The Easiest Creamy Broccoli with Bacon

Looking for a new side dish that is a homestyle classic? Creamy broccoli is one of the most popular dishes on holiday menus but you don't need to wait for the holidays to enjoy this side dish. It’s creamy, comforting, and delicious. The bacon adds just enough savory flavor to make this dish irresistible.

Jump to:

• Creamed Broccoli with Bacon
• Can I Use Frozen Broccoli For This?
• Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Pork Bacon?
• What Does This Broccoli Go With?
• Is Creamy Broccoli  Keto Friendly?
• Ingredients
• Handy Kitchen Tools
• How to Make Creamed Broccoli with Bacon
• Alternate Cooking Method
• More Easy Side Dish Recipes
• 📖 Recipe

Creamed Broccoli with Bacon

This recipe will be your new favorite go-to side dish and it will taste amazing every time. If you are wanting the kids to eat more vegetables, this is one way to make that happen!

Creamy broccoli with bacon has all the flavor you want without hours spent in the kitchen. This recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and is ideal to go alongside many of your favorite meals.

This is so good, it is hard to deny it. Even the fussiest eaters will love the combination of a creamy sauce, perfectly cooked broccoli, and bacon. Of course, if you prefer something a little lighter, you might want to try my sweet and savory broccoli apple salad recipe instead.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli For This?

I always recommend fresh whenever possible. I think it always provides the best flavor. However, sometimes, you don't have fresh on hand, and sometimes, fresh is more expensive. For this recipe, I would recommend focusing on using fresh if at all possible.

However, if it is hard to find or too expensive at the moment, you can use frozen. Frozen broccoli is cheaper and you can keep it on hand all the time.

One thing to note, if using frozen broccoli, is that you want to make sure it is thawed completely. Once the broccoli is thawed, you want to make sure you pat it down to remove any excess moisture. You do not want to add extra moisture to the recipe because the water can make the sauce taste watered down.

Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Pork Bacon?

This recipe uses pork bacon because it has the right amount of saltiness as well as fat. If you wanted to use turkey bacon, you certainly can.

Turkey bacon does not get as crispy as pork bacon so that will change this slightly. For most people, this is not much of an issue, however. You will need to add more additional butter or oil to the pan. You will also need to taste it to see if there is enough salt as you finish the recipe since you will not have the salt from the pork.

What Does This Broccoli Go With?

Creamy broccoli is an amazing side dish that goes with so many main courses. It is known as a Thanksgiving side dish but it is so much more than that. You can serve this with any of your favorite proteins or even as a side to a casserole.

You can use this broccoli dish to go with so many delicious dinners. Some of my favorite ideas are BBQ Chicken breasts, parmesan chicken thighs, and garlic chicken pasta.

You can even serve this broccoli and bacon dish with something as simple as a rotisserie chicken. I can not think of a single chicken recipe that this does not go well with. 

Other family favorites are things like garlic baked pork chops, steak, and beef pot roast.

Is Creamy Broccoli  Keto Friendly?

Broccoli is a low-carb vegetable and when you combine it with bacon and cream, you get a delicious keto-friendly side dish. Depending on your choices, you might need to tweak the recipe slightly to keep your macros in check.

The only ingredient of concern in this recipe is cornstarch. The two teaspoons of cornstarch to thicken the sauce are only 5 grams of carbs total. Spread over 4 to 6 servings, this is negligible to most. However, you can use xanthan gum or tapioca flour if you prefer the lower carb option.

Ingredients

• Bacon
• Onion
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Broccoli
• Mozzarella
• Fresh parsley

Handy Kitchen Tools

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cast iron skillet
• Wooden spoon

How to Make Creamed Broccoli with Bacon

In a large cast-iron skillet, cook bacon over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside to drain on paper towels.

To the skillet, add the onions and cook using the existing bacon grease, for 2 minutes, stirring regularly.

Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook, stirring regularly, for 3 to 5 minutes until tender and slightly browned.

Add the sliced or minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch.

Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the shredded cheese and stir to combine, cooking for another 1 minute until melted.

Add in the bacon and stir to combine.

Top with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Alternate Cooking Method

This can also be made in a Dutch oven or any large non-stick skillet following the same process. A cast-iron skillet is just the preferred cooking option.

If you like Dutch oven recipes, then make sure you check out my Complete Dutch Oven Cookbook on Amazon. It's filled with easy-to-make meals from breakfasts to soups and stews and even a few desserts!

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

Side dishes are sometimes what truly make a meal. The combination of flavors is brought together and makes a meal worth serving. If you need new ideas, below are some of my favorites including simple light sides to the rich creamy options for a decadent meal. Make sure you bookmark, pin, or print to use soon!

• Garlic Butter Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• The Best Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe
• Garlic Parmesan Sauteed Zucchini
• The Best Ever Candied Carrots Recipe (Stovetop or Instant Pot)
• Creamy Tomato Risotto Recipe
• The Best Ever Cheesy Green Bean Casserole