Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon

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 to fall head over heels! And bonus? It’s low carb!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon

With the Brussels Sprouts version doing the rounds all over the place, a lot of readers have been writing in asking if they can change the sprouts to broccoli. The funny thing is, this is a recipe I grew up with and pretty much one of the only ways we loved broccoli. My mother would make a white sauce from scratch with butter and flour, etc, but to keep us sane in a low carb world, I’ve altered the recipe slightly for gluten free and low carb followers, and also because this version is so much easier.

MY LATEST VIDEOS

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon has everything you love!

1. Bacon ✔
2. Butter ✔
3. Garlic ✔
4. Cream ✔
5. Mozzarella Cheese ✔
6. Parmesan Cheese ✔

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 into 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 and cheese.

The way you cook your broccoli is a personal thing and this recipe is really forgiving in that way.

Prefer tender-crisp broccoli?

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.

Do you prefer 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 Knute or two to ensure softer broccoli pieces.

REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO CAFE DELITES NEWSLETTER FOR FREE AND RECEIVE FRESH RECIPE NOTIFICATIONS DELIVERED INTO YOUR INBOX!

If you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #cafedelites on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured! FOLLOW CAFE DELITES ON FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER FOR ALL OF THE LATEST CONTENT, RECIPES AND UPDATES.

5 from 2 votes

Print

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

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 to fall head over heels! And bonus? It’s low carb!

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 people

Author: Karina

Ingredients

• 8 ounces 250 grams bacon roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion diced
• 5 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups 400 ml 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 (500 grams) broccoli florets, from 2-3 broccoli heads -- stems removed
• Salt and pepper to season
• 1/2 cup fresh shredded or grated mozzarella
• 1/3 cup fresh shredded or grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

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.

Recipe 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.

© 2017 CAFE DELITES. All rights reserved. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to share this recipe, please provide a link back to this post for the original recipe.