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–+ servings
Rich, velvety soup base with chunks of broccoli and savory bacon crumbles for texture.

Creamy Broccoli & Bacon

Creamy Broccoli & Bacon made with tender broccoli, crispy bacon, garlic, cream, mozzarella, parmesan, onion, butter, salt, and pepper.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Creamy Broccoli & Bacon
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

  • 8 oz bacon roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups light cream or heavy cream for a richer sauce
  • 1 ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • 1 lb broccoli florets from 2 to 3 broccoli heads, stems removed
  • 1 pinch salt to season
  • 1 pinch black pepper to season
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ⅓ cup freshly shredded or grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the broiler.

  • Preheat the broiler to medium heat, if this setting is available.

Cook the bacon.

  • Place the chopped bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp.

Drain the bacon.

  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Set aside.

Reserve the bacon fat.

  • Drain most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving approximately 1 to 2 tbsp in the pan for added flavor.

Cook the onion.

  • Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the diced onion. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until translucent, while scraping up any browned bits from the bacon.

Add the broccoli.

  • Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli begins to turn vibrant green.

Add the garlic.

  • Add the finely chopped garlic and stir through the broccoli for approximately 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Add the cream.

  • Pour in the light cream. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.

Adjust the sauce consistency.

  • If the sauce is too thin, stir in the prepared cornstarch slurry until fully combined. Continue cooking briefly until the sauce thickens.

Return the bacon to the skillet.

  • Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet and stir gently until evenly combined with the broccoli and cream sauce.

Add the cheeses.

  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Broil the dish.

  • Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.

Finish and serve.

  • Remove from the broiler. Season with additional black pepper, if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary if preferred. Serve warm.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, confirm that the bacon is certified gluten-free and does not contain gluten-based flavorings or fillers.
Use certified gluten-free cornstarch and verify that the light cream, heavy cream, mozzarella, and parmesan are gluten-free.
Check all seasonings, including salt and black pepper, for gluten-free labeling and cross-contamination warnings.
If using pre-shredded cheese, confirm it is gluten-free, as some packaged shredded cheeses may contain anti-caking agents.
Use clean cookware, utensils, cutting boards, and serving tools to avoid cross-contamination.
Serve with gluten-free main dishes or gluten-free sides such as roasted chicken, rice, potatoes, or gluten-free pasta.