Learn how to cook frozen mixed veggies so that you can whip up some simple and tasty side dishes at a moment's notice! I'll show you how to prepare them using several different methods, so you can choose the one that works the best for you! You'll even get some tips and tricks to go with it!
Best Ways To Cook Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Using frozen veggies is not only simple but also incredibly budget-friendly and economical. You can keep them stashed in your freezer for a long time so that you will always have them on hand when you need them.
I'm going to walk you through several different ways of whipping up some mixed veggies, as well as give you some tips and tricks! Choose your preferred method and get ready to eat!
Jump to:
- Best Ways To Cook Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- What Comes In Frozen Mixed Veggies
- How To Make Frozen Veggies Taste Better
- How To Use Frozen Vegetables In Recipes
- How To Cook Frozen Vegetables On The Stovetop
- How To Roast Frozen Vegetables In The Oven
- How To Cook Frozen Vegetables In The Microwave
- How To Cook Frozen Vegetables In An Air Fryer
- Tips For Cooking Frozen Vegetables
- ❓ Recipe FAQs
- 🌽 🥔 😋 More Easy Side Dishes
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Reviews
Don't forget to check out my other guides on how to cook frozen corn, how to cook frozen green beans, and how to cook frozen peas! All of these can be used in my tasty frozen veggie stir-fry!
What Comes In Frozen Mixed Veggies
Vegetable medley bags are not all exactly the same and don't all contain the same veggies. You will commonly see them with diced carrots, sweet corn, peas, and green beans.
Not only does this combination of veggies offer a variety of flavors, but they have tons of different textures as well! Since this mixture is so flexible, you can easily add in any of your other favorite vegetables as well.
Try adding some diced bell peppers, diced zucchini, broccoli florets, or diced onions!
How To Make Frozen Veggies Taste Better
Of course, you can cook your frozen vegetables exactly as they are. However, adding in some extra ingredients can easily make them extra flavorful! Here are some ideas for delicious add-ins.
- Ranch Seasoning - Add a teaspoon of dry ranch mix for a kid-approved veggie side dish.
- Chicken Broth - Boiling your veggies in chicken broth or just adding a splash to your skillet can add flavor.
- Butter - Using butter is a great way to saute your frozen vegetables.
- Garlic - Minced garlic is a tasty addition.
- Parmesan - Finely grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled over your veggies immediately before serving.
- Seasonings - Some great options are salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
How To Use Frozen Vegetables In Recipes
You can easily add some frozen mixed veggies to tons of recipes! Try it out in your favorite soups and stews straight from frozen. Depending on the recipe, you may want to thaw them before using them in dishes such as casseroles, fried rice, and stir-fries.
As always, the recipe you are following will give the best instructions for how to incorporate your frozen vegetables.
How To Cook Frozen Vegetables On The Stovetop
The stovetop is my favorite way to prepare frozen veggies! You can boil them first in chicken broth for added flavor or saute them straight from frozen.
- *Optional* Heat 1 cup of chicken broth in a large skillet until it begins to simmer. Then, add 16 ounces of frozen veggies and cook until heated through. Drain the broth and return to the skillet.
- Add. Add your frozen veggies to a large skillet (if you skipped step 1), as well as 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
- Cook. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies are coated, and everything is heated.
- Serve. Remove the vegetables from the heat and add any seasonings if desired, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
How To Roast Frozen Vegetables In The Oven
Another way to enjoy frozen veggies is by roasting them in the oven! It is quick and easy and frees up space on the stovetop.
- Preheat. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C/Gas Mark 6) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread. Spread your still-frozen vegetables over the prepared baking sheet.
- Season. Toss the veggies with a drizzle of olive oil and your desired seasonings.
- Cook. Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown, flipping every 10 minutes.
How To Cook Frozen Vegetables In The Microwave
Using the microwave to cook your veggies is quick and convenient. However, it is not as easy to add extra ingredients.
- Prepare. Place your frozen mixed veggies into a microwave-safe container with a lid.
- Water. Add a couple of tablespoons of water (for softer veggies), if desired, and close the lid.
- Cook. Microwave on high power for 4-5 minutes.
- Repeat. Stir and repeat the process 2 more times, or until the veggies are hot and cooked through.
- Serve. Stir in any desired seasonings and serve.
How To Cook Frozen Vegetables In An Air Fryer
Using an air fryer is quick and will give you a similar result as the oven. Plus, you don't have to wait for the oven to preheat!
- Prepare. Lightly oil your air fryer basket.
- Season. Toss your frozen vegetables with some olive oil and your preferred seasonings. Then, add them to the air fryer basket.
- Cook. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Tips For Cooking Frozen Vegetables
- While sauteing your frozen vegetables, you can add a handful of fresh spinach.
- You can use any fresh herbs that you may have on hand. Some great options include rosemary, thyme, and chives.
- Overcooking your veggies can easily cause them to become mushy. Remove them from the heat when they are crisp-tender.
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❓ Recipe FAQs
Yes! Vegetables are frozen at the peak of freshness, so they tend to retain most of their nutrients.
In most cases, you can use frozen mixed veggies straight out of the freezer with no need to thaw them. If adding them to a dish, make sure you read what is recommended in the recipe (but it is usually okay to use them straight from frozen).
Each of these methods has its own pros and cons. My preferred way to cook frozen veggies is on the stovetop because I can easily add extra ingredients. However, the oven and air fryer are great for crispy veggies, and the microwave is very convenient! It all depends on your preferences.
🌽 🥔 😋 More Easy Side Dishes
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes - Creamy mashed potatoes that are loaded with cream cheese.
- Microwave Corn On The Cob - A quick, simple, and effortless way to prepare corn on the cob.
- Caesar Salad - A classic salad that pairs well with any dish.
- Pasta Salad - A chilled pasta dish that features homemade Italian dressing.
- Cheesy Baked Asparagus - Asparagus spears are smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and then baked in the oven.
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes - Bite-sized potatoes are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
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📖 Recipe Card
How To Cook Frozen Mixed Veggies
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen mixed veggies
- 1 cup chicken broth (optional)
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
Stovetop
- *Optional* Heat 1 cup chicken broth in a large skillet until it begins to simmer. Then, add 16 oz frozen mixed veggies and cook until heated through. Drain the broth and return to the skillet.
- Add your frozen veggies to a large skillet (if you skipped step 1), as well as 2 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon garlic.
- Cook over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies are coated and everything is heated.
- Remove the vegetables from the heat and add any seasonings if desired, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C/Gas Mark 6) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread your still-frozen vegetables over the prepared baking sheet.
- Toss the veggies with a drizzle of olive oil and your desired seasonings.
- Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown, flipping every 10 minutes.
Microwave
- Place your frozen mixed veggies into a microwave-safe container with a lid.
- Add a couple of tablespoons of water (for softer veggies), if desired, and close the lid.
- Microwave on high power for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir and repeat the process 2 more times, or until the veggies are hot and cooked through.
- Stir in any desired seasonings and serve.
Air Fryer
- Lightly oil your air fryer basket.
- Toss your frozen vegetables with some olive oil and your preferred seasonings. Then, add them to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
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