Creamy Garlic Broccoli with Crispy Bacon & Parmesan

If you think broccoli is boring, this recipe is about to change your mind. Creamy Garlic Broccoli with Crispy Bacon & Parmesan is a side dish that easily steals the spotlight. The tender broccoli is coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and topped with smoky, crispy bacon and a shower of sharp Parmesan cheese. It’s indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even spoon it over pasta, one thing’s for sure: it won’t last long on the table.

 Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
  
• 1 tbsp butter
  
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  
• ¾ cup heavy cream
  
• ½ tsp black pepper
  
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
  

 Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
  
• Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 1–2 tsp of bacon fat in the pan.
  

2. Sauté Garlic:

• Add butter to the skillet with the bacon fat.
  
• Sauté minced garlic over medium-low heat for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  

3. Steam the Broccoli:

• Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  
• Drain and set aside.
  

4. Make the Cream Sauce:

• Add cream to the skillet with garlic. Stir in black pepper and salt.
  
• Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  

5. Combine Everything:

• Add broccoli to the cream sauce and toss gently to coat.
  
• Stir in half of the Parmesan and most of the bacon.
  
• Simmer for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
  

6. Serve & Garnish:

• Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and bacon.
  
• Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
  

 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a hearty side with grilled meats or roasted chicken.
  
• Spoon over mashed potatoes or pasta for a satisfying main.
  
• Try it as a low-carb meal with cauliflower rice!
  

 Image Prompt:

A skillet filled with vibrant green broccoli coated in a rich garlic cream sauce, topped with golden crispy bacon bits and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. The sauce glistens slightly, and the bacon adds a crunchy contrast. The dish is presented on a rustic wooden surface with a silver serving spoon and a linen napkin.

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 Meta Title:

Creamy Garlic Broccoli with Crispy Bacon & Parmesan – Easy Side Dish

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 Meta Description:

Tender broccoli tossed in creamy garlic sauce, topped with crispy bacon and Parmesan. A rich, flavorful side dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal.