Have you ever tried grilling broccoli on a BBQ or grill? If not, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. This grilled broccoli recipe turned out to be an unexpected favorite after a week of testing summer grilling ideas. We had extra heads of broccoli in the fridge and decided to experiment. If it failed, we planned to finish it in the oven—but it didn’t need rescuing. The result was a crowd-pleasing side everyone on our team loved: easy to make, full of flavor, and perfectly charred.
Grilled Broccoli Recipe
We decided to try grilling broccoli slices and were delighted by the results. The marinade and the high-heat sear created crispy, charred edges while keeping the interior tender. The finished dish, topped with melted cheddar, was a hit with both kids and adults. Serve it alongside ribs, brisket, or grilled chicken, or enjoy it as a simple, flavorful summer side.
Watch Video: Grilled Broccoli Recipe
Crispy Broccoli Loaded with Flavor
The charred, crispy edges combined with a garlicky, herb-forward marinade make this grilled broccoli addictive. The cheese sprinkled on top adds creamy richness that balances the smoky notes. It’s one of those grilled vegetable dishes that converts skeptics—quick to prepare and impressive to serve. Try it at your next barbecue and see how fast the platter disappears.
Grilled Garlic Broccoli with Cheese
Two methods work well: blanching before grilling for a more tender result, or grilling without blanching if you prefer a firmer bite. We found most tasters preferred blanching first.
If you’d rather not manage individual slabs, a grill basket makes the process easy: toss the broccoli in, season, and grill.
Review
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) broccoli , cut into thick slices
- 1/4 cup (56 ml) oil
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried oregano , basil or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) lemon pepper seasoning or seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt , or to taste
- black pepper , to taste
- 1/2 cup (57 g) grated cheddar cheese
- optional , lemon wedges for serving
Equipment
-
Grill
-
Grill Brush, optional
-
Grill Basket, optional
Instructions
-
*Optional – see head note: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and quickly blanch the broccoli slices for about 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, then pat the broccoli dry to remove excess moisture.
-
Preheat the grill to medium-high to high heat and clean the grates so the broccoli gets good contact.
-
In a bowl, whisk together oil, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, lemon pepper or seasoning salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to make the marinade.
-
Brush the marinade over both sides of each broccoli slice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Place the marinated broccoli on the grill and cook about 2–4 minutes per side, until nicely charred and the edges are crisp.
-
Arrange the broccoli on a platter and sprinkle with grated cheddar while it’s still hot so the cheese melts. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Favorite BBQs & Tools for Smoking and Grilling:
A few helpful tools and quality fuel make grilling easier and more enjoyable.
The fast and reliable way to light lump charcoal or briquettes.
Burns hot and long, adding great flavor without constant attention—our preferred fuel for smoking and grilling.
A well-balanced sauce with sweetness, spice, and heat—great on meats and a handy pantry staple.
Why is the broccoli tough and chewy?
If your broccoli is tough after grilling, it may not have been blanched first, or the grill heat was too high. Blanching briefly and then grilling helps the interior cook while high flames can char the outside before the inside is tender. Reduce the heat if the exterior is charring too quickly.
What to serve with grilled broccoli?
- Chop and toss into a warm salad or serve it as a simple side alongside your favorite grilled meats, seafood, or chicken.
- Use the grilled broccoli in a vegetarian sandwich or burger with cheese, mayo, lettuce, and tomato for a satisfying meat-free option.
- Pair it with grilled ribs, brisket, or chicken to add a bright, smoky vegetable side to the plate.
More Easy Recipes
- Skillet creamy garlic chicken with broccoli
- Low fat chicken and broccoli stir fry
- Microwave cheesy broccoli
- Great Broccoli Recipes
- Awesome Summer Recipes