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    Home » Recipes » Low-Carb Keto Vegetable And Side Dish Recipes

    Best Brussels Sprouts With Bacon (Garlic Butter)

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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    5-INGREDIENTS COOKBOOK STARTER PACK JUMP TO RECIPE
    cooked Brussels sprouts in a green bowl
    Brussels sprouts in a frying pan with bacon
    Brussels sprouts in a white serving dish
    Brussels sprouts in a white serving dish
    labelled ingredients need to make Brussels sprouts with bacon
    Brussels sprouts in a frying pan with bacon
    Brussels sprouts in a white serving dish

    No one likes boring sprouts. These delicious buttery Brussels sprouts with garlic butter and bacon will turn anyone into a fan of sprouts!

    The crispy bacon and garlic butter-covered sprouts are a tasty recipe the whole family will love!

    This is one of the best side dishes for the festive season PLUS there is a FREE printable festive holiday meal plan.

    Brussels sprouts in a white serving dish
    Brussels sprouts with bacon and garlic

    This is the perfect side dish for chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, or pork. In fact, it can even be served as a main meal by itself if you are a real Brussels sprouts lover.

    Jump to:
    • How many carbs are in Brussels sprouts?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Substitutions
    • Storage
    • Serving
    • Recipe FAQ
    • More keto side dishes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
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    How many carbs are in Brussels sprouts?

    1 cup of Brussels sprouts contains 8 grams of total carbs. For those who are on the keto diet, you may be wondering if Brussels sprouts are keto. The answer is yes.

    With 3 grams of fiber, this vegetable has 5 grams of net carbs per cup, making them an easy addition to any keto or low-carb diet!

    Are Brussels Sprouts healthier than broccoli?

    Both are non-starchy green vegetables so both fit within the low-carb diet and keto lifestyle.

    Let's take a look at their nutritional value.

    Values are per 100g/3oz cookedNet carbsProteinFatCalories
    Brussels Sprouts4.4g2.6g0.5g36
    Broccoli3.9g2.4g0.4g35
    Source: cronometer.com
    Brussels sprouts nutrition panel
    Brussels sprouts nutrition panel
     Broccoli nutrition panel
    Broccoli nutrition panel

    Both Brussels sprouts and broccoli have similar nutrition panels, with broccoli giving a little higher vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate.

    Ingredients

    labelled ingredients need to make Brussels sprouts with bacon
    All quantities, ingredients, and instructions are in the recipe card below.

    Sprouts with bacon have a short (and yummy) ingredient list. To make this dish you will need:

    • Brussels sprouts - trimmed in half lengthwise.
    • salt and pepper - season to your taste (pepper is optional).
    • bacon - I like to use thick-cut bacon for this dish for maximum flavor.
    • butter - you can use salted or unsalted. Adjust your seasoning accordingly.
    • crushed garlic - fresh garlic minced is best, but dried garlic powder will be fine.
    • orange zest - this is optional but highly recommended.
    • walnuts - halves or chopped.

    All quantities, ingredients, and instructions are in the recipe card below.

    Instructions

    Frying pan or skillet

    When you prepare the Brussels sprouts, wash them, then remove any dirty leaves.

    Slice the bottom off and place the Brussels sprouts into a small pot of water to a boil, season generously.

    Brussels sprouts cooking in a saucepan
    Brussels sprouts ready to simmer

    My top tip is to boil or simmer them until just cooked. You want to cook them until they are soft but not mushy. No one wants soggy sprouts.

    After you drain the water, let the cooked Brussels sprouts sit in the pan with the lid off so all the steam escapes. You can also place them on a paper towel-lined plate to keep them from being soggy.

    In a frying pan (I like to use a large cast iron skillet), heat the butter and add bacon to cook. I prefer to cook thick-cut bacon slices rather than diced bacon or bacon bits.

    frying bacon in a skillet
    Fry chopped bacon pieces

    Once it starts to crisp, add garlic and cook over medium-high heat until fragrant.

    Next, add the orange zest and the Brussels sprouts. Stir to cook the sprouts and make sure it's evenly coated in the delicious sauce!

    Brussels sprouts in a frying pan with bacon
    Garnish with walnuts and serve

    Garnish with the walnuts and serve immediately!

    Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts

    Roasted Brussels sprouts are a great option when you want to cut back on prep time. No more pre-cooking. You cook the sprouts with bacon all in one pan.

