Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bacon is a savory, indulgent side dish that combines crisp bacon, tender broccoli, and a rich garlic cream sauce, all finished with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan. This dish is the perfect marriage of comfort and flavor, ideal for pairing with roasted meats, pasta, or even serving as a low-carb main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe elevates everyday broccoli into a decadent and irresistible dish that even non-vegetable lovers will enjoy. The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and garlicky undertones delivers bold flavor in every bite. With its quick stovetop preparation and short broil time, it’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 ounces bacon, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 onion, diced

• 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 ½ cups light cream (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)

• 1 ½ 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

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded or grated

directions

1. Preheat broiler to medium heat, if adjustable.

2. Cook the bacon: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Drain excess fat: Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan for flavor.

4. Sauté the onion: Add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes until translucent, scraping up any browned bits.

5. Add the broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broccoli begins to turn vibrant green.

6. Add garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the cream and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thin, stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer until it thickens.

8. Combine and top with cheese: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and mix well. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.

9. Broil: Place the skillet under the broiler and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.

10. Serve: Season with extra pepper and garnish with chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary, if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350–400 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Omit bacon and add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for umami flavor.

• Add protein: Include shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked sausage for a more filling dish.

• Low-fat option: Use milk with a touch of cornstarch instead of cream, and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.

• Different cheeses: Swap mozzarella with fontina or provolone, and use Pecorino Romano instead of parmesan.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and drain it thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

What type of cream is best for this recipe?

Light cream works well, but for a richer flavor, heavy or thickened cream is preferred.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the point of broiling. Cover and refrigerate, then broil just before serving.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Use the cornstarch slurry as directed, or allow the sauce to simmer uncovered a little longer.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and offers better flavor.

What can I serve with this?

It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or can be served over rice, pasta, or baked potatoes.

Can I substitute another vegetable?

Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus would work well as alternatives to broccoli.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as your cornstarch and bacon are gluten-free certified.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning while broiling?

Keep a close eye on the dish and broil for only 2–3 minutes. Broil on medium heat if possible.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger skillet or transfer the mixture to a baking dish before broiling.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bacon is a decadent, comforting side dish that brings together bold flavors and creamy textures in just 30 minutes. Whether served alongside a main course or enjoyed on its own, this rich and savory dish is sure to please. With crispy bacon, cheesy broccoli, and garlicky cream sauce, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy your greens.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bacon

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4–6
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bacon recipe is a rich, cheesy, and indulgent side dish that transforms everyday broccoli into a comforting favorite. Crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce come together under a bubbling mozzarella topping—perfect for holiday tables, family dinners, or keto meals!

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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 heavy/thickened cream for richness)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

• 1 pound broccoli florets (from 2-3 heads, stems removed)

• 1 pinch salt, to taste

• 1 pinch pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded or grated

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Instructions

• Preheat broiler (use medium heat setting if available).

• Cook the Bacon:
  In a large oven-safe skillet, fry chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess fat, leaving 1–2 tablespoons in the pan.

• Sauté the Onion:
  Add butter to the pan. Sauté diced onion in the bacon fat until soft, about 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.

• Cook the Broccoli:
  Add broccoli florets to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just vibrant green.

• Add Garlic and Cream:
  Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to low and pour in the cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If sauce is too thin, add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.

• Combine and Top:
  Return cooked bacon to the pan. Stir everything together, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

• Broil to Finish:
  Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling and broccoli is tender.

• Garnish and Serve:
  Season with extra black pepper and optional fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Serve hot.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth to deglaze the pan.

• Perfect as a low-carb or keto-friendly side dish.

• Great with grilled meats or as a hearty standalone veggie bake.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing, Broiling