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Creamy Broccoli & Bacon in a garlic parmesan sauce is a delicious way to use broccoli and perfect to serve as a side dish!

Pan fried broccoli and crispy bacon are baked into a cheesy creamy parmesan garlic sauce topped with bubbling mozzarella. Creamy broccoli and bacon is guaranteed to convert ANY non-vegetable lover into a full-blown enthusiast! The bonus? It’s both keto approved and low carb.

Delicious Creamy Broccoli bake in a large skillet with a tablespoon resting inside the pan.

CREAMY BROCCOLI

Here at Cafe Delites, we love a bake. Whether it’s a Chicken and Corn Enchilada Bake or a Cheesy Chicken and Roasted Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Bake, we’re all for it! Recently, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts version has been doing the rounds and a lot of readers have been writing in to ask if they can swap out the sprouts for broccoli.

The funny thing is, this is a recipe I grew up with and one of the only ways I would eat broccoli. My mother would make a white sauce from scratch with butter and flour, but to keep things low carb, I’ve altered the recipe slightly for gluten free and low carb followers. Also, this version is MUCH easier.

Close up image of creamy broccoli and bacon on a fork.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

This creamy broccoli recipe has everything you love!

  • Bacon
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Cream
  • Mozzarella Cheese
  • Parmesan Cheese

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY BROCCOLI

Fry the bacon in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Use some of the bacon fat for added flavour to cook the onion.
Scrape up any browned bits leftover from the bacon and add the broccoli.
Sauté garlic with the broccoli until fragrant.
Pour in the cream, add the bacon back in.
Top with the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and broil until cheese is bubbling and golden.

Zoom in image of creamy broccoli bake with bacon sprinkled on top.

CRISP BROCCOLI

The way you cook your broccoli is a personal thing and this recipe is really forgiving in that way. Simmer it in the cream sauce for only 2-3 minutes before broiling in the oven. Remember, the longer you cook it, the softer it gets.

SOFT BROCCOLI

For softer broccoli, simmer for at least 6 minutes in the sauce before broiling. You can also cover with a lid for a minute or two to ensure softer broccoli pieces.

Close up image of the bake in a skillet.

CREAMY BROCCOLI SAUCE

No flour or béchamel sauce needed. For readers using a reduced fat or light cream, you have the option to thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) before adding to the sauce; however, if you use heavy cream you won’t need to thicken it. Just simmer it until reaching your desired thickness.

You can also swap out mozzarella cheese for other cheese. Some options include Provolone, White Cheddar, Gruyere, or even Swiss. A pimped out version of Broccoli Cheese Soup, you will love it!

TO SERVE

Serve Creamy Broccoli and Bacon as a side to any main like Roast Beef Tenderloin, Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken, and Pork Roast with Crackle. Alternatively, serve as a comfort dish with dipping breads like our Individual Garlic Cheese breads, No Knead Artisan Bread or Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits.

BROCCOLI RECIPE ON VIDEO!

MORE BROCCOLI RECIPES

Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli & Green Beans
Mongolian Beef And Broccoli
Crispy Broccoli Parmesan Fritters
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pumpkin Alfredo

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5 from 26 votes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon is an unforgettable side dish! Pan fried broccoli and crispy bacon are baked in a cheesy creamy parmesan garlic sauce! Topped with bubbling mozzarella, this recipe is guaranteed to convert ANY non-vegetable lover.
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Ingredients 
 

  • 8 ounces bacon roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups light cream (or for a richer sauce, you can use heavy or thickened cream)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water cornstarch slurry
  • 1 pound broccoli florets from 2-3 broccoli heads -- stems removed
  • 1 pinch salt to season
  • 1 pinch pepper to season
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese fresh shredded or grated

Instructions 

  • Preheat broiler (on medium heat of you have the option).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.)
  • 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). 
  • Season with a little extra pepper, if desired, before serving. You can also sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, thyme or rosemary.

Notes

*For tender-crisp broccoli, simmer it in the cream sauce for 3 minutes before broiling in the oven. Remember, the longer you cook it, the softer it gets.
*For softer broccoli, simmer for at least 5-6 minutes in the sauce before broiling. You can also cover with a lid for a minute or two to ensure softer broccoli pieces.

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 260mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 975IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!
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Hey Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you! My name is Karina. Welcome to Cafe Delites, my beloved space for the last 10 years where my passion for food has flourished and connected millions!

5 from 26 votes

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56 Comments

  1. Robert says:

    5 stars
    These recipes are so creative and in a league of their own. TY much