Broccoli, Bacon, Garlic Parmesan, Easy Recipe, Side Dish (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 8 ounces bacon, roughly chopped.
02 - 2 tablespoons butter.
03 - 1 onion, diced.
04 - 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
05 - 1 ½ cups light cream (or heavy/thickened cream for a richer sauce).
06 - 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry).
07 - 1 pound broccoli florets (from 2-3 broccoli heads, stems removed).
08 - 1 pinch salt, to season.
09 - 1 pinch pepper, to season.
10 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella.
11 - ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, fresh shredded or grated.

Instructions:

01 - Preheat your broiler to medium heat if you have the option.
02 - In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up some of the oil. Set aside.
03 - Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons for added flavor (adjust this amount to your liking).
04 - In the same pan, melt the butter and add the diced onion. Cook until the onion is transparent (about 2 minutes), while scraping up any browned bits leftover from the bacon.
05 - Add the broccoli florets, season with salt and pepper, and cook while stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes, or until the broccoli starts to turn vibrant in color.
06 - Add the chopped garlic and stir it through the broccoli for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
07 - Pour in the cream, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally, or until the sauce thickens to your liking. If the sauce is too thin, stir in the cornstarch slurry to combine.
08 - Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and mix everything together to combine all the flavors. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
09 - Broil the skillet until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the broccoli is cooked to your liking (about 2-3 minutes).
10 - Season with a little extra pepper if desired before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary.

Notes:

01 - This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bacon dish combines crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan, it’s a savory and satisfying side dish.