Creamy Broccoli & Bacon – You know how broccoli gets a bad rap? It’s like the vegetable world’s underdog. For years, I was firmly in the “broccoli is boring” camp—until this recipe happened. It all started one lazy Sunday when I was rummaging through my fridge, trying to come up with something that didn’t scream leftovers again. I had some broccoli that needed saving, a few strips of bacon (because there’s always bacon, right?), and a random craving for something cheesy.
I didn’t have a plan, just a skillet and a dream. And honestly? I wasn’t expecting much. But as the bacon sizzled and the garlic hit the pan, I started to feel optimistic. By the time the cheese was bubbling under the broiler, I knew I was onto something. My husband, who usually tolerates broccoli at best, went back for thirds. Yes, thirds. Now this Creamy Broccoli & Bacon is on regular rotation in our house—and I’m officially a broccoli believer.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli & Bacon Recipe?
- It’s Broccoli, But Better: Broccoli gets a makeover with bacon, garlic, and cheesy goodness.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for when you need something on the table fast (hello, 30 minutes).
- Customizable: Want more veggies? Less cream? It’s super adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist when bacon and cheese are involved.
Ingredient Notes:
This dish is all about balance—simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s the lowdown:
- Bacon: The salty, crispy foundation of this recipe. It’s like the supporting actor that steals the show.
- Broccoli: The star of the dish! Fresh florets work best, but if frozen is what you’ve got, no judgment here.
- Garlic: Five cloves might sound like a lot, but it gives the sauce that bold, savory kick.
- Light Cream: Keeps the sauce rich but not too heavy. Heavy cream works if you’re feeling indulgent (and why not?).
- Cheese Duo: Mozzarella for the melt-factor and parmesan for that sharp, nutty flavor. Together, they’re unstoppable.
Pro Tip: Keep a little of that bacon fat in the pan—it’s liquid gold for flavor. Too much? Spoon some out. Too little? Add a bit of butter.
How To Make Creamy Broccoli & Bacon?
This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it forever. Here’s the game plan:
- Cook the Bacon:
Start by frying the chopped bacon in a large oven-safe skillet until it’s golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. If you’re anything like me, you’ll sneak a piece or two—it’s impossible not to. - Prepare the Broccoli:
Drain most of the bacon fat, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the skillet. Melt the butter, toss in the diced onion, and cook until it’s soft and fragrant. Add the broccoli florets, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté for a few minutes until they turn that gorgeous bright green. - Make the Sauce:
Stir in the garlic and let it cook just long enough to release its aroma. Pour in the cream, lower the heat, and let it simmer for a few minutes. If the sauce looks a little thin, stir in the cornstarch slurry—it’s a simple trick that works wonders. - Combine and Top:
Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and give everything a good stir. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, making sure to cover the broccoli evenly. - Broil to Perfection:
Pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes, just until the cheese is bubbling and golden. This step is quick, so don’t walk away—you don’t want to miss that perfect moment. - Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, take a second to admire your masterpiece. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme for a little extra flair, then serve it up while it’s hot and cheesy.
Storage Options:
If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely, but hey, miracles happen), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for the best results, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Freezing isn’t ideal because cream sauces can separate, but honestly, this dish is so good, you probably won’t have to worry about storing it.
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Swap the Bacon: Pancetta or turkey bacon works just as well.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach would be great additions.
- Try Different Cheeses: Cheddar, Gruyère, or even goat cheese would add a unique twist.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute—it’s still delicious!
What to Serve with Creamy Broccoli & Bacon?
This dish is versatile enough to pair with just about anything. Here’s what I like to serve it with:
- Grilled Chicken: A simple protein that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Rice or Quinoa: These soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs + cheese = happiness.
- Crisp Salad: A light, tangy salad adds a refreshing balance to the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid excess water in the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure! Prep everything up to the broiling step, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, broil it until bubbly and hot.
What cream works best?
Light cream is a great balance of richness without being too heavy, but heavy cream is perfect if you’re feeling indulgent.
So, what do you think? Ready to turn broccoli into the hero of your dinner table? This Creamy Broccoli & Bacon recipe is cozy, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out—let me know if you add your own twist!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Creamy Broccoli & Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion small, diced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups light cream or heavy cream for a richer sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 1 pound broccoli florets from 2–3 heads, stems removed
- 1 pinch salt to season
- 1 pinch black pepper to season
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated or shredded
Instructions
Preheat the Broiler:
- Preheat your broiler to medium heat if the option is available. This will allow the dish to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing it to drain.
Prepare the Broccoli:
- Drain most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving approximately 1–2 tablespoons for flavor. Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Incorporate the diced onion, cooking until it becomes translucent (about 2 minutes). Add the broccoli florets, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green.
Add Garlic and Cream:
- Stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to become fragrant (approximately 30 seconds). Pour in the cream, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken. If the sauce is too thin, incorporate the cornstarch slurry, mixing well until the desired consistency is achieved.
Combine and Top with Cheese:
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the broccoli and cream sauce. Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top of the dish.
Broil the Dish:
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Be vigilant during this step to prevent over-browning.
Season and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the broiler and season with additional black pepper, if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately.
Notes
