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Keto Brussels Sprouts and Bacon (Low-Carb/Easy!) 🥬

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
8 Comments
4.70 from 10 votes

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Our Keto Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is a perfect low-carb side dish to enjoy on a keto diet. This dish is a game-changer, packed with crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and a sprinkle of irresistible spices.

So, let's create a sensational symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more!

Keto Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in skillet
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Preparation and cooking overview

The Keto Brussels Sprouts and Bacon dish is a cinch to whip up, making it ideal for both newcomers to the kitchen and experienced chefs. Just cook up some bacon until it's nice and crispy, then toss in the Brussels sprouts along with flavorful garlic and a mix of tasty spices. In just 35 minutes, you'll have a scrumptious keto side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course!

Chef's note

Add a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick or a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist. And if you're feeling adventurous, swap out the bacon for crispy prosciutto or roasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Sides recipe.

🥓 Ingredients for this keto brussels sprouts with bacon recipe

Let's make this keto Brussels sprout recipe with the following simple ingredients!

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 12 ounces Brussels sprouts
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredient substitutions

No black pepper? No garlic? No worries! We've got your back with fantastic ingredient substitutions to keep your keto journey on track. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Garlic: Substitute garlic cloves with garlic powder or minced shallots.
  • Smoked paprika: Substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder.

Additional ingredients

Unlock a whole new world of flavors with these keto-friendly ingredient additions that perfectly complement the main stars of this recipe!

  • Parmesan cheese: Grate some Parmesan over the cooked Brussels sprouts for a flavorful touch.
  • Lemon zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the dish with a refreshing citrusy note.
  • Sliced almonds: Toasted almond slices provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes: A dash of red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick for those who crave a bit of heat.
  • Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary to bring freshness and fragrance to the dish.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Brussels Sprouts and Bacon recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Paper towel

Tool substitutes list

  • Cast-iron skillet: A large saucepan or a sauté pan can work as alternatives for cooking the ingredients.
  • Paper towel: If you don't have paper towels, you can use clean kitchen towels or even a few layers of newspaper to drain the bacon.

How to make Keto Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Wash the Brussels sprout thoroughly and set them aside.
  3. Chop bacon into cubes.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat the cast iron skillet.
  2. Fry bacon for 3-4 minutes until crispy; drain on a paper towel.
  3. Add olive oil to the pan with spices and sprouts, cook for 5 minutes, add garlic, and cook another 5-7 minutes until charred and crispy.
  4. Add bacon back to skillet and cook another minute, then serve.
Keto Brussels Sprouts with Bacon being cooked

Chef's pro tip

For that perfect crisp texture on Brussels sprouts, be sure to let them dry before cooking. Any extra moisture on the surface can keep them from getting that desired golden brown and crispy finish. To make sure the texture is just right, give the Brussels sprouts a good pat down with a paper towel before tossing them in the pan. Taking this simple step will help you get that delicious golden sear and make the flavors really stand out.

What to serve with Keto Brussels Sprouts?

This versatile recipe pairs well with a variety of keto-friendly main courses. Here are some food pairing suggestions:

  • Perfect cast-iron steak: Serve the Brussels sprouts with bacon alongside a Cast Iron Steak for a hearty and satisfying meal.
  • Roasted salmon: Create a delightful seafood dinner by pairing this side dish with Broiled Salmon.
  • Chicken: For a protein-packed meal, serve the Brussels sprouts with Chicken Piccata or any of your favorite keto chicken recipes.
  • Pork chops: Indulge in a flavorful combination by serving Brussels sprouts with Keto Parmesan Pork Chops.

How to make it healthier?

  • If you prefer less sodium or want a leaner option, feel free to try turkey bacon or a leaner cut. However, traditional bacon is a fantastic choice for a classic keto dish.
  • Increase the amount of Brussels sprouts or add other low-carb vegetables, like sliced zucchini or bell peppers, to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the recipe.
  • You can also oven-roast the Brussels sprouts instead of pan-frying them to use as little oil as possible.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-trimmed Brussels sprouts: Save some precious minutes by purchasing pre-trimmed Brussels sprouts from the grocery store.
  • Go for pre-minced garlic: To streamline the recipe even more, use pre-minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself. 

