Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon roughly chopped
250 g
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion diced
- 5 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups light cream
400 ml
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water cornstarch slurry
- 1 pound broccoli florets
from 2-3 broccoli heads -- stems removed, 500 g
- Salt and pepper to season
- 1/2 cup fresh shredded or grated mozzarella
- 1/3 cup fresh shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- 1
Preheat broiler (on medium heat of you have the option).
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.)
- 5
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).
- 6
Season with a little extra pepper, if desired, before serving. You can also sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, thyme or rosemary.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 27 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, deeply flavorful side dish that comes together quickly, or perhaps a satisfying light meal? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon recipe delivers an indulgent experience with straightforward ingredients and minimal effort, proving that gourmet taste doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
This recipe truly shines by leveraging a few simple, yet powerful, flavor foundations. The crispy, savory bacon provides a crucial counterpoint to the tender broccoli, while the generous amounts of fresh garlic infuse the entire dish with an irresistible aroma and depth. A velvety cream sauce, enriched with both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ties everything together, creating a luxurious coating for every floret.
What you'll experience is tender-crisp broccoli florets bathed in a rich, decadent sauce that's bursting with savory garlic and the smoky, salty notes of bacon. The combination of mozzarella lends a lovely melt and stretch, while the Parmesan adds its signature tangy, nutty punch. Each spoonful offers a satisfying texture contrast, from the slight bite of the broccoli to the creamy smoothness of the sauce and the occasional crisp piece of bacon. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a special treat, yet is surprisingly easy to master.
Feel free to adjust the richness of the sauce to your preference; the recipe is versatile enough to accommodate either light cream or a more indulgent heavy or thickened cream. For an extra cheesy kick, you could also experiment with a different blend of melting cheeses, though the mozzarella and Parmesan combination is truly divine.
This versatile dish makes an incredible accompaniment to roasted chicken, seared pork chops, or grilled steak, easily elevating any weeknight dinner. It's also substantial enough to be enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian main course if you omit the bacon, or a hearty lunch all on its own.