Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is a rich and savory side dish that blends the crispness of bacon with the creamy goodness of garlic parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make recipe turns ordinary broccoli into a decadent dish, perfect for dinner or as a side to any meal. The combination of bacon, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, along with the creaminess of the sauce, makes this a crowd-pleasing dish that can also be served as a keto-friendly, low-carb main course.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

5oz (150g) bacon, cut into strips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds (1kg) broccoli florets
½ teaspoon salt and fresh cracked pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
5 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons cream cheese
¼ cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable stock
½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
½ cup grated mozzarella

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the bacon in a large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess fat.
Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the broccoli florets. Season with salt and pepper, scraping up any browned bacon bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add the cream, softened cream cheese, chicken stock, half of the grated cheeses, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until smooth and tender.
Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and mix everything together. Top with the remaining grated parmesan and mozzarella.
Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the broccoli is cooked to your liking. For a crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Remove from the oven, season with extra pepper, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 230 kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Potassium: 410mg
Vitamin A: 800 IU
Vitamin C: 90mg
Calcium: 250mg
Iron: 1.2mg

The Appeal of Broccoli in Creamy Dishes

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces, and this recipe is no exception. When cooked properly, broccoli retains its crunch while absorbing the flavors around it. The addition of a creamy garlic parmesan sauce enhances the natural earthy flavor of the broccoli, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Broccoli is also packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy vegetable choice. The creamy sauce, while indulgent, can still be enjoyed guilt-free in moderation, as it complements the vegetable’s nutritional benefits.

Bacon: The Perfect Complement to Creamy Dishes

Bacon is a key ingredient in this recipe, adding a salty and savory flavor that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the creamy sauce. The crispy texture of the bacon provides a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the dish. Bacon also infuses the sauce with a smoky depth, transforming the broccoli into a more decadent side dish. Additionally, bacon’s popularity as a flavor enhancer makes it an ideal companion to creamy recipes, as it provides an irresistible savory contrast to the richness of the sauce. Whether you’re a bacon enthusiast or just looking for that extra touch of flavor, the addition of bacon in this dish is sure to elevate the experience.

The Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A Flavorful Base

The garlic parmesan sauce in this recipe is what brings it all together, transforming a simple vegetable into a luxurious side dish. The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a bold, savory flavor profile that complements the mildness of the broccoli. Garlic is known for its aromatic qualities and contributes a rich depth to the dish, while parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. The addition of cream and cream cheese makes the sauce smooth and velvety, creating a luscious coating for the broccoli. The mozzarella cheese further enhances the creaminess and adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite of broccoli feel indulgent and satisfying.

Perfecting the Texture: How to Cook the Broccoli

One of the secrets to making this dish truly outstanding is getting the broccoli just right. Overcooking broccoli can result in a mushy texture, which would not pair well with the creamy sauce. To achieve the ideal texture, the broccoli should be cooked just enough to retain its crispness while absorbing the flavors of the sauce. Cooking the broccoli in a skillet with bacon fat and butter helps the vegetable develop a slight caramelization, which adds depth to its flavor. It also gives the broccoli a slightly tender yet still firm texture, creating the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. When baking the dish, the cheese melts over the top, adding a layer of indulgence while helping to finish cooking the broccoli.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

To make the garlic parmesan sauce, the key ingredients—garlic, cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken stock—are combined and simmered together until smooth. Garlic is sautéed in butter, which helps release its aromatic oils and infuse the dish with fragrance. The cream cheese and heavy cream give the sauce its luxurious texture, while the chicken stock helps to thin it out and make it more pourable. As the sauce simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a creamy base that clings to each piece of broccoli. The addition of freshly grated parmesan cheese and mozzarella enhances the richness of the sauce and adds a slightly nutty flavor that perfectly complements the garlic.

Baking for the Perfect Finish

Once the broccoli and sauce are combined in the skillet, the dish is transferred to the oven to bake. Baking helps to melt the cheese on top, creating a bubbly, golden crust that adds both flavor and texture to the dish. The cheese acts as a protective layer, helping to retain the moisture of the broccoli while intensifying the creamy, cheesy flavor. For an extra crispy finish, broiling the dish for the last two minutes of baking ensures a crunchy top that adds a satisfying contrast to the smoothness of the sauce. The final result is a dish with a perfectly balanced texture—crispy cheese on top, creamy sauce coating the broccoli, and crispy bacon mixed throughout.

Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Appeal

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is an excellent choice for those following a keto or low-carb diet. The recipe uses minimal carbohydrates, focusing instead on healthy fats from the cream, cheese, and bacon. Broccoli, being low in carbs and high in fiber, is an ideal vegetable for keto dishes. The rich, creamy sauce adds the necessary indulgence without overloading the dish with unnecessary sugars or carbohydrates. This makes the dish a satisfying, guilt-free option for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, such as steak, chicken, or pork. The richness of the sauce balances beautifully with the savory flavors of roasted or grilled proteins. The dish can also be served alongside a light salad to create a complete meal, especially for those following a low-carb or keto diet. For those who enjoy adding a little more protein to their meal, this dish can even stand alone as a keto-friendly main course, with the bacon providing enough richness and flavor to make it satisfying on its own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is a decadent and flavorful dish that transforms a simple vegetable into an indulgent side. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and crispy bacon creates a savory, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the broccoli. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves rich, comforting flavors. It’s quick and easy to make, yet it feels like a special treat for any occasion. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a new way to enjoy broccoli, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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