Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Casserole

It's the night before the weekly grocery trip, and you're down to the last few staples. Some frozen broccoli, some bacon, and you're pretty sure there's a stray box of cream cheese hidden in the back. It's dinner time, and it's going to be tasty!


Ingredients:
3 - 4 c. fresh or frozen broccoli (thawed, and cut into smaller pieces)
3 bacon strips
2oz cream cheese
1/3 c. sour cream
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Optional, but recommended: 
garlic powder
salt
pepper
basil
oregano
chilli pepper or paprika

Tools:
frying pan
small square baking pan
large mixing bowl
spatula
cutting board
sharp knife
cheese grater (if cheese isn't pre-shredded)
oven & microwave


Prep:
Pre-heat oven to 350°F

In frying pan, set bacon to cook on a medium high heat. 
Put the cream cheese into the large mixing bowl, and put in the microwave for 10 sec. intervals until easier to mush around. Take it out of the microwave, and add sour cream. As soon as the bacon is nice and crispy on both sides, chop it into small pieces and mix the pieces into the cream cheese mix. Feeling the need for more fat? Toss the leftover bacon grease into the mix. 


If you're starting with fresh broccoli, chop it into bite sized pieces, but not completed diced. Personally, I find some amount of chewing to add to the satisfaction of the meal.
If you're using frozen broccoli, you can either microwave the broccoli in a small bowl until thawed or rinse with warm water. Be sure to drain well; added water makes the casserole a bit soupy.

Add the broccoli to the cream cheese mix. Stir until it's well mixed, and the broccoli is completed coated. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking pan. Sprinkle spices on top. If you like a bit of spice in your dinner, add a dash of paprika or chilli pepper. Don't worry- during baking, this will all move into the rest of the dish and mix together nicely. Finally, add the shredded cheddar on top and put in the oven for 30 min or until lovely and golden on the top.



 

Makes four servings.  Net 5g carbs per serving.
Calories based on MyFitnessPal breakdown
 

                        Calories  Carbs  Fat   Protein   Sodium    Fiber