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!

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.