If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances indulgence and nutrition, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender broccoli florets smothered in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, with crispy bacon adding that irresistible crunch and smoky depth. It’s comfort food at its most vibrant and flavorful, all in one skillet. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering side dish or even a satisfying main, and I can’t wait to share this favorite with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating depth, texture, and richness. From the salty bacon to the gooey blend of cheeses, everything combines beautifully to turn broccoli into pure magic.
- Bacon (5oz/150g, cut into strips): Adds smoky, crispy flavor that complements the creaminess perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives a silky base for cooking broccoli and garlic without overpowering the other flavors.
- Broccoli florets (2 pounds/1kg): The star vegetable, tender yet crisp, packed with color and nutrition.
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper (½ teaspoon and to taste): Essential for seasoning and drawing out the broccoli’s natural flavor.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and hint of smoky sweetness.
- Garlic, minced (5 cloves): Infuses the dish with bold, aromatic depth that wakes up every bite.
- Heavy whipping cream (¾ cup/180ml): Creates the dreamy, velvety sauce that coats the broccoli lovingly.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons): Boosts the creamy texture and adds a slight tang.
- Chicken or vegetable stock (¼ cup/60ml): Balances the richness of the cream and cheese with savory undertones.
- Fresh grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Brings nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Grated mozzarella (½ cup): Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy finish on top.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven nice and warm ensures your final bake will be perfectly bubbly and creamy with a slightly crispy cheese topping.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Fry the bacon strips in a large oven-safe skillet until they’re wonderfully crispy. Once cooked, drain them on paper towels—this step builds flavor and texture that will make your broccoli irresistibly savory.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
In the bacon fat or after pouring it out and adding butter, melt the butter in the skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets along with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook the broccoli for about six minutes until it’s vibrant green and just starting to soften but still retaining a nice bite.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic, heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken or vegetable stock, half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, plus the paprika. Allow this mixture to simmer gently on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes. This slow simmer is key to melding the flavors and thickening the sauce just right.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Mix the crispy bacon back into the creamy broccoli mix. Then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella evenly on top. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the broccoli is tender.
Step 6: Finish Under the Broiler
For that golden, crispy cheese topping, broil the dish for an additional 2 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn—this final step adds irresistible texture contrast and visual appeal.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, give a final fresh crack of pepper, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Now you’re ready to dive in!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness perfectly. For a little extra crunch, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can also be a lovely touch.
Side Dishes
This creamy broccoli pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared steak, or baked salmon. It’s also fantastic alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or a crisp, refreshing salad to balance the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, perfect for dinner parties. You can also stuff it inside baked potatoes or mix it into pasta for a hearty, comforting one-dish meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The broccoli might soften a bit more, but the flavors deepen beautifully as it rests.
Freezing
Freezing this creamy garlic parmesan broccoli is possible but not ideal because the texture of cooked broccoli may change. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or on the stovetop to preserve the creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, but if using one, heat in short bursts and stir frequently to prevent curdling.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or use a vegetarian alternative like smoked tempeh or mushrooms for similar smoky flavor.
Is it possible to use low-fat cream?
Using low-fat cream might change the texture and richness, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version while still keeping it creamy.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Frozen broccoli can be used but make sure to thaw and drain it well first to avoid excess water that could thin out the sauce.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of mascarpone or a little extra heavy cream, though cream cheese does add nice tang and body to the sauce.
How spicy is the paprika in this recipe?
This recipe uses sweet paprika, which is mild and aromatic without heat. If you prefer some kick, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a smoky edge.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most comforting way possible. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side or craving a cozy, cheesy vegetable dish for dinner, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs around the table. Give it a try and watch your broccoli transform into a creamy, garlicky favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli recipe combines tender broccoli florets with crispy bacon and a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, topped with melted parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. It’s baked to bubbly perfection and finished under the broiler for a golden, crispy cheese crust, making it a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Bacon and Butter
- 5 oz (150 g) bacon, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 pounds (1 kg) broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Cream Sauce
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the broccoli casserole.
- Cook Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet, fry the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Sauté Broccoli: Melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets, seasoning with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook the broccoli for about 6 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add Garlic and Cream Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken or vegetable stock, half of the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and paprika. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture gently for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the broccoli and cream sauce. Spread evenly, then top with the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the broccoli is tender.
- Broil for Crispy Top: For a golden and crispy cheese crust, broil the casserole for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, season with additional fresh cracked pepper if desired, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan broccoli!
Notes
- You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Use vegetable stock to keep the recipe vegetarian friendly.
- For a lower fat option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or light cream, though sauce might be less rich.
- Make sure the skillet is oven-safe to avoid transferring the mixture to another baking dish.
- Broil carefully and watch closely to achieve a perfectly browned cheese topping without burning.
