Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Bake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting casserole featuring crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs ounces, chopped bacon, florets broccoli, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 4 ounces chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups broccoli florets to the skillet with bacon fat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted.
  5. Step 5: Pour cream mixture over broccoli in the skillet, stirring to coat. Add cooked bacon and stir gently.
  6. Step 6: Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until top is golden and bubbly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Bake take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Bake?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces, chopped bacon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Bake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Bake?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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