Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is the ultimate cheesy, garlicky side dish. Tender broccoli is simmered in a rich cream sauce with parmesan and mozzarella, then topped with crispy bacon and baked until bubbly. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe that turns simple broccoli into pure comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 oz (150g) bacon, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds (1kg) broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella, divided
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Drain excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add butter and melt.
- Add broccoli florets, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, cream cheese, stock, paprika, and half of the parmesan and mozzarella. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Stir bacon back into the skillet. Mix well.
- Sprinkle remaining cheeses over the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and broccoli is tender. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top if desired.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm
Notes
- Freshly grated parmesan melts best and gives richer flavor.
- Frozen broccoli can be used, but thaw and pat dry first.
- For extra sauce, add an additional splash of cream before baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop + Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg