This creamy garlic parmesan broccoli is a tasty treat! The blend of cheese, garlic, and crispy bacon makes every bite enjoyable and full of flavor.
You can whip it up quickly, and it’s a great way to sneak more veggies onto your plate. Plus, who can resist that crispy bacon topping? I certainly can’t! 🥦🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for this dish as they have a great texture and flavor. If you don’t have fresh available, frozen broccoli works too! Just make sure it’s thawed and drained well before adding it to the pan.
Bacon: I love the taste of crispy bacon, but turkey bacon or even veggie bacon can be used for a lighter option. Vegan substitutes can also give a similar taste when cooked crisp.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creaminess. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, half-and-half can be used instead, though it won’t be as rich. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free version!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts nicely into the sauce. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Cook the Broccoli Perfectly?
Cooking broccoli can be tricky! You want to keep it crisp but tender. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with fresh broccoli florets and wash them thoroughly.
- Add them to the skillet after sautéing the garlic. Toss them in the flavorful garlic butter.
- Cook on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
Don’t overcook them! You want that nice crunch to hold up against the creamy sauce. Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh)
- 6 slices bacon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the bacon, garlic, and broccoli, followed by about 5-10 minutes to simmer and combine all the ingredients for that creamy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until it’s crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter to the reserved bacon fat. Melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want it to be fragrant but be careful not to let it brown!
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Next, toss the broccoli florets into the skillet, making sure they are coated with the garlic butter. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green.
4. Add the Cream:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. Let it gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes to let the cream thicken slightly.
5. Make it Creamy:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season your dish with salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat!
6. Finish with Bacon:
Add the crumbled bacon back into the skillet and give everything a gentle toss to combine the flavors.
7. Add the Finishing Touch:
If you’d like, sprinkle a little lemon juice over the creamy broccoli for added brightness. Just stir it gently to mix it in.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this delicious creamy garlic parmesan broccoli warm as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with any main course, and you’ll love the rich flavors and crunchy bacon!
This rich and creamy broccoli dish with the savory crunch of bacon makes a perfect complement to any meal. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in your dish. You might need to cook it for a couple of extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through and tender-crisp.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream will provide a nice richness. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly with these substitutions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Certainly! You can prepare the broccoli and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, combine them in the skillet to warm through before adding the bacon. Enjoy the flavors fresh!