When you think of simple yet flavorful side dishes, Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli should come to mind. This quick and easy recipe brings together the crispiness of bacon and the freshness of broccoli, creating the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness. Whether you are looking for a new way to enjoy your veggies or need a last-minute addition to dinner, this dish is a sure winner. Plus, it’s keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free—so it fits perfectly into any dietary plan.
Why You’ll Love This Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli Recipe
Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli is not just a side dish, it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something fast but flavorful.
Flavor-Packed: The bacon crisps up beautifully and adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the garlic-infused broccoli.
Healthy and Versatile: Broccoli is packed with nutrients and low in calories, making it an excellent vegetable to add to your meals. This dish is also customizable with various other vegetables like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
Perfect for All Diets: Whether you’re following a keto, paleo, or gluten-free diet, this dish fits right in, offering a hearty side without compromising on taste.
Ingredients for Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli
To make this simple yet delightful dish, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:
Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (or ghee, if you prefer a dairy-free version).
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon to help sauté the onions and broccoli.
Onion: ½ onion, chopped, to add flavor depth to the dish.
Broccoli: 2 heads of broccoli, cut into florets. You can shred the broccoli into rice-sized pieces for a finer texture.
Bacon: ½ pound (220g) of crispy bacon, chopped into small pieces.
Cheddar: ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a melty, cheesy finish.
Vegetable Stock: 2 tablespoons of low-sodium vegetable stock to add moisture and flavor to the dish.
Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, chopped, for aromatic flavor.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, for a bright, fresh finish.
Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced, to infuse the dish with a savory punch.
Seasoning: Salt and pepper, to taste.
This simple list of ingredients is all you need to bring this dish to life. The combination of bacon, cheddar, and fresh herbs takes broccoli to a whole new level.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Bacon Broccoli
Choosing the Right Broccoli: For the best results, choose fresh broccoli with firm, green florets. Avoid broccoli with yellowing or wilting leaves.
Using Frozen Broccoli: While fresh broccoli is preferred for this recipe, you can use frozen broccoli if necessary. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy.
Substitute Vegetables: This recipe works well with other vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or shredded cabbage. If you prefer a different texture or flavor, feel free to mix things up.
How to Customize Your Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily make adjustments based on your personal taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for customization:
Low-Fat Version: If you’re looking to cut back on fat, consider swapping the butter for a lower-fat version, or use avocado oil for a lighter alternative. You can also replace the bacon with smoked turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, simply skip the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. There are many great dairy-free cheese options available that melt just like traditional cheese.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables for added texture and nutrients. Carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers would all work well in this recipe. Adding more vegetables also increases the fiber content, making the dish even healthier.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy some heat in your dishes, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished dish for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Your Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli
Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli is the perfect side dish for a wide variety of meals. Here are some ideas on what to serve it with:
Grilled Meats: This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or pork. The richness of the bacon and cheese complements the smoky flavor of grilled meats, making for a balanced, delicious meal.
Roasted Fish: Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli also goes well with roasted fish, such as salmon or tilapia. The freshness of the broccoli balances out the richness of the fish.
Egg Dishes: For a light and nutritious meal, serve this side dish with scrambled eggs or a vegetable frittata. The broccoli adds a fresh crunch that complements the creamy texture of the eggs.
Quinoa or Rice: For a heartier meal, serve this dish with a side of quinoa or brown rice. The whole grains will provide additional fiber and make your meal more filling.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—they’ll keep well in the fridge. Here’s how to store and reheat your Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli:
Storing: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the broccoli in a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated through. If you find the dish too dry, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but it may lose some of its crispy texture.
Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 1 month. To freeze, spread the broccoli mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet.
Variations of Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli
While the original recipe is delicious as is, you can switch things up to cater to different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to keep this recipe exciting and fresh:
Keto-Friendly Option
For a truly keto-friendly variation, skip the cheddar cheese or opt for a full-fat cream cheese substitute to make it richer. Pair this with a side of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, high-fat meal.
Vegan Version
For a vegan option, replace the bacon with tempeh bacon or smoked mushrooms for that delicious smoky flavor. You can use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Additionally, replace the vegetable stock with a mushroom broth for a deeper, more umami taste.
Gluten-Free Option
This recipe is already gluten-free, so no modifications are needed for those following a gluten-free diet. Just make sure the vegetable stock and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Spicy Garlic Bacon Broccoli
If you enjoy heat, add jalapeños or chili flakes to the mix. You can also drizzle a bit of sriracha sauce over the broccoli just before serving for an extra spicy kick. This adds a fantastic balance of flavors and gives the dish a zesty twist.
Cheesy Garlic Bacon Broccoli Casserole
Transform this side dish into a comforting casserole by adding a layer of cream of mushroom soup (or a dairy-free version), then top with an extra layer of shredded cheese. Bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli is an excellent addition to your weekly meal prep routine. You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Portion It Out: Divide the dish into individual meal-sized portions in airtight containers. This way, you can grab a quick, healthy lunch or dinner during the week.
Pair It With Protein: For a complete meal, pair the broccoli with grilled chicken, turkey, or even a piece of fish. You can even add some cooked quinoa or brown rice for a well-rounded meal.
Snack Option: This dish can be a tasty, low-carb snack. It’s packed with flavor and can satisfy your cravings for something savory and rich.
Pan-Fried Garlic Bacon Broccoli Recipe Card
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee for dairy-free)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, chopped
2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
½ pound (220g) crispy bacon, chopped
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons low-sodium vegetable stock
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Broccoli:
Cut the broccoli into florets, then pulse them in a food processor 2-3 times until you get a coarse, rice-like texture.Sauté the Onions:
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.Cook the Broccoli:
Add the riced broccoli to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is crisp-tender.Add Bacon and Cheese:
Stir in the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes golden.Add Vegetable Stock:
Pour in the vegetable stock and cook for 2 more minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly. Add more stock if necessary to deglaze the pan.Add Herbs and Garlic:
Add the fresh thyme, parsley, and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Serve:
Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve immediately as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
Substitute Options: If you prefer, you can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a leaner option.
Freezing Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of vegetable stock if needed.
Vegetable Variations: You can substitute broccoli with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or even shredded cabbage for a different twist on this dish.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Calories: 270
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 270
Yield: 4 servings
