Cheesy Baked Broccoli with Bacon & Cheddar

Crispy, Creamy, and Completely Irresistible – The Perfect Comfort Food Side Dish!

Looking for a side dish that’ll steal the spotlight from the main course? This cheesy broccoli bake is loaded with tender green florets, crispy bacon, gooey melted cheddar, and topped with golden buttery breadcrumbs. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, this crowd-pleaser fits right in!

Ingredients

For the Base:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 400g)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

½ cup sour cream (120ml)
¼ cup mayonnaise (60ml)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (20g)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cheesy Filling:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g), divided
½ cup cooked bacon bits (60g), divided

For the Crispy Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs (30g)
2 tbsp melted butter (30g)

Optional Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Lightly grease a 23×23 cm (9×9 inch) baking dish, about 5 cm (2 inches) deep.

2. Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a large pot (2L capacity) of water to a boil.
Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for exactly 2 minutes to keep them slightly crisp.
Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

3. Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl (2L capacity), combine sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Everything

Add the blanched broccoli to the sauce.
Mix in half of the shredded cheddar and half of the bacon bits.
Toss everything together gently using a spatula until the broccoli is evenly coated.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
Spread it out evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon over the top.

6. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl (250ml capacity), mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until fully coated.
Evenly sprinkle the buttered crumbs on top of the casserole.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the top is golden and crisp.

8. Garnish and Serve

Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Top with chopped parsley for a fresh finish (optional).
Serve hot as a side dish or even a light main course.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings

Serves 6 people

Calories

Approximately 260 calories per serving

Tips & Variations

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare everything except the topping. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
Cheese Lovers: Swap or add extra cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear steps.
Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
Low-Carb Option: Great for keto-style diets (omit breadcrumbs or use almond meal).
Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight meals to holiday feasts.