Creamy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cheddar

The ultimate side dish for your next BBQ, this Creamy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cheddar is loaded with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, all tossed in simple tangy dressing. With only 6 ingredients, this salad is super easy to throw together!

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A delicious un-salad: Broccoli Salad with crispy bacon 

Broccoli and Cheddar... a match made in food heaven. Add crisp bacon and creamy, tangy dressing to the mix, and you've got one tasty side salad. I mean, you literally cannot go wrong here.

I have been making this homage to Amish style broccoli salad for over 2 decades, and it NEVER disappoints. It's the best broccoli salad, with minimal ingredients and a fast and easy dressing, this broccoli salad is always wiped out at any barbecue or party I bring it to.

It's easy to make, and it can be made a day or so in advance, making it a great candidate for pot lucks and summer BBQs!

Broccoli salad with bacon and cheese: A family favorite

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar is one of my most requested recipes among friends and family. My secret? tons of bacon and fresh grated, tart sharp cheddar cheese. If you were looking for a healthy "salad," close this window now- we're using the term salad VERY loosely here, as this is more an indulgent treat than a healthy side dish.

Only 6 simple ingredients!

To make this super delicious and super  large bowl recipe, you only need:

• Raw broccoli florets and ground stalks. I like to chop the stalks into smaller pieces, then grind them up in the food processor. This way, there's less waste and more broccoli!
• Lots of bacon. For this recipe, you'll use just shy of a a pound. Chop it into small pieces with kitchen shears prior to cooking for easy salad assembly.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese. I prefer to shred this myself for the best flavor and texture.
• Mayonaise. Any brand you like!
• White vinegar. Just plain old classic distilled vinegar.
• Sugar. White or organic cane will both do the trick.

Can I use bagged broccoli florets?

Absolutely! They are a great way to cut down on prep! I use them all the time.

Making the broccoli salad

Once you've got all of your ingredients, you just need to chop up all that broccoli (i like to process the stalks and add those as well so they don't go to waste), cook the bacon, and toss the broccoli, bacon, cheddar and dressing together- and voila, you're ready to eat!

Step by step

1. Chop bacon into ¼” pieces and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until crisp-around 15 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.

2. While the bacon cooks, separate the raw broccoli florets from the stalks. Chop broccoli florets into small, bite size pieces. Cut stalks up into roughly 1” pieces, transfer stalks to a food processor and pulse until all pieces are finely chopped. Transfer all broccoli to a large mixing bowl.

3. Combine all dressing ingredients in a medium mixing bowl or 2 cup liquid measure with a wire whisk until well incorporated. Transfer to the bowl with the broccoli.

4. Add bacon and shredded cheese to the bowl with the broccoli and dressing, and toss all ingredients until all broccoli is well coated. Serve immediately, or transfer to to aright container and refrigerate up to 3 days.

Substitutions and Additions

This broccoli salad is easy to make your own! Below are some fun additions and substitutions to add to the salad.

• Add chopped red onion for a little bite. 
• Use apple cider vinegar for a tangy sweetness. 
• Add some dried cranberries for a burst of flavor. 
• Do a mix of fresh cauliflower and broccoli for a fun way to mix things up. 
• Try using some grated smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese instead of classic. Sharp cheddar. 
• Stir in some crunchy sunflower seeds for a bit more texture.

Storing leftovers

Leftovers can be store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give the salad a good stir and let it sit out at rom temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Made this Bacon broccoli salad recipe? Leave a review and rating below!

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