Some side dishes are so good they steal the spotlight from the main course, and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is one of them! Tender broccoli coated in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce, topped with crispy bacon—it’s the ultimate comfort food twist on a classic veggie.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side dish or something impressive for a holiday table, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a great choice for different diets!
Let’s dive into this creamy, cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and smoky—every bite is delicious.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: A tasty way to make broccoli exciting for the whole family.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: The perfect indulgence without the carbs!
What Does This Broccoli Dish Taste Like?
This dish is rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned. The parmesan cheese gives it a nutty, umami-packed flavor, while the garlic and crispy bacon add depth and texture. The broccoli stays tender but not mushy, soaking up all that deliciously silky garlic parmesan sauce.
Basically, it’s comfort food disguised as a vegetable!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
You only need a handful of pantry staples to bring this dish together:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Want to lighten it up? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk!
Tools You’ll Need
- A large skillet for making the creamy sauce
- A steamer basket or pot to cook the broccoli
- A whisk to mix the sauce smoothly
- A knife & cutting board to prep ingredients
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli
Steam or boil the broccoli florets until they are tender but still slightly firm, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, and whisk in the parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add the Bacon & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Butter Baked Salmon – A rich and flaky salmon dish that complements the creamy broccoli perfectly.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp – A luxurious, garlicky shrimp dish that makes a restaurant-worthy meal.
- Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – Another cheesy broccoli favorite, perfect for a fun appetizer or snack!
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture. Frozen works too, but it may be a bit softer.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli! It should be tender but not mushy.
- Want extra cheesiness? Stir in a little shredded mozzarella for an extra gooey sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add toasted nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for a crunchy contrast.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing—cream-based sauces don’t freeze well and can separate when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the broccoli and bacon ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply make the sauce and toss everything together.
Is this keto-friendly?
Absolutely! With low carbs and high-fat content, this dish is perfect for a keto diet.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Parmesan is classic, but you can also try cheddar, gouda, or gruyère for a different twist.
Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Side Dish!
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is simple, indulgent, and loaded with flavor. It’s the perfect way to turn an everyday vegetable into something special. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Try it today and share your results on Pinterest: @TheKitchenJoyy—I’d love to see how it turns out!
Looking for more easy, delicious recipes? Check these out:
Now, let’s get cooking! 😊
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Want a lighter version? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk!
Instructions
- Steam or Boil the Broccoli:
- Cook broccoli in boiling water or steam until tender but still slightly firm, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and whisk in parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Coat the Broccoli in Sauce:
- Add cooked broccoli to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Add the Bacon & Serve:
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with crumbled bacon, and serve immediately!
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture. Frozen works too but may be softer.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli! It should be tender but not mushy.
- Want extra cheesiness? Add a handful of shredded mozzarella for an even creamier sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add toasted nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for a crunchy contrast.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.