    If you want to roast Brussels sprouts instead, simply cut each Brussels sprout in half to speed up the cooking process. Throw everything onto an oiled baking tray, baking sheet, roasting pan, baking dish, or baking tray (sheet pan). Pour over melted butter and mix gently so all the sprouts are covered in the garlic butter.

    The Brussels sprouts soak up all the delicious garlic butter, the bacon cooks to be crispy and the sprouts are tender and juicy.

    You may want to stir them mid-way through cooking to prevent any burned pieces and so they continually are coated in the garlic sauce. You want to avoid them from being slightly charred, this may make them bitter.

    Variations

    Sprouts with bacon are absolutely delicious as they are. But, here are a few variations of this dish to try:

    • Cheesy sprouts with bacon. Add a healthy sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese to this dish. Parmesan cheese has a natural saltiness to it that works really well in this dish.
    • Spicy sprouts with bacon. If you love Brussel sprouts but want some spice, try serving this with freshly ground black pepper, chili powder, or a sprinkle of cayenne.
    • Vegetarian. Omit the bacon and add extra cheese of choice. Parmesan and even blue cheese work well with garlic butter.
    • Main dish. If you want Brussels to become the main dish, why not bump up the recipe with quartered mushrooms, sliced red onion, and extra bacon or leftover roasted chicken? The nutrition calories and carbs will change so you will need to recalculate the macros accordingly. For more one-dish recipes, check out the recipe index.

    Substitutions

    Orange zest (optional): The sweet flavor in this dish helps to balance the salty bacon. If you aren't able to add orange zest, you can simply leave it out, or you can add a bit of sweetness in another way.

    A small drizzle of balsamic vinegar can work, but at 2.7 grams of carbs per tablespoon, the carbs add up quickly!

    Alternatively, you can try a ½ tablespoon or so of keto or no-sugar maple syrup. Don't get this confused with pure maple syrup as it is full of added sugar.

    Butter: While I highly recommend the butter for the best flavor possible, you can substitute it for avocado oil or coconut oil. Olive oil can work too, but be aware that it has a lower smoke point than avocado.

    Walnuts: The nutty flavor can be replicated with pecans, macadamias, slivered almonds, or various low-carb nuts.

    Garnish: Use fresh chopped parsley, dried rosemary, fresh rosemary, cream cheese, or heavy cream over the top.

    Top Tip

    In this recipe, you boil the Brussels sprouts to make sure they are cooked before you get them nice and crispy in the butter and bacon. But DO NOT overcook them. This is what makes them soggy and why most of us hate them from our childhood.

    Always choose Brussels sprouts that are of a similar size. This way they cook evenly and you avoid uncooked or soggy veggies.

    Brussels sprouts in a white serving dish
    Sprouts with bacon and garlic butter

    Storage

    To store these Brussels sprouts and bacon for later, make sure to drain out the bacon grease. Don't throw it away, however! Remove the Brussels sprouts and bacon with a slotted spoon.

    I use my bacon grease to make roasted or other veggies. I even find frying eggs and burgers in bacon grease makes them incredibly tasty!

    Once the bacon fat is stored away separately, add the Brussels to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.

    To reheat them, I recommend cooking them on a cast iron skillet. You can also try the oven. A microwave oven doesn't get it as crispy, but it will do in a pinch.

    Serving

    What to serve with Brussels sprouts

    Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon are the perfect side for so many recipes! They are perfect for any winter meal, Thanksgiving side dish, or Christmas side dish. If you cook the recipe in a beautiful baking dish, you can bring it directly to the table.

    My whole family loves Brussels sprouts with roasted chicken, roast turkey, keto glazed ham, pork and sage sausage stuffing, as well as this one-pan keto pork chop recipe.

    If you love this healthy side dish, you might also like my other recipes such as creamed Brussels sprouts, or baked cheesy asparagus. it's always fun to try new recipes.

    Recipe FAQ

    How do I get the bitterness out of Brussels Sprouts?

    Salt baby! Yes, adding salt to your Brussels sprouts will reduce the slight bitterness that some people dislike. Also, the addition of the garlic and orange zest in this recipe really masks any bitter taste too.
    You can use the same technique for broccoli too.

    Do I need to peel Brussels sprouts?

    It's best to peel the outer leaf or two to remove any dirt or bugs. The inner leaves tend to look extra green and vibrant too.

    Do I need to chop Brussels in half when cooking?

    No, you don't have to but it does speed up the cooking time. If you are making my creamed Brussels sprouts, then cutting them in half helps them to soak up more of the cheesy sauce.

    Why do Brussels sprouts smell so bad?


