Creamy Garlic Broccoli Bacon

This creamy garlic parmesan broccoli and bacon dish transforms ordinary broccoli into an indulgent, irresistible side that even vegetable skeptics will devour. The combination of crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and rich, cheesy sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors that's both comforting and impressive.

I first made this for my family during a holiday gathering when I needed a quick side dish that would appeal to everyone. It disappeared faster than the main course and has been requested at every family dinner since.

Ingredients

• Bacon: Roughly chopped. The savory crispness contrasts beautifully with the tender broccoli. Look for thick cut bacon for best results.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps build flavor in the base of the sauce. Use unsalted to control salt levels.
• Onion: Diced. Provides a sweet aromatic foundation. Choose yellow onions for their mild flavor.
• Garlic: Finely chopped. The star flavor component. Fresh cloves yield the best flavor versus pre minced.
• Light cream: Creates the silky sauce base without being too heavy. Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly.
• Cornstarch: Mixed with water creates the perfect consistency without hours of reduction time.
• Broccoli: Florets. The star vegetable. Look for deep green heads with tight florets for maximum freshness.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning. Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference.
• Shredded mozzarella: Provides that irresistible stretchy cheese pull. Grate your own for best melting.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp savory notes that balance the creamy sauce. Freshly grated has superior flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Broiler:

Set your oven broiler to medium heat if possible. Position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source to prevent burning while ensuring proper browning.

Cook Bacon:

Fry the chopped bacon in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat until perfectly crispy. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes depending on your bacon thickness. The bacon will release its flavorful fat which will form the foundation of your sauce.

Prepare The Skillet:

Drain most of the bacon fat leaving just 1 to 2 tablespoons in the pan. This retained fat carries incredible flavor that will infuse throughout the dish. Add butter and onions to the pan and cook for 2 minutes until translucent while scraping up any browned bacon bits from the bottom.

Cook Broccoli:

Add the broccoli florets to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes stirring occasionally until the broccoli turns vibrant green. The goal is to begin softening while maintaining some structure.

Add Garlic:

Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Adding garlic later prevents burning which would create bitterness in your sauce.

Create The Cream Sauce:

Pour in the cream and reduce heat to low allowing the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce begins to thicken. If the sauce remains too thin stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.

Combine And Top:

Return the crispy bacon to the pan and stir everything together ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly across the top creating a blanket of cheese that will become golden and bubbly.

Broil To Perfection:

Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes watching carefully until the cheese bubbles and develops golden brown spots. The broccoli should reach your preferred tenderness during this final cooking stage.

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My absolute favorite part of this dish is how the cream sauce captures all the flavors from the pan including those delicious browned bits from the bacon. It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house where she would transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary through careful attention to building flavors.

Storage And Reheating

This creamy broccoli dish will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together. To reheat simply place in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions but the texture of the broccoli may soften further. If the sauce seems too thick when reheating add a splash of milk or cream to restore its silky consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe offers plenty of flexibility depending on what you have available. The light cream can be substituted with half and half for a lighter version or with heavy cream for an even richer result. Dairy-free alternatives like full fat coconut milk will work but will add a subtle coconut flavor. For the cheeses consider using gruyere instead of mozzarella for a more pronounced flavor or fontina for exceptional melting properties. Turkey bacon can replace regular bacon for a lighter option though you may need to add a bit more butter to compensate for the reduced fat content.

Make It A Meal

While designed as a side dish this creamy broccoli creation can easily become a complete meal with a few simple additions. Serve it over cooked pasta or rice to transform it into a hearty main course. For additional protein toss in some rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp during the final mixing stage. This dish pairs beautifully with simple grilled meats like chicken or steak letting the creamy broccoli be the star. For a complete comfort food experience serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the broccoli tender?

Simmer the broccoli in the cream sauce for 5-6 minutes or cover the pan with a lid to achieve softer broccoli.

→ Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?

Yes, you can substitute light cream with heavy cream for a richer and thicker sauce.

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Freshly shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese provide the best flavor and texture for a creamy, cheesy finish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare and assemble the dish in advance, then broil it just before serving to keep it fresh and bubbly.

→ Are there any garnish recommendations?

Fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary are excellent options to add a burst of flavor and color.