Creamy Broccoli & Bacon

Creamy Broccoli & Bacon in a rich garlic parmesan sauce is the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight. Crisp-tender broccoli meets crispy bacon, all baked in a velvety, cheesy sauce and finished with a golden layer of bubbling mozzarella: pure comfort in every bite.

This creamy broccoli recipe is a game-changer whether you’re a veggie lover or not. It’s low carb, keto-friendly, and irresistibly indulgent. Looking for an easy creamed broccoli dish that delivers big flavor? This broccoli with parmesan has you covered.

What Makes This Creamy Broccoli Work

The beauty of this creamy broccoli dish is all in the balance: tender-crisp broccoli paired with smoky bacon, all smothered in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce that hugs every bite. Topped with melted mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbly, it’s comfort food with serious flavor.

What makes it even better? It’s rich and satisfying without feeling too heavy, and totally fits into a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Whether you’re craving an easy creamed broccoli side or a stand-alone dish, this creamy broccoli recipe delivers bold, cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.

What Goes Into Creamy Broccoli

This Creamy Broccoli & Bacon dish comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that create a big, comforting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:

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• Bacon: Smoky, salty bacon adds rich flavor and crispy texture that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli provides a tender crunch and soaks up all that cheesy garlic goodness.
• Light Cream: The base of the sauce—smooth, velvety, and just rich enough. You can use heavy cream for a more indulgent version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and a nutty sharpness that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurement.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli

1. Preheat and Prep: Set your broiler to medium heat. Have all your ingredients ready, and chop the broccoli into florets if you haven’t already.

2. Cook the Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet, fry the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.

3. Sauté Onion and Broccoli: Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving 1 to 2 tablespoons in the pan. Melt the butter, then add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.

4. Add Broccoli and Season: Stir in the broccoli florets and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli turns bright green.

5. Stir in Garlic and Cream: Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the cream, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 4 minutes.

6. Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until it thickens to your liking.

7. Combine Bacon and Cheese: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and mix everything well. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.

8. Broil and Serve: Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Season with extra pepper and fresh herbs if desired.

This rich and cheesy side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Try it with Garlic Butter Prime Rib or Simple Crispy Roast Chicken for a balanced, satisfying dinner. The creamy sauce also complements Easy Honey Garlic Pork Chops or a simple Grilled Steak, cutting through the richness with its garlicky bite.

For a lighter pairing, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted tomatoes to add brightness and contrast. You can even spoon it over cauliflower mash or enjoy it with low-carb garlic bread for a complete keto-friendly meal.