Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli recipe delivers tender broccoli florets smothered in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce with crispy bacon bits, baked to bubbly perfection with a golden crust. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a satisfying low-carb option, this dish combines freshness, creaminess, and smoky flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 5 oz (150g) bacon, cut into strips
Vegetables
- 2 pounds (1kg) broccoli florets
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Other
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the broccoli casserole.
- Fry Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet, fry the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Sauté Broccoli: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add broccoli florets along with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cook the broccoli for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic, heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken or vegetable stock, half of the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the broccoli and sauce. Evenly top the mixture with the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the broccoli is tender. For a golden, crispy cheese top, broil the dish for an additional 2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, adjust seasoning with more fresh cracked pepper if desired, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the cooked broccoli mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian option.
- The recipe can be prepared ahead by cooking the bacon and broccoli mixture, then assembling and baking just before serving.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
