Prepare to transform your ordinary vegetable side dish into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! This irresistible creamy broccoli bacon recipe combines the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon with tender broccoli florets, all embraced in a luxuriously rich garlic Parmesan sauce that's guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a decadent yet simple meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing broccoli florets thoroughly and cutting into bite-sized pieces. Chop bacon into small, uniform pieces and mince garlic cloves finely.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, rendering out the fat. This should take approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Using the same skillet with remaining bacon fat, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and slight caramelization.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with broccoli and garlic. Reduce heat to low-medium and let simmer for 5-6 minutes until broccoli is tender but still maintains a slight crunch.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Return crispy bacon pieces to the skillet, gently folding them into the creamy broccoli mixture to distribute evenly.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli florets and high-quality bacon for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon Crispiness Matters: Cook bacon until it's perfectly crisp to add a delightful crunch to your dish.
- Garlic Technique: Be careful not to burn the garlic - sauté it briefly until just fragrant to prevent bitterness.
- Cream Consistency: Simmer the cream on low-medium heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Grate the Parmesan fresh and add it gradually while stirring to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Don't Overcook Broccoli: Maintain a slight crunch by cooking broccoli just until tender to preserve nutrients and texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately for the best flavor and creamiest consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
