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
Scale
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.
