Description: Tender-crisp broccoli florets and smoky crispy bacon in a luxurious garlic parmesan cream sauce. A perfect low-carb side dish or creamy main.
Recipe Details:
Course: Side Dish / MainCuisine: American / EuropeanKeyword: Creamy Broccoli, Bacon Broccoli, Keto Side DishServings: 4 peoplePrep Time: 10 MinutesCook Time: 20 MinutesTotal Time: 30 Minutes
Ingredients
4 cups broccoli florets – about 600g / 2 medium heads6 slices thick-cut bacon (150g), chopped1 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp unsalted butter1 small shallot, finely diced3 cloves garlic, minced1 cup heavy whipping cream (240ml)1/2 cup whole milk (120ml)3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (75g)1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (50g) – optional1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked1/4 tsp sea salt (to taste)1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1 – Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (5-6 mins). Remove and drain on paper towel. Reserve 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2 – Blanch Broccoli: Bring salted water to a boil. Add broccoli for 2 minutes until bright green. Drain and place immediately in ice water. Drain again and pat dry. This keeps it tender-crisp.
Step 3 – Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil to the bacon fat. Sauté shallot for 1 minute, add garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and milk, bring to a low simmer. Slowly whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
Step 4 – Combine & Thicken: Add broccoli to the sauce. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the broccoli. Stir in half the bacon and all the mozzarella.
Step 5 – Serve: Transfer to a serving dish. Top with remaining bacon, extra Parmesan and black pepper. Serve hot.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: In an airtight container for up to 3 days.Reheat: Gently on the stovetop with 2 tbsp milk/cream. Do not microwave on high heat or sauce may separate.Freeze: Not recommended as cream sauce can split.Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1/4 of recipe)
Values are estimated and will vary based on brands used.NutrientAmountCalories385 kcalCarbohydrates8.5 gFiber2.8 gNet Carbs5.7 gProtein13.2 gFat34.1 gSaturated Fat18.5 gCholesterol78 mgSodium620 mgPotassium410 mgCalcium245 mgVitamin C82 mgIron1.2 mgDietary Info: Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly (5.7g net carbs), Gluten-Free
Q & A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw it completely and pat very dry. Do not blanch it. Add it directly to the sauce in Step 4 and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Q2: How can I make it lighter / lower calorie?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, use turkey bacon, and use only 1/4 cup Parmesan. It will be less thick but still delicious.
Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the bacon, use 2 tbsp olive oil + butter for cooking, and add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Add toasted pine nuts or mushrooms for texture.
Q4: What can I serve it with?
As a side with grilled chicken, steak, or salmon. As a main, toss it with penne, fusilli, or cauliflower rice.
Q5: My sauce is too thin / too thick. How to fix it?
If too thin: Simmer 2-3 more minutes and add more Parmesan. If too thick: Add a splash of milk to loosen it.
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