, quick meal without sacrificing flavor. It’s one of those cooking techniques that’s simple but rewarding, and it’s a great way to make the most of frozen veggies that are often overlooked. So, next time you find yourself with a bag of frozen veggies, skip the stove-top or microwave and pop them straight into the oven for a roasted side dish that’s crispy, delicious, and effortless.

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