This comforting casserole combines tender broccoli, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all brought together with a rich garlic & herb spread. Quick to assemble and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s the ultimate crowd pleasing side dish for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Creamy, savory, and full of flavor in every bite!

Ingredients

3 heads broccoli
1 lb bacon
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
2 chicken bouillon cubes (optional, for boiling broccoli)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet and cook bacon for about 15 minutes, until crisp. Chop and reserve a few tablespoons of bacon fat.
Cook onion and garlic in bacon fat until just wilted and golden brown.
Cut broccoli florets into bite-size pieces. Grate or finely chop the stems.
Bring a pot of water to a boil with salt and optional bouillon. Add broccoli and cook 5–7 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Add broccoli to a large bowl. Stir in cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, onion and garlic in bacon fat, salt and pepper.
Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Rest 5 minutes before serving.