Roasted Broccoli with Bacon

Let's be honest, bacon makes everything better; and broccoli is no exception! Plus, we don't need tons of the salty, smoky goodness here, just enough to add flavor to the broccoli and round out the dish. A little goes a long way so don't worry that we're de-health-ifying the dish!

Want to try a different vegetable? You can easily substitute cauliflower florets, asparagus spears and Brussels sprouts for the broccoli. The instructions stay the same!

Roasted Broccoli with Bacon

4-6 strips bacon of choice
6 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
Salt and ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

 Arrange the bacon on the prepared pan.

Bake for 15 minutes, until the bacon is cooked but not crisp. Remove the bacon from the oven and set aside. Keep the oven at 400 degrees.
Blanch the broccoli in a large pot of boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain. Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. When the butter is foamy, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, add the broccoli and toss to coat.
Remove the bacon from the parchment paper and drain away any grease. Cut the bacon into bite-size pieces and toss with the broccoli.
Transfer the broccoli and bacon to the prepared pan and season with salt and pepper.
Return the pan to the oven and roast for 5 to 10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the bacon starts to crispen.

Serves 4