Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon recipe is the ultimate side dish that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular. The combination of crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy garlic sauce is irresistibly delicious. For another fantastic way to enjoy broccoli, try this Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon recipe combines crispy, salty bacon with tender broccoli in a luxuriously rich and cheesy garlic sauce.
- 8 ounces bacon (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups light cream (or for a richer sauce, you can use heavy or thickened cream)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water cornstarch slurry)
- 1 pound broccoli florets (from 2-3 broccoli heads — stems removed)
- 1 pinch salt (to season)
- 1 pinch pepper (to season)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (fresh shredded or grated)
Timing
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
Context: This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon recipe is ready in about 25 minutes, making it roughly 20% faster than many similar creamy side dishes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prep the Ingredients
Cut one large head of broccoli into bite-sized florets. Finely mince 4-5 cloves of garlic. Grate 1 cup of fresh Parmesan cheese and chop 6 slices of thick-cut bacon into small pieces. Having everything measured and ready ensures a smooth cooking process for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon.
Step 2 — Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. This bacon fat will be the flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 3 — Sauté the Broccoli & Garlic
Add the broccoli florets to the hot bacon fat in the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and develop some color. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30-60 seconds more until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 4 — Create the Creamy Base
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and the broccoli to become tender-crisp.
Step 5 — Incorporate the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. For the best texture, use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Step 6 — Season and Finish
Season the creamy sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Stir in most of the reserved crispy bacon, saving a little for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7 — Serve Immediately
Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon is ready! Serve it hot as a decadent side dish or over pasta for a complete meal. Garnish with the remaining bacon and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~14 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~10 g |
| Fat | ~25 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~680 mg |
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon is a rich source of Vitamin C from the broccoli and calcium from the Parmesan. The bacon contributes protein and fat, making this a satisfying side dish or light meal.
Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary with specific brands and preparation methods.
Healthier Alternatives
This creamy garlic parmesan broccoli and bacon recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Turkey Bacon or Pancetta — For a leaner protein, use turkey bacon. For a richer, saltier flavor, try cubed pancetta.
- Chicken or Chickpeas — Swap the bacon for shredded rotisserie chicken or roasted chickpeas to make it a heartier main dish.
- Cauliflower or Broccolini — Use cauliflower florets for a lower-carb option or broccolini for a more tender, elegant vegetable.
- Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Parmesan — A dairy-free alternative that still delivers the essential savory, cheesy flavor to your creamy sauce.
- Cornstarch or Gluten-Free Flour — Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Coconut Milk or Cashew Cream — Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or blended cashews for a rich, dairy-free creaminess.
- Low-Sodium Broth & Bacon — Use low-sodium chicken broth and look for lower-sodium bacon to easily control the salt content.
- Greek Yogurt or Light Cream Cheese — For a tangier, protein-boosted sauce, stir in plain Greek yogurt or light cream cheese at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- For a classic comfort meal, serve this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or alongside garlic herb rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Turn it into a complete protein-packed dinner by pairing it with a simple roasted chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or grilled pork chops.
- Make it the star of a holiday or special occasion spread by serving it in a beautiful baking dish as a decadent, crowd-pleasing side dish.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly plate, enjoy a generous portion of this creamy broccoli and bacon as your main course with a crisp side salad.
- Elevate weeknight pasta by tossing the sauce with cooked fettuccine or penne, creating a rich and vegetable-forward pasta Alfredo.
- Serve it in individual ramekins for an elegant, portion-controlled presentation that keeps the dish hot and creamy until the last bite.
- Add a fresh, crunchy contrast by topping each serving with extra crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or a few red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
This versatile Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon recipe shines as both a comforting side and a satisfying main, easily adapting to casual family dinners or more formal gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Overcooking the broccoli into a mushy, dull-green state. Fix: Blanch or sauté just until bright green and tender-crisp to preserve texture and color.
- Mistake: Using pre-shredded parmesan that contains anti-caking agents. Fix: Always grate a block of real Parmigiano-Reggiano for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.
- Mistake: Adding garlic to hot oil and letting it burn, creating bitterness. Fix: Cook minced garlic over low heat for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Mistake: Not rendering the bacon fat fully before adding other ingredients. Fix: Cook bacon on medium until crisp, then use that flavorful fat as the base for your sauce.
- Mistake: Making the sauce too thick or gloppy with excessive flour or cheese. Fix: Use a roux base and gradually add warm milk or broth, letting the cheese melt gently off the heat.
- Mistake: Seasoning the dish only at the end. Fix: Layer seasoning by salting the broccoli water and sauce base, as bacon and parmesan also add salt.
- Mistake: Combining everything immediately, causing the bacon to soften. Fix: Fold in the crispy bacon just before serving to maintain its satisfying crunch.
- Mistake: Skipping the acid component, leaving the dish one-dimensionally rich. Fix: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine to brighten the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Ensure the dish reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
The creamy sauce may separate slightly after freezing; a good stir during reheating will help restore its texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon is the ultimate easy, decadent side dish. We hope you love its rich, savory flavor as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For another cheesy vegetable bake, check out our Loaded Cauliflower Bake Recipe.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups light cream ((or for a richer sauce, you can use heavy or thickened cream))
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water cornstarch slurry)
- 1 pound broccoli florets (from 2–3 broccoli heads — stems removed)
- 1 pinch salt (to season)
- 1 pinch pepper (to season)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (fresh shredded or grated )
Instructions
- Preheat broiler (on medium heat of you have the option).
- Fry the bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate to soak up some of the oil. Set aside.
- Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons for added flavour (adjust this amount to your liking). In the same pan, melt the butter, add the onion and cook until transparent (about 2 minutes), while scraping up any browned bits leftover from the bacon. Add the broccoli and season with salt and pepper and cook while stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes, or until just turning vibrant in colour.
- Add in the garlic and stir it through the broccoli for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the cream, reduce heat down to low and let simmer for about 3-4 while stirring occasionally, or until the sauce thickens to your liking* (SEE NOTES) (If sauce is too thin, stir in the cornstarch slurry to combine.)
- Add the bacon and give everything a good mix to combine all of the flavours together. Top with the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Broil until cheese is bubbling and golden, and broccoli is done to your liking (about 2-3 minutes).
- Season with a little extra pepper, if desired, before serving. You can also sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, thyme or rosemary.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon ahead. Store the components separately and combine them just before serving to keep the broccoli crisp and the sauce from becoming too thick.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be slightly less rich, but the garlic and Parmesan flavors in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon will still shine through.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting soggy?
Blanch or lightly steam the broccoli until just tender-crisp before adding it to the sauce. Avoid overcooking it in the creamy mixture, as residual heat will continue to soften it.