For a comforting and creamy side dish packed with flavor, try this Creamy Broccoli Bacon Bake. Combining tender broccoli and carrots with a rich cream cheese sauce, topped off with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a great way to elevate your vegetable game for any meal!
Creamy Broccoli Bacon Bake
This easy-to-make bake is perfect for a family dinner, holiday side, or whenever you need a delicious vegetable dish that’s sure to impress.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Equipment Needed:
- Saucepan
- 2-quart casserole dish
Ingredients:
- 6 cups small broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 tub (8 oz.) cream cheese spread
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 3/4 cup shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese with a touch of cream cheese
- 4 slices fully cooked bacon, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Drain the vegetables, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese spread, milk, and garlic powder until well blended.
- Coat the Vegetables: Return the cooked broccoli and carrots to the saucepan. Stir in the cream cheese mixture and sliced green onions, making sure to coat the vegetables evenly. Add a little of the reserved cooking water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the coated vegetables into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then add the chopped bacon.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
This Creamy Broccoli Bacon Bake is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The combination of crispy bacon, cheesy goodness, and tender vegetables will make this a favorite at your dinner table!