Description
Succulent garlic parmesan broccoli bacon recipe blends rich flavors into a mouthwatering side dish. Crisp bacon, tender broccoli, and creamy parmesan create a hearty companion that satisfies hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) bacon, roughly chopped
- 1 pound (454 grams) broccoli florets
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) light cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup (35 grams) parmesan cheese, fresh shredded or grated
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1 pinch salt, to season
- 1 pinch pepper, to season
Instructions
- Position the oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and set to medium-high heat, preparing for the final stage of cooking.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, render the bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
- Retain approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet, discarding excess grease for optimal flavor concentration.
- Melt butter in the same skillet, introducing diced onions and sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetable brightens and becomes slightly tender.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence, about 30-45 seconds.
- Pour cream into the skillet, reducing heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring intermittently, allowing the sauce to thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- If sauce appears thin, whisk in cornstarch slurry to achieve desired consistency and create a luxurious texture.
- Reintroduce crispy bacon to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the mixture, creating a rich, melty topping.
- Transfer skillet to preheated broiler, cooking for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly, and broccoli reaches desired tenderness.
- Remove from broiler, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and add a final crack of black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, ensuring it renders enough fat to enhance the dish’s overall taste profile.
- Select fresh broccoli with tight, vibrant green florets to guarantee optimal texture and nutritional value during cooking.
- Adjust cream thickness by controlling cornstarch slurry amount, preventing sauce from becoming too runny or overly dense.
- Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or milk for reduced-calorie version without compromising creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg