Bright, creamy, and full of savory bacon flavor, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon turns simple broccoli into a rich, comforting side dish. The broccoli stays tender-crisp, the garlic smells fragrant, and the Parmesan melts into a silky sauce that coats every floret. It’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday plates.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 420 kcal
- Protein: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
Why Make This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
This dish is fast, comforting, and full of flavor. The creamy sauce is rich and silky, the Parmesan adds a nutty saltiness, and the bacon brings smoky crunch. It makes a great vegetable side that feels indulgent but is still mostly broccoli. You get a mix of textures—crisp-tender florets and crispy bacon—plus warm garlic aroma. It’s an easy way to get veggies on the table that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
You’ll cook the bacon first to render its fat and add crisp texture. Sauté the broccoli briefly in the hot fat for browning and flavor. Add garlic, then pour in heavy cream and simmer until it thickens slightly. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan for a creamy, cohesive sauce. Chop the bacon and fold it back in. Finish with a squeeze of pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor. While the bacon cooks, trim the broccoli into bite-size florets and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sautéing
If the skillet looks very dry, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Cook until the broccoli starts to become tender and bright green with slight browning.
Step 3: Simmering
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Finishing
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chop the cooked bacon and stir it back into the creamy broccoli. Serve hot, garnished with crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
Serve this dish warm as a flavorful side. It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, or baked salmon. Spoon it over rice or pasta for a richer main course. For a holiday spread, offer it alongside mashed potatoes and a roast. Add a lemon wedge on the side for bright contrast.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce firms up. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
- Freezing: Not ideal because cream sauces can separate. You can freeze for up to 1 month in a well-sealed container, but texture may change. Thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese may contain anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli. Aim for tender-crisp to keep bright color and good texture.
- Watch the garlic closely. Add it toward the end of the sauté to avoid a bitter, burnt taste.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce it. For faster thickening, stir in a small slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water).
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce before serving.
- Use the bacon fat for sautéing to get deeper flavor. If you prefer less fat, drain most of it and use the olive oil.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add 1 cup sliced mushrooms sautéed until brown, or use smoked paprika for a smoky note.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and add 1 tablespoon butter to maintain richness.
- Cheesy Twist: Swap half the Parmesan for grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a different cheese profile.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or use more crushed red pepper flakes.
- One-pan Meal: Add cooked, shredded chicken to turn this into a creamy main dish over rice or pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli first, or cook it a bit longer in the skillet. Frozen broccoli releases more water, so finish the sauce over higher heat to evaporate excess liquid.
Q: Will the cream curdle when I heat it?
A: Heavy cream is stable at simmering temperatures if you heat gently. Avoid boiling rapidly. If using lighter creams, heat slowly and avoid high temperature to reduce risk of separation.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Prepare the dish and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce. Add fresh bacon or crisp extra bacon in the oven to restore crunch.
Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium bacon, cut back on added salt, and choose a lower-sodium hard cheese or use less Parmesan. Fresh lemon and herbs add flavor without adding salt.
Q: What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently and add a little milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving works in short bursts, stirring between each burst for even heating.
Q: Can I bake this in the oven?
A: Yes. After preparing the creamy broccoli and stirring in bacon, transfer to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is a quick, comforting side that brings rich, savory flavors to the table. The sauce is silky, the broccoli stays bright and tender-crisp, and the bacon adds a satisfying crunch. Give it a try for weeknights or special meals—you’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something memorable. For another take and extra inspiration, see this version at Creamy Broccoli & Bacon – Cafe Delites.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
Description
Bright, creamy, and full of savory bacon flavor, this dish turns simple broccoli into a rich, comforting side dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday plates.
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel to drain, keeping the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- If the skillet looks very dry, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until tender and bright green with slight browning.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then chop the bacon and stir it back into the creamy broccoli.
Notes
Serve warm as a flavorful side with roasted meats or over rice/pasta. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
