CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN BROCCOLI & BACON

PREP TIME: 10 MINS | COOK TIME: 20 MINS | TOTAL TIME: 30 MINS | SERVES: 8 people

This fantastic side dish is truly a head-turner. Scrumptious pan-fried broccoli and crispy bacon perfectly baked in cheesy and creamy garlic, Parmesan sauce and topped with melty mozzarella. It’s an amazing low-carb side dish that even your fussiest eaters will love!

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp butter

8 oz (250 grams) bacon, roughly chopped

1 1/2 c (400 ml) light cream (or for a richer sauce, you can use heavy or thickened cream)

1 onion, diced

5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water cornstarch slurry

1/3 c. fresh shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 c. fresh shredded or grated mozzarella

1 lb (500 grams) broccoli florets, from 2-3 broccoli heads – stems removed

Salt and pepper to season

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN BROCCOLI & BACON

Step 1: On medium, preheat your broiler.

Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. To a paper towel-lined plate, transfer the bacon and set it aside.

Step 3: Leave only around 1 to 2 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan and drain the rest. Add the butter and let it melt. Once the butter has melted, add the onion and saute for about 2 minutes or until translucent, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Next, add the broccoli and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring often, or until the broccoli just turns vibrant.

Step 4: To the pan, add the garlic and stir well through the broccoli. Cook for 30 minutes more or until aromatic. Add the cream and adjust the heat to low. Simmer everything for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce has thickened, stirring often. Stir in the cornstarch slurry if the sauce turned out too thin.

Step 5: Return the bacon to the pan and stir well. On top, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Broil for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the broccoli is cooked to your desired doneness.

Step 6: If desired, sprinkle with extra pepper. Serve the creamy garlic, Parmesan broccoli and bacon right away garnished with some fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Enjoy!

NOTES:

Simmer the broccoli for about 3 minutes in the cream sauce before broiling. This will result in tender-crisp broccoli.

Or simmer the broccoli in the sauce for about 5 to 6 minutes before broiling. Put the lid on for at least a minute or two. This will ensure softer pieces of broccoli.

NUTRITION FACTS:

Calories: 339 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 975IU | Vitamin C: 52.5mg | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 0.6mg

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