This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is the perfect recipe for your home-grown broccoli! It will impress and is ideal for family dinners or as a standout side at your next gathering. It’s also keto and diabetic-friendly. Let’s get cooking!
You’ll need:
- 5oz bacon, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella
To make:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F
- Cook the Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast-iron preferred for heat retention), fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Drain most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind. Melt some butter in the same skillet, then add the broccoli florets. Season them with salt and pepper. Be sure to scrape up the browned bacon bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse the broccoli with extra flavor. Stir occasionally and cook for about 6 minutes.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: Stir in the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken stock, half of the grated cheeses, and a sprinkle of paprika. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer until the broccoli is tender and the sauce is smooth about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Top: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and mix well to combine all the flavors. Top the creamy mixture with the remaining grated parmesan and mozzarella.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For an extra touch of crispiness, broil the top for the last 2 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Give a final season with some pepper and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve and enjoy!
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