The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to elevating a humble vegetable into a show-stopping side dish. Imagine tender broccoli florets bathed in a luscious sauce made from garlic, cream, and parmesan, all balanced by smoky, crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want something comforting yet elegant, bringing warmth and rich flavor to the table without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will quickly become your go-to for broccoli done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and straightforward ingredients is the key to making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe a delightful success. Each item plays a vital role, giving the dish its creamy texture, savory depth, and irresistible aroma.
- Bacon (5oz / 150g): Adds a smoky crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides richness and helps sauté the broccoli to tender perfection.
- Broccoli florets (2 pounds / 1kg): The star vegetable offering bright color and fresh, earthy flavor.
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper (1/2 teaspoon salt): Enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle warmth and mild smoky note to the dish.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Infuses a beautiful fragrant punch that rounds out the creaminess.
- Heavy whipping cream (3/4 cup / 180ml): The base of the sauce giving it a silky, indulgent texture.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds tangy depth and extra creaminess for smooth sauce consistency.
- Chicken or vegetable stock (1/4 cup / 60ml): Balances the richness and helps meld flavors together.
- Fresh grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings sharp, nutty notes that make this broccoli dish irresistible.
- Grated mozzarella (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy topping everyone loves.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first step to this amazing creamy broccoli dish is setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures everything cooks evenly and that the cheese topping gets that perfect bubbly golden finish.
Step 2: Fry the Bacon
Next, crisp up your bacon strips in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. This smoky, crunchy layer is what elevates the broccoli from simple to spectacular. Once golden, drain the bacon on paper towels to keep it wonderfully crispy before adding it back later.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
Using the bacon fat and butter, toss the broccoli florets into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook them for about six minutes, just enough for the broccoli to soften slightly while retaining a delightful bite. This step unlocks the vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in minced garlic, heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken or vegetable stock, half of the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, plus paprika. Let it gently simmer for three to four minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and blend into that lush, garlicky goodness you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Fold the crispy bacon back into the cheesy broccoli mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese, then pop the skillet into the oven for 15 minutes. Towards the end, broil the dish for 2 minutes to achieve a perfectly golden, bubbly crust that’s so satisfying.
Step 6: Finish and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, add a fresh grind of black pepper and sprinkle with parsley if you like a pop of color. Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite of this comforting broccoli dish that everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan make this dish even more inviting. A touch of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can also add a fresh, vibrant finish to the creamy broccoli.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or baked fish. It also complements hearty pasta dishes or can even be served as a rich vegetable side in a holiday feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this broccoli mixture in mini ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers for a cute, individual serving presentation. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or swirl it into freshly cooked rice for a creamy, flavorful boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover broccoli casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. However, because of the cream and cheese, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. To preserve the best texture, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the silky texture lost during refrigeration or freezing. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cream sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika to maintain the savory depth that bacon usually provides.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch can work in a pinch. Just keep the heat low to prevent curdling and maintain that creamy consistency.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
You can, but fresh broccoli is best for maintaining texture and color. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your stock and any other packaged ingredients do not contain hidden gluten.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild with just a hint of smokiness from the paprika. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when creating the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe will quickly become a superstar in your kitchen. It’s comfort and elegance wrapped into one vibrant, cheesy, garlicky dish that turns simple broccoli into a crave-worthy favorite. Give it a try and prepare to be amazed at how easy and delicious vegetable cooking can truly be!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli recipe features tender broccoli florets cooked in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce with melted cream cheese and parmesan, topped with crispy bacon and mozzarella. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a flavorful side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 5oz (150g) bacon, cut into strips
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
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 pounds (1kg) broccoli florets
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Fry Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet, fry the bacon strips over medium heat until they are crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Sauté Broccoli: Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the broccoli florets along with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook the broccoli for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, so they become tender but still retain some bite.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in 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 for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and the broccoli is tender. For a crispy cheese topping, broil the dish for an additional 2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Season with extra cracked pepper if desired and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic parmesan broccoli!
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to transition easily from stovetop to oven.
- Vegetarian stock can be used if a vegetarian version is preferred.
- Bacon can be omitted or substituted with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the cream mixture a bit longer before baking.
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or a mix of both for variation.
- Preparing bacon in the oven separately can reduce splatter and mess.
