Creamy Broccoli with Bacon
This creamy broccoli with bacon combines tender broccoli and crispy bacon with a garlic cream sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan. An easy skillet side dish to serve with your favorite main.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 323kcal
Ingredients
- 8 slices regular-cut bacon chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 5 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 4 cups broccoli florets cut into similar bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley optional, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the bacon. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and the fat has rendered. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cook the onion. Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet. Add the butter and onion, then cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.
- Add the broccoli. Add the broccoli, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broccoli turns bright green. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken and the broccoli is nearly as tender as you like. If needed, cover briefly to help the broccoli soften.
- Add the bacon and cheese. Stir in the cooked bacon. Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the cheese melts.
- Serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning, sprinkle with parsley if using, and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Dry the broccoli well: Extra water on the florets can thin the cream sauce. If using frozen broccoli, thaw completely, pat dry, and check for tenderness earlier.
- Keep the heat gentle: Avoid boiling vigorously once the cream is added, and use low heat to melt the cheese.
- For a golden topping: Use a broiler-safe skillet and briefly broil uncovered instead of covering to melt the cheese. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.4g | Protein: 14.4g | Fat: 26.5g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 723mg | Potassium: 365mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2.9g | Vitamin A: 1262IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 227mg | Iron: 1mg | Net Carbs: 6g