Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon combines tender broccoli and crispy bacon in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s a simple, flavorful dish perfect for quick dinners or as a delicious side for any meal.
Ingredients
- 5oz (150g) bacon, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds (1kg) broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Fry the bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Melt the butter in the same skillet, then add broccoli florets. Season with salt and pepper, scraping up browned bacon bits from the bottom. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the minced garlic and stir through the broccoli for one minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, chicken stock, half the grated Parmesan and mozzarella, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until the sauce is smooth and broccoli is tender.
- Step 5: Return the fried bacon to the skillet and mix well to combine flavors. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and broccoli is cooked to your liking. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove from oven, season with extra pepper, and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra tender broccoli, blanch florets in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain before cooking.
- This creamy parmesan sauce pairs well with other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
- You can use frozen steamable broccoli by microwaving as per package instructions, draining well, then following the recipe.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a few drops of water to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes. Use frozen steamable broccoli microwaved according to package instructions and drained well, or thaw frozen broccoli in cold water and drain thoroughly before using.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
Absolutely. This dish is low in carbs and can be enjoyed as a keto-friendly main course or side dish.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon recipe features tender broccoli and crispy bacon cooked in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for quick dinners or as a flavorful side dish, it’s gluten-free, keto-friendly, and low-carb. The dish is cooked in a single skillet and finished off in the oven to create a bubbly, cheesy topping with a golden crust.
Ingredients
Meat
- 5oz (150g) bacon, cut into strips
Vegetables
- 2 pounds (1kg) broccoli florets
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella
Other
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon strips in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Sauté Broccoli: Drain most bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add broccoli florets and season with salt and pepper. Scrape up browned bacon bits and cook while stirring occasionally for about 6 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Cream Sauce: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream, softened cream cheese, chicken stock, half the grated parmesan and mozzarella, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until tender and sauce is smooth.
- Combine Bacon: Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and mix well to combine flavors.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top of the broccoli and bacon mixture.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and broccoli is cooked to your liking. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Final Touches and Serve: Remove from oven, season with extra pepper, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra tender broccoli, blanch florets in boiling water for 3 minutes before sautéing.
- This creamy Parmesan sauce also works well with other vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
- Frozen steamable broccoli can be used; cook according to package instructions, drain well, then proceed with recipe.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a few drops of water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cream garlic parmesan broccoli bacon, creamy broccoli recipe, bacon side dish, low carb broccoli bacon, keto broccoli recipe, cheesy broccoli with bacon, easy broccoli recipe
