Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon
User Reviews
5
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon
Description
This dish combines roughly chopped bacon cooked until crisp with fresh broccoli florets sautéed in butter and aromatic onions. Garlic is added to the mix before simmering everything in light or heavy cream to create a luscious sauce thickened if necessary with a cornstarch slurry. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses add richness and bring a creamy, cheesy depth to the sauce.
The broccoli remains tender-crisp when simmered briefly and can be softened further by longer cooking or covering during simmering. The bacon contributes a savory, smokey flavor that contrasts with the mild creaminess of the sauce, providing a satisfying harmony of textures and tastes.
This dish is well suited as a hearty side or a standalone low-carb option, served hot after a quick broil to meld flavors and slightly brown the cheese. Adjust the simmering time to tailor the broccoli’s tenderness to personal preference.
For best results, simmer the broccoli in the cream sauce for 3-6 minutes depending on desired doneness before finishing under the broiler to enhance the dish’s texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Bacon roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion diced
- 5 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups light cream (or for a richer sauce, you can use heavy or thickened cream)
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water cornstarch slurry
- 1 pound broccoli from 2-3 broccoli heads -- stems removed, florets
- 1 pinch salt to season
- 1 pinch black pepper to season
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese fresh shredded or grated
Instructions
- Preheat broiler (on medium heat of you have the option).
- Fry the bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate to soak up some of the oil. Set aside.
- Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons for added flavour (adjust this amount to your liking). In the same pan, melt the butter, add the onion and cook until transparent (about 2 minutes), while scraping up any browned bits leftover from the bacon. Add the broccoli and season with salt and pepper and cook while stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes, or until just turning vibrant in colour.
- Add in the garlic and stir it through the broccoli for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the cream, reduce heat down to low and let simmer for about 3-4 while stirring occasionally, or until the sauce thickens to your liking* (SEE NOTES) (If sauce is too thin, stir in the cornstarch slurry to combine.)
- Add the bacon and give everything a good mix to combine all of the flavours together. Top with the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Broil until cheese is bubbling and golden, and broccoli is done to your liking (about 2-3 minutes).
- Season with a little extra pepper, if desired, before serving. You can also sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, thyme or rosemary.
Notes
- Simmer broccoli in the cream sauce for 3 minutes for tender-crisp texture or 5-6 minutes for softer florets.
- Covering the pan briefly during simmering helps soften broccoli more evenly.
- Adjust leftover bacon fat amount left in pan according to taste for richer or lighter flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 256 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 256kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 66mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 740mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 260mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 975IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 52mg | 58% |
| Calcium | 150mg | 15% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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