Looking for a cozy side dish that’s hearty yet simple? This broccoli and bacon casserole is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy comfort with a smoky bacon kick. The tender broccoli with bacon pairs beautifully, all baked together into one dish that feels both classic and satisfying. Serve it alongside a main meal or enjoy it on its own, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.
The first time I made broccoli and bacon casserole, it wasn’t planned at all, I just threw it together with what I had in the fridge. I had some leftover broccoli, a few strips of bacon, and a block of cheese waiting to be used. Once it baked, the whole kitchen smelled amazing, and honestly, I couldn’t believe how good it tasted for such a simple mix.
Best Broccoli and Cauli to Use
Fresh broccoli and cauliflower give the best taste and texture for this casserole. If you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well so the dish doesn’t turn watery. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces helps everything cook evenly.
Bacon in Casseroles
Bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that makes the casserole extra tasty. Cooking it until crisp before mixing keeps it from going soggy in the oven. A little bacon goes a long way, so you don’t need too much to boost the flavor.
Perfect Side Dish for Dinner Parties
This casserole works as a side that pairs well with chicken, fried pickles, or sauteed kale with garlic. It looks impressive but is easy to make, so you don’t stress before guests arrive. The cheesy topping and bacon make it a dish everyone will want seconds of.
Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Broccoli and Bacon Recipe
Broccoli and bacon are a match made in the kitchen with crispy bites and tender greens in every forkful. This easy dish works for a simple side or a quick light meal.
Kitchen Must-Haves
- Casserole Dish: The main vessel for layering and baking your dish, designed to go from oven to table with ease.
- Wooden Spatula: Perfect for mixing and folding without scratching your cookware or crushing delicate ingredients.
- Saucepan: Ideal for whipping up smooth sauces, melting cheese, or gently simmering ingredients for added depth of flavor.
Grab these Ingredients
- Broccoli: Fresh florets that bring color and crunch.
- Cauliflower: Mild and tender, a nice balance to the broccoli.
- Bacon: Crispy pieces that add smoky, savory flavor.
- Butter: Helps sauté and gives a rich, creamy base.
- Cheddar: Sharp and melty for that classic cheesy pull.
- Milk: Smooths out the sauce and makes it creamy.
- Crushed Crackers: Crunchy topping for extra texture.
- Cream Cheese: Adds tang and richness to the sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Brings a savory kick to every bite.
- Salt: Simple seasoning that ties everything together.
- Paprika: Adds mild warmth and color.
- Cayenne Pepper: A little heat for extra flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Brightens the dish with a fresh pop.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Make Broccoli Bacon Dish
First: Ready the Veggies and Oven
Chop the broccoli into small florets and break the cauliflower into small chunks. Blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes in salted boiling water, then add the cauliflower for 2–3 minutes more. Drain and let them dry while your oven preheats to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius).
Second: Cook the Bacon
Cut the bacon into strips and fry in a skillet or Dutch oven until crispy. Once done, place the pieces on paper towels and chop them up. Save about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the pan to keep the flavor going.
Third: Flavor Base
Add butter to the reserved bacon fat and let it melt on medium heat. Stir in garlic, lemon zest, a little cayenne, and salt until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
Fourth: Crunchy Crust Prep
Crush the crackers into fine crumbs with a rolling pin or food processor. Mix them with melted butter and a pinch of smoked paprika. Set aside, this will be your crispy topping.
Fifth: Creamy Veggie Mix
Turn off the heat and stir in cream cheese and cheddar until the sauce is smooth. Add the broccoli, cauliflower, and chopped bacon to the pot. Mix until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Sixth: Bake It Up
Spread the cheesy mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Top with the cracker crumb mixture. Cover with foil to bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Handy Tips for Tasty Wins:
- Blanch the veggies first: Giving broccoli and cauliflower a quick boil keeps them bright and tender without getting mushy in the oven.
- Crisp the bacon well: Fry it until golden before adding it in so it stays crunchy after baking.
- Use a good cheese blend: Mixing sharp cheddar with a bit of parmesan makes the sauce extra rich and flavorful.
- Don’t skip the topping: A layer of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs adds the perfect crunch to balance the creamy casserole.
Your Questions, My Answers
What are the Pairings to Try Broccoli with Bacon Casserole?
This casserole goes great with simple mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. You can also serve it with fried pickles in air fryer or a light salad to balance the richness. It works well as both a side dish or the star of the meal.
How to Store This Recipe?
Let the casserole cool before storing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Assemble the casserole and let it cool completely before freezing. Wrap it tightly with foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until hot and bubbly.
More Stress-Free Recipes You’ll Love
If you liked this casserole, you’ll enjoy trying other simple dishes too. Baked feta egg bites are great for breakfast or snacks, and they’re easy to make ahead. Spaghetti meat sauce is a classic dinner that feels cozy and filling without much effort.
You can also try making your own breading for meat, which makes chicken or pork extra crispy and tasty. These recipes are all simple, stress-free, and perfect for busy days.
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Broccoli and Bacon Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Wooden Spatula
- 1 Saucepan
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop broccoli and cauliflower into small florets, blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes and cauliflower for 2–3 minutes, then drain and let dry while preheating the oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius).
- Cut bacon into strips and fry until crispy, then drain on paper towels, chop, and reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Add butter to the bacon fat, melt over medium heat, and stir in garlic, lemon zest, cayenne, and salt until fragrant. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened.
- Crush crackers into fine crumbs, mix with melted butter and smoked paprika, and set aside for topping.
- Remove sauce from heat, stir in cream cheese and cheddar until smooth, then fold in broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon until coated.
- Spread mixture in a greased baking dish, top with cracker crumbs, cover with foil and bake 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 20–25 minutes more until golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Blanch the veggies first: Giving broccoli and cauliflower a quick boil keeps them bright and tender without getting mushy in the oven.
- Crisp the bacon well: Fry it until golden before adding it in so it stays crunchy after baking.
- Use a good cheese blend: Mixing sharp cheddar with a bit of parmesan makes the sauce extra rich and flavorful.
- Don’t skip the topping: A layer of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs adds the perfect crunch to balance the creamy casserole.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
