This Grilled Broccoli Recipe is one of the easiest ways to turn fresh broccoli into a flavorful side dish. The grill gives the broccoli perfectly crispy edges with a slightly smoky flavor using just a few simple ingredients.
It’s an easy, budget-friendly side dish that pairs with almost anything on the grill and is a great way to get kids to actually enjoy eating vegetables.
Why You’ll Love this Grilled Broccoli Recipe!
We make this grilled broccoli all the time during grilling season because it’s quick, affordable, and actually gets my kids excited about eating vegetables. It’s one of those simple side dishes that works with almost anything you’re already cooking on the grill.
- Simple ingredients – just pantry spices and fresh broccoli
- Perfect texture – slightly charred edges with tender centers
- Quick side dish – ready in about 10 minutes on the grill
- Budget-friendly – broccoli is an affordable vegetable that feeds the whole family
- Kid approved – the smoky flavor makes veggies more appealing
We also love to make Grilled Green Beans and Grilled Brussels Sprouts because they are SO good! My picky kids’ can’t get enough of these! I also learned how to grill corn on the cob and they love that too!
There is just something about the grill. Everything tastes better. Especially this side dish recipe. For another easy side dish, try this Smashed Broccoli recipe.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Ingredients: 6 simple pantry ingredients
- Method: Grill
- Best For: Quick side dishes, summer grilling, healthy vegetables
- Budget Tip: Broccoli is usually one of the cheapest fresh vegetables and grilling adds tons of flavor with just pantry spices.
Ingredients
- Broccoli – About 1 large head of broccoli. Buying whole broccoli heads and cutting them into florets yourself is usually cheaper than buying pre-cut broccoli.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste – Simple Spices added for flavor
- Olive Oil – Helps the broccoli crisp on the grill
- Garlic Powder – Adds flavor without extra prep
- Lemon – Optional but brightens the flavor
No matter how you like your broccoli, you have to try it on the grill.
How to Grill Broccoli (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Step 2 – Add in the broccoli and toss to fully coat it in the olive oil mixture. Let the broccoli marinate while the grill preheats.
Step 3 – Preheat a grill over medium high heat. Place the broccoli directly on the grill grates and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping every few minutes, until the broccoli is tender and charred slightly. Make sure to keep the lid close on the grill while not flipping the broccoli.
Step 4 – Remove from the grill, let the broccoli rest for at least 5 minutes to cool slightly and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Cooking Time – Customize the cooking time based on preference. If you love it crispy like we do, grill it 4-5 minutes per side. If you prefer it softer, reduce the cooking time.
- Foil – Use heavy duty foil. It is much stronger and more durable than regular foil. you won’t have any spills or breakage using heavy duty foil.
- Change Seasoning – Experiment with different flavors and seasoning. Don’t be scared to try something new. You might be surprised.
- Grill Basket – You can also use a grill basket instead of foil.
Variations Ideas
Try one of these easy flavor upgrades:
- Homemade cheese sauce -Delicious and you can make it in your microwave. Feel free to pour it all over the broccoli.
- Parmesan Cheese – Top it with some Parmesan cheese – a family favorite around here with the kiddos.
- Add Extra Spice – Sprinkle with some chili powder or red pepper flakes for a small kick. This gives the broccoli a little heat and it’s fantastic.
- Taco Seasoning – Sprinkle with some homemade taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. This is so yummy.
- Lemon or Lime – Sprinkle lemon juice or lime juice over the broccoli. This is also good with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. This combination is so good.
- Soy sauce – Drizzle a little soy sauce over the broccoli for Asian flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar – If you know me you know I love balsamic vinegar. Drizzling balsamic vinegar after the broccoli florets have grilled gives it so much flavor.
Serving Suggestions
We love it with this Easy Grilled Chicken Kabob Recipe, Cube Steak and Gravy or Brown Sugar Baked Chicken. We even love serving it with Beef and Noodles for a complete meal idea.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover grilled broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in:
- Microwave for quick reheating
- Air fryer for 3–4 minutes
- Skillet over medium heat
Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled veggies make the best side dish and making them in the foil is my favorite. Adding in multiple vegetables in the foil with the broccoli is easy and cooks with so much flavor. Broccoli and cauliflower is the perfect combination.
Yes, you can bake these foil packs in the oven on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. Roasted broccoli cooking time will vary depending on the size of the broccoli and your oven.
Yes. You can place the broccoli in a foil packet if you prefer softer broccoli or want to prevent pieces from falling through the grill.
Fresh broccoli works best. Frozen broccoli releases moisture and won’t get the same crispy edges.
Grilled Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli (cut in large florets, $2.77)
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil ($0.60)
- ½ lemon (juiced, $0.34)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder ($0.07)
- ½ tsp Salt ($0.01)
- ½ tsp Pepper ($0.05)
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 Tablespoons olive oil, the juice of ½ lemon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Add 1 lb broccoli florets to the bowl and toss to fully coat the broccoli in the olive oil mixture. Let the broccoli marinate while the grill preheats.
- Preheat a grill over medium-high heat.
- Place the marinated broccoli directly on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping every few minutes, until the broccoli is tender and slightly charred. Make sure to keep the lid closed on the grill while not flipping the broccoli.
- Remove the broccoli from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Place the marinated broccoli in a sealed foil packet. Place directly on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until tender. Watch the broccoli while grilling. If it is charring too quickly and not getting tender, reduce the grill heat to low and continue cooking until tender.
Nutrition Facts
More Easy Grilled Side Dish Recipes
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