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Wash and trim Brussels sprouts: Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts in advance, removing any outer leaves that may be damaged or discolored. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
  • Cook bacon in advance: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This way, when you're ready to make the recipe, you can simply reheat the bacon or crumble it directly into the dish, eliminating the need for bacon frying.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Refrigerator: Allow the leftovers to cool completely before storage. To maintain freshness, store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, and refrigerate the dish within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. You can enjoy the leftovers for 3-4 days.

Note: It is not recommended to freeze the Brussels sprouts as they lose the firm texture when thawed.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place the desired portion of the dish in a microwave-safe container. Reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adjust the time as needed to reach the desired temperature.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Transfer the dish to an oven-safe dish or baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
  • Stove: Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until thoroughly heated, which usually takes 5-7 minutes.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Our Keto Brussel Sprouts with Bacon recipe has transformed these tiny green gems into a flavor-packed side dish. Crispy bacon, charred sprouts, and a medley of spices give delicious results. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite main courses and don't forget to share how it went for you!

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Brussels sprouts are healthy for a low-carb, gluten-free, keto diet. Brussels sprouts have about 4.5g net carbs per cup, making them a great low-carb vegetable to add to your diet.

Yes, if you're not following a dairy-free diet, shaved parmesan cheese is delicious in this low-carb keto recipe!

Charring Brussels sprouts create crunch and smoky flavor. Cook cut side down without moving for char; stir occasionally for even cooking.

It's important to note that the exact carb content may differ depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in the recipe. Check our recipe card for a detailed breakdown of net carbs.

Brussels sprouts can be eaten in moderation on a ketogenic diet. A typical serving size is 1 cup, with around 8g of carbs, including fiber. 

Cooked bacon typically has a minimal amount of carbohydrates. The carb content in bacon can vary slightly depending on factors such as curing methods and added seasonings. However, on average, cooked bacon contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving.

📖 Recipe

Keto Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in skillet

Keto Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These Keto Brussels Sprouts with Bacon make a delicious low-carb side dish to any meal! Crispy, and all-around perfect you're going to love this recipe!
4.70 from 10 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brussels sprout recipe, brussels sprout with bacon, easy, keto side dish, low carb
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 109kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 12 ounces Brussels sprouts
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat the cast iron skillet.
  • Fry bacon for 3-4 minutes until crispy; drain on a paper towel.
  • Add olive oil to the pan with spices and sprouts, cook for 5 minutes, add garlic, and cook another 5-7 minutes until charred and crispy.
  • Add bacon back to skillet and cook another minute, then serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Amount Per Serving
Calories 109 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 8mg3%
Sodium 741mg32%
Potassium 383mg11%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 888IU18%
Vitamin C 73mg88%
Calcium 38mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sue says

    Why do you call your page “keto” then say to make it healthier use lean bacon or turkey bacon? It doesn’t seem you understand what keto means. To obtain “ketosis” you need high healthy fat….bacon is healthy fat…. do you also suggest people use margarine? I’m suggesting the same thing again as you do not seem to understand what keto actually means. Please change the name of your page as it is very misleading. Call your self low carb.

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi there! Thanks so much for your feedback—we really appreciate it. 😊 You’re absolutely right that traditional bacon is a fantastic source of healthy fats, which are essential for ketosis. 🥓

      We’ve revisited the wording in the blog to make it clearer that leaner or turkey bacon is just an optional suggestion for those who prefer it, but traditional bacon is absolutely keto-friendly and works perfectly in this recipe. Thanks again for pointing this out—it helps us improve!

      Reply

  2. Patty says

    Do I cut the sprouts in half before cooking?

    Reply

    • Don says

      5 stars
      Patty,
      Yes. Cut them in half. Cut side down in the skillet.

      Reply

  3. Jim Dobbins says

    5 stars
    Simple, tasty and keto friendly. Like Hope I actually cut the seasoning almost in half because I also left bacon grease in pan. Thank you for the motivation.

    Reply

  4. Sonya Miller says

    5 stars
    Delicious! A new family favorite!

    Reply

  5. Paul says

    Made this today. Very good. Cooked bacon and left drippings in pan. Will make it again!

    Reply

  6. Hope says

    These were so good but too salty. Next time I’ll use half a teaspoon

    Reply
4.70 from 10 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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