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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon: Your New Favorite Side

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli with Bacon is a delightful side dish that's gluten-free and keto-friendly, transforming broccoli into a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Broccoli Base
  • 6 slices Bacon Adds a crispy, savory element; turkey bacon or mushrooms can serve as great substitutes.
  • 4 cups Broccoli florets Fresh or frozen works, but pre-steaming frozen broccoli enhances results.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Swap it with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is best for maximum taste.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Cream Heavy cream is preferred, but cashew cream makes a tasty dairy-free alternative.
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese Using light cream cheese can help reduce calories.
  • 1 cup Chicken stock Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast can add a vegan twist.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Consider a dairy-free option to keep it vegan.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Swap in cayenne or chili powder for a spicier kick.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavor throughout the dish.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavor throughout the dish.

Equipment

  • oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the broccoli florets. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for approximately 6 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant green.
  4. Add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, chicken stock, half of the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  5. Chop the crispy bacon and stir it back into the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top.
  6. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. For an extra crispy finish, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Using fresh garlic and vibrant broccoli florets ensures the best flavor and texture in the dish. Cook bacon just until crispy to prevent bitterness.

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