Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon—a dish that transforms humble broccoli into a luscious, crave-worthy side! Tender florets are cloaked in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce, dotted with crispy bacon and bubbling under a golden blanket of mozzarella and parmesan. It’s comfort food that feels both indulgent and somehow virtuous (thanks, broccoli!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

This entire dish comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing their own delicious magic—from the smoky sizzle of bacon to the dreamy richness of two cheeses. The freshness of broccoli and a tangle of fragrant garlic are what anchor every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few pointers to help you shop, chop, and sizzle your way to flavor-town!

• Bacon (5oz/150g): Chopped into strips, bacon gives a salty, smoky crunch and infuses the sauce with flavor. Choose a quality bacon for the best result.
• Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and helps the garlic and broccoli caramelize just right. Unsalted keeps you in charge of the seasoning.
• Broccoli Florets (2 pounds/1kg): Fresh florets become perfectly tender and soak up every bit of the luscious sauce—don’t forget to trim them for even cooking!
• Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential for layering flavor—cracked pepper adds a gentle spice and aroma.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): A little bit warms up the entire dish and gives a subtle smoky color.
• Minced Garlic (5 cloves): Garlicky goodness that infuses every morsel—use fresh for the brightest flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (¾ cup/180ml): The backbone of your silky sauce—don’t skimp for a truly creamy result!
• Cream Cheese (2 tablespoons): Smooths out the sauce and gives a subtle tang that keeps things interesting.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock (¼ cup/60ml): Adds depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick—choose your favorite kind.
• Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Nutty, salty, and utterly essential for the signature flavor of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli.
• Grated Mozzarella (½ cup): Melts into beautiful gooeyness on top—freshly grated gives the best melt!

Variations

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to riff and swap based on what’s in your kitchen or your lifestyle. These clever twists keep things exciting and help suit every taste or need without a fuss!

• Vegetarian Version: Just skip the bacon and use vegetable stock—add a handful of toasted walnuts or pine nuts for a little crunch.
• Lighter Option: Sub in half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter cream sauce, or use turkey bacon for a lower-fat spin.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for bonus color and flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère, fontina, or sharp white cheddar for a different cheesy vibe.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet—cast iron is perfect—cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they’re crispy and golden. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them onto a paper towel-lined plate, saving as much of the bacon’s magic as possible in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

Drain most of the bacon fat, leaving about a tablespoon behind. Melt the butter in the skillet, then toss in the broccoli florets. Season liberally with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir and scrape up all those savory brown bits, letting the broccoli get a slight sear and infuse with bacon flavor for about six minutes.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken or veggie stock, half the parmesan and mozzarella, and sprinkle in the paprika. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce is velvety-smooth and coats the broccoli.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Return the crispy bacon to the pan and mix well to distribute that savory crunch throughout. Sprinkle the rest of the grated cheeses evenly over the top, then slide the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the broccoli is perfectly tender. For an irresistible golden crust, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli is bubbling and golden, pull the skillet from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Crack a little extra pepper over the top, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color, and serve hot—you’ll want to dig in right away!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green and freshness to each serving of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli. If you’re feeling a little special, a final dusting of grated parmesan or a pinch of red chili flakes can really make the flavors sing.

Side Dishes

This rich, savory broccoli dish loves to be the star alongside roast chicken, seared steak, or grilled fish. It also cozies right up to creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or even an herb-studded rice pilaf—just let the sauce go wherever it pleases!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli sizzling right in the skillet for a rustic, show-stopping touch, or spoon it into a pretty baking dish. For holidays, try arranging florets in a wreath shape and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for a festive twist. Little ramekins also make perfect personal portions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli to an airtight container once cooled. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days—just be sure to cover well to lock in the creaminess and keep other fridge scents at bay.

Freezing

For best results, freeze leftovers before baking, as the sauce can separate a bit after freezing. Wrap tightly and store for up to two months—thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven until bubbling and hot.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli in a covered skillet over low heat, or in the oven at 325°F. If the sauce thickens, splash in a little cream or milk to revive its silkiness as it warms through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a side that wow’s every time—whether it’s a weeknight treat or holiday centerpiece—give Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli a try! It’s simple enough for busy nights, but so packed with flavor and comfort you’ll want it on repeat. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

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