Garlic Grilled Broccoli | How to Grill Broccoli

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Garlic Grilled Broccoli transforms basic broccoli into a seriously smoky side dish! Broccoli florets are tossed in oil and seasonings and grilled until tender and crispy. Made with 6 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes!

96 CAL 8g CARBS 7g FAT 3g PROTEIN 2
9 Comments

Grilling vegetables adds so much smoky flavor and gets that nice char on the outside that you can't get with other cooking methods. Paired with a little oil and seasonings, and you've got a fun new way to enjoy veggies!

Garlic Grilled Broccoli is delicious served with other BBQ sides like grilled corn and coleslaw and with main dishes like Asian Turkey Burgers or Dill Salmon Burgers!

How to Grill Broccoli

Grilling broccoli is easier than it sounds! First, wash your broccoli like normal, toss it with some olive oil and any spice combination you like and you are ready to go.

Place a large piece of foil on the grill, fire up your grill to medium heat, toss the prepared broccoli on the heat, and eight minutes later, you have one killer side dish. It can also be made in a grill basket.

Now you know how to grill broccoli! After making this recipe, you will want to start trying out all kinds of flavor combinations for grilling broccoli. I have some ideas for you below.

A bowl of fresh broccoli surrounded by olive oil, salt, and spices on a light countertop.

Tips and Tricks for Making Broccoli on the Grill

Follow these tips to make the very best grilled broccoli.

  • Cooking time: Everyone's grill may cook differently, so keep an eye on the broccoli during the cooking time to ensure it doesn't get too crispy or burn.
  • Oil well: Make sure to fully coat the broccoli in oil so that it doesn't stick to the grill! Olive oil or neutral-flavored oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil will work, too.
  • Less char: Feel free to remove the broccoli earlier if you or your guests aren't fans of charring. However, I highly recommend letting some of the edges get browned.
  • Flavors: This broccoli recipe can be flavored in all different ways. Get creative and pull out your favorite spice blends and seasoning.
  • Grill basket: Consider using a grill basket if you are intimidated by grilling your broccoli directly over the flame. Grill baskets help keep florets from falling through into the flame.

Flavor Ideas for Grilling Broccoli

There are so many ways to change up the seasoning and flavors in this easy grilled broccoli recipe.

  • Add cheese: Add some parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice once it is fresh off the grill. You can also melt some cheddar cheese, Swiss, or even goat cheese over the top.
  • Add cauliflower: Broccoli and cauliflower cook in the same amount of time, and if you want to pack in even more veggie goodness, add some cauliflower along with garlic broccoli.
  • Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce: A dash of these sauces can add a ton of umami flavor to the broccoli! Just a little bit is all you need.
  • Add spice: Spice it up with chili powder in place of garlic or any of your favorite spice combinations. You can use cayenne pepper for a more intense kick!
  • Ranch: Many people like to flavor broccoli with ranch seasoning. You can make a homemade ranch seasoning or buy one in the store to flavor the broccoli. This is super popular with kids, especially if you put some buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
  • Fresh herbs: If you want to add some fresh herbs to the broccoli, add them once the broccoli has cooked to ensure they don't burn. You can toss them with a little extra olive oil and the fresh herbs as soon as the broccoli comes off the grill. Fresh thyme, basil, or parsley would be so good!
  • Balsamic: As you might imagine, grilled broccoli with balsamic vinegar is delicious. I like to add a drizzle after the broccoli has cooked. You can also use a balsamic marinade for even more flavor.
  • Get creative: Try steak seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, cajun seasoning, Montreal seasoning, Blackening Seasoning, Old Bay, Italian seasoning, curry powder, taco seasoning, and more. Broccoli pairs well with so many different flavor combos, especially when it is grilled.

Close-up of roasted broccoli florets, seasoned with chili flakes, served in a textured bowl on a light background.

Ways to Serve Garlic Grilled Broccoli

Here are some fun ways to serve grilled broccoli:

Storage and Reheating

Here's how to store and reheat grilled broccoli to keep it fresh for days:

  • Storage: Once the broccoli cools, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: The best way to reheat leftover grilled broccoli is in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil. This will help it crisp up much better than the microwave!
  • Leftovers: Chop up the leftover grilled broccoli and toss it into a microwave broccoli cheddar omelet for breakfast or these vegetable egg rolls as an Asian-inspired side!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about grilling broccoli:

You can, but it's risky unless the florets are large and your grill grates are wide. Foil helps prevent pieces from falling through and keeps the broccoli from charring too quickly.

 

Not recommended. Frozen broccoli has too much moisture and tends to steam rather than grill. It also falls apart more easily.

 

A close-up of a bowl filled with vibrant green broccoli sprinkled with red pepper flakes.
The Recipe

Garlic Grilled Broccoli | How to Grill Broccoli

96 CAL 8g CARBS 7g FAT 3g PROTEIN 2
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 10 Min
TOTAL TIME: 15 Min
9 Comments
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon (for serving, optional)

Instructions

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1

Toss together the broccoli, oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure the broccoli is well coated.

2

Place a large piece of foil on the grill. Add the broccoli on top and grill for 8-10 minutes until tender crisp. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top right before serving.

Equipment

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Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 96
Calories from Fat 65
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7g
11%
Saturated Fat 1g
5%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 325mg
14%
Total Carbohydrate 8g
3%
Dietary Fiber 3g
11%
Sugars 2g
Protein 3g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
9 Comments
On Garlic Grilled Broccoli | How to Grill Broccoli
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Marcia
June 11, 2025 - 07:00
I have a grill basket and a skillet, neither of which are aluminum, I do not allow any of my food to touch aluminum, it's not good for us. Please, use anything but aluminum.
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Ingrid
June 10, 2025 - 12:30
I just received an email describing this yummy-sounding recipe: "A quick toss in garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice turns this everyday veggie into something totally crave-worthy." However, once I got to the recipe and instructions, the lemon juice is nowhere to be found. The lemon juice sounds like the perfect thing with the broccoli, so getting some info on how much and when to add would be most helpful. I haven't rated it yet because I haven't made it, and awaiting guidance re lemon juice.
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June 11, 2025 - 09:28
Thanks for the feedback! Just updated the recipe with the lemon - just squeeze it over top right before serving. Hope you enjoy it!
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Tina
July 31, 2022 - 18:10
Add a Rating:
5
Simple & good. Should have been doing this all along..,
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Wendy
August 8, 2021 - 17:54
Add a Rating:
5
Amazing
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Jasmine Mercado
February 14, 2020 - 06:22
Add a Rating:
5
Kristen! I added little bits of red pepper flakes, (like the ones from the pizza shop) and it gave the smoky broccoli an extra tasty kick! Great way to add a vegetable to our table. Thanks!
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Beth Estrada
June 7, 2020 - 08:07
What a great idea! I was planning on make these this afternoon. I will definitely try the red pepper flakes. Thanks!
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Bianca Morenfeld
June 20, 2021 - 16:05
100% great add-on. Thank you for sharing !!
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Melissa Capshaw
August 29, 2016 - 11:25
Add a Rating:
5
Easy to make and delicious!! Used my indoor grill and no worries!
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