Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan broccoli with crispy bacon is a delicious side dish that combines tender broccoli florets in a rich, cheesy sauce with savory bacon bits. It’s perfect for a comforting meal addition that pairs well with various mains.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli and Bacon
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon slices until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet to add flavor to the dish.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet with bacon drippings, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously. Let it come to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly over approximately 5 minutes while stirring.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream mixture. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Broccoli and Bacon: Add the fresh broccoli florets and the cooked, crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet. Mix well to ensure the broccoli and bacon are thoroughly coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan broccoli with bacon warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce may be less thick.
- You can use pre-cooked or leftover bacon to save time.
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor; avoid pre-grated cheese with additives.
- Ensure not to overcook broccoli to retain some crispness and bright green color.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or as part of a holiday dinner spread.
