Creamy Broccoli in Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a culinary masterpiece that combines the goodness of fresh tender broccoli florets with a rich and velvety sauce that will leave you craving more.
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Creamy Broccoli in Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a mouthwatering combination that elevates this green gem to new heights. With its velvety texture, rich flavors, and aromatic garlic notes, this dish is poised to become your new go-to side dish recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
If you’re looking for more veggie side dish recipes, try these Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Sweet and Spicy Skillet Green Beans, and Air Fried Cauliflower.
Why We Love This Creamy Broccoli with Bacon in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
There’s something truly special about this broccoli garlic sauce recipe that has us head over heels. From its ease of preparation to its family-friendly appeal, this dish has it all. We believe in creating recipes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also make cooking a joy rather than a chore.
- Quick and Easy: This broccoli recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. It is quick to make. In just 30 minutes you can have a delicious side dish ready to serve without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family Friendly: The cheesy garlic sauce adds a delightful flavor that even appeals to the pickiest of eaters. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some nutritious veggies for the whole family to enjoy. Keto friendly too.
- Perfect Side Dish: This fragrant recipe is ideal for a variety of main courses. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken or pan-seared fish, this recipe complements the flavors and elevates the entire meal.
Ingredient Notes for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli florets provide the best texture and flavor for this dish. However, you can also use blanched frozen broccoli if needed.
- Bacon: Diced bacon adds a delightful smoky and savory taste to the creamy sauce, making this dish extra special. The bacon fat adds so much flavor to this great recipe.
- Heavy Cream: The richness of heavy cream creates a velvety and luscious sauce that coats the broccoli beautifully.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded parmesan cheese adds a delightful gooey topping that melts into the dish, making it even more irresistible cream sauce.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
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Variations and Substitutions for this Creamy Broccoli with Bacon in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Side Dish
Don’t be afraid to get creative with our creamy broccoli recipe! We understand that everyone has unique tastes and preferences, so we’ve gathered some exciting variations to suit your needs!
- Melting Cheese: While parmesan cheese complements the dish perfectly, you can try using other cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella or asiago for unique flavor variations combine several such as mozzarella and parmesan. Just grate it fresh for this cheese sauce.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to boost the vegetable content, consider adding some sliced mushrooms or colorful bell peppers to the dish.
- Season: Use your favorite seasoning blend or simply season with salt and pepper.
- Protein: Cut up some chicken breast or whatever you have as leftovers. Even use a splash of chicken broth to enhance the chicken flavor. When you add chicken you will have a complete meal.
How to Make Delicious Broccoli with Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
These are the basic steps for making Broccoli with Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions and nutrition facts.
Step 1: Fry the Bacon
First, in a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet. Transfer to a paper towel, use a slotted spoon to transfer, and let it drain.
Step 2: Cook Onion and Broccoli
Then in the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté diced onion for about 2-3 minutes or until it turns translucent. Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet and toss them together with the onions. Then cook the broccoli for about 3 minutes until the broccoli is tender, or until it becomes vibrant in color.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Heavy Cream
Stir in the minced garlic and pour in the heavy cream. Next, reduce to low heat and allow the cream to thicken for approximately 3-4 minutes
Step 4: Add Bacon and Cheese
Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, add the cooked bacon bits back to the skillet and toss all the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Finally, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the broccoli mixture and let it melt, creating a cheesy layer.
Recipe FAQs for the Creamy Broccoli and Bacon Recipe
Expert Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce on Broccoli
To ensure your broccoli in creamy garlic sauce turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tips and tricks that will take your culinary skills to the next level. These handy tips will help you achieve a perfectly creamy and flavorful side dish every time you make it.
- Seasoning Blend: Enhance the flavor of this creamy garlic parmesan sauce by adding a pinch of your favorite seasonings, such as an all-purpose blend.
- Dairy-Free: To make this creamy broccoli recipe dairy-free, use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese and opt for a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream.
- Broil: For a more crispy and golden topping, broil the dish in the oven for just a few minutes after adding the cheese.
What to Serve with Creamy Broccoli in Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Creamy Broccoli in Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 slices Bacon, diced
- 1 Onion, diced
- 5 tablespoons Garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups Heavy cream
- 1 pound Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Parmesan, fresh, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet until it is fully cooked. Take out the bacon and let it dry on a paper towel.
- Place the onion into the frying pan with the bacon grease. Allow the onion to cook for a duration of 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Mix in the broccoli and combine well. Let the broccoli simmer for approximately 3 minutes until it becomes bright and colorful.
- Incorporate the garlic into the mixture by stirring thoroughly.
- Add the heavy cream and lower the heat to a simmer, giving the cream time to thicken. This process should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the bacon into the sauce after it has thickened, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and let it melt.
Expert Tips
- Seasoning Blend: Enhance the flavor of this creamy garlic parmesan sauce by adding a pinch of your favorite seasonings, such as an all purpose blend.
- Dairy Free: To make this creamy broccoli recipe dairy free, use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese and opt for a dairy free alternative for the heavy cream.
- Broil: For a more crispy and golden topping, broil the dish in the oven for just a few minutes after adding the cheese.