The best way to eat lots of broccoli is in this garlicky creamy sauce with delicious bits of bacon! This dish takes 20 minutes and has just 6 ingredients. It can even be turned into a soup!
Large plate with a paper towel to absorb extra bacon drippings
Tongsand a paper towel to remove extra bacon drippings from the skillet
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups
Ingredients
1cupuncooked bacon(about 8-10 slices), chopped into ½-inch pieces
1oniondiced
1-1.5poundbroccoli florets(fresh or frozen)
5-6large cloves garlicminced (or use 3-4 tablespoons bottled minced garlic)
1.5cupshalf and half
1cupshredded mozzarella cheese(or shredded provolone, freshly grated Parmesan, or Italian blend)
optional toppings: red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, fresh basil or parsley (finely minced)
Instructions
Brown the bacon bits in the skillet over medium heat until cooked to your liking, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once the bacon has cooked, remove the bacon bits and place on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb extra grease.
1 cup uncooked bacon
Use tongs and a paper towel to absorb about half the bacon grease from the pan—leave just enough to sauté onions.
Add the diced onions to greased pan and sauté over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until softened.
1 onion
Add the broccoli and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant in color and fork tender but just a little firmer than you like (it will cook more in the next step).
5-6 large cloves garlic, 1-1.5 pound broccoli florets
Reduce heat to low and pour in the half and half. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened a bit and the broccoli is cooked to your liking.
1.5 cups half and half
Add back the cooked bacon. Top with shredded cheese of your choice. Cover and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes, or carefully transfer to the oven under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese until it starts turning golden brown.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Top with crushed red pepper or herbs, and serve warm.