Get ready to transform your ordinary vegetable side dish into a mouthwatering culinary experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! This sizzling recipe combines the crisp freshness of broccoli, the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes, and the irresistible crunch of bacon into one incredible dish that's not just a side, but a star attraction. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing broccoli florets thoroughly and patting them dry. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and chop bacon into small pieces.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add chopped bacon. Cook bacon until crispy and fat is rendered, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove crispy bacon pieces from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon drippings, add olive oil and increase heat to high.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Allow broccoli to sauté without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop golden brown edges.
- Stir broccoli and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until it becomes bright green and slightly tender.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until they begin to soften but retain their shape.
- Season the vegetables with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Return crispy bacon pieces to the skillet and toss everything together to combine and reheat.
- Transfer the sautéed broccoli, tomatoes, and bacon to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Pat your broccoli completely dry after washing to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the best heat distribution and flavor development.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - give your broccoli space to brown properly by cooking in a single layer.
- Watch your bacon carefully to achieve the perfect crispy texture without burning.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately while the vegetables are hot and bacon is crisp for maximum flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the bacon quantity while maintaining great taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 172kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