    Brussels sprouts and other vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and collard greens, are all members of the cabbage family. These plants are rich in hydrogen sulfide gases which cause the smell that so many complain about while cooking.

    More keto side dishes

    • Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapenos
    • Creamed Brussels Sprouts (Garlic Parmesan)
    • Whole Roasted Cauliflower (With Garlic Butter)
    • Baked Broccoli and Cauliflower (Low Carb Friendly)
    • Low-Carb Bacon Broccoli Cauliflower Salad (Sour Cream Sauce)

    📖 Recipe

    Brussels sprouts in a white serving dish

    Please rate this recipe.

    4.3 from 17 votes

    Brussels Sprouts With Bacon And Garlic Butter Recipe

    Buttery Brussels Sprouts With Bacon And Garlic - the secret is garlic butter with a hint of orange, which contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon.
    Servings: 5
    NET carbs: 3.5g
    Author: Libby Jenkinson
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Category: Dinner. Side Dish. Vegetables
    Diet: Diabetic. Gluten Free. Vegetarian
    Gluten Free. Grain free. Keto. LCHF. Low Carb. No Sugars. Wheat Free
    Review Recipe Print Pin Email

    Calculate ingredients

    Adjust servings: 5
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    Ingredients

    • 400 g (0.9 lb) Brussels sprouts
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 slices bacon
    • 55 g (½ stick) butter
    • ½ clove garlic minced crushed
    • 1 teaspoon orange zest optional
    • 4 pieces walnut halves/pieces halves

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowls
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Frying pan

    Instructions

    • Prepare the Brussels sprouts by removing any dirty leaves, trimming the base a little, then slice the bottom. Place in a small saucepan and add salt to taste.
    • Boil in a small amount of water until just cooked, roughly 5-8 minutes. Drain and leave the lid off to allow the steam to escape. You don't want soggy sprouts or a watery sauce.
    • In a frying pan or skillet, heat the butter, then gently cook the bacon until it begins to go crispy. Now add the garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
    • Add the orange zest then gently stir in the cooked Brussels sprouts. Stir while heating the Brussels sprouts and coating them in the buttery garlic sauce.
    • Serve and use some walnut pieces to garnish.
    © Copyright Ditch The Carbs

    5-INGREDIENTS COOKBOOK

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    Nutrition Facts
    Brussels Sprouts With Bacon And Garlic Butter Recipe
    Serving Size
     
    1 serve ( serves 5)
    Amount per Serving
    NET carbs
     
    3.5
    g
    Total Carbohydrates
     
    6.6
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    3.1
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    1.8
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    4.1
    g
    8
    %
    Fat
     
    13.2
    g
    20
    %
    Sodium
     
    274.8
    mg
    12
    %
    Potassium
     
    336.9
    mg
    10
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    883.2
    IU
    18
    %
    Vitamin B1
     
    0.1
    mg
    7
    %
    Vitamin B6
     
    0.2
    mg
    10
    %
    Vitamin B12
     
    0.1
    µg
    2
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    68.7
    mg
    83
    %
    Vitamin D
     
    0.2
    µg
    1
    %
    Vitamin E
     
    1
    mg
    7
    %
    Vitamin K
     
    142.4
    µg
    136
    %
    Calcium
     
    38.7
    mg
    4
    %
    Folate
     
    50
    µg
    13
    %
    Iron
     
    1.2
    mg
    7
    %
    Magnesium
     
    21.1
    mg
    5
    %
    Selenium
     
    3.2
    µg
    5
    %
    Zinc
     
    0.5
    mg
    3
    %
    % Daily Value*
    -
    Calories
    156
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    Approximate nutrition information is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. For the most accurate nutritional data, use the actual ingredients and brands you used in your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Buttery brussels sprouts with bacon in a bowl.
    Cooked garlic Brussels sprouts

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    I'm Libby Jenkinson MPS. A registered pharmacist, Health Coach, Cert.Adv Nutrition, mother of 3 and founder of Ditch The Carbs and Low-Carb Practitioners.

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    1. Susan

      December 10, 2021 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      These sound absolutely yummy. I do plain roasted Brussels sprouts all the time - just tossed with avocado oil, salt & black pepper. I roast them at 450ºF, and I like it when they start to char. Roasting makes them sweet. I am curious to know what oven temperature you use when you bake these. I'm thinking it is probably lower than what I usually use. Also I'm curious about the approximate time they take to roast for this recipe. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Libby Jenkinson

        December 12, 2021 at 9:19 pm

        5 stars
        Hi Susan, you could easily roast them at 160C/320F. The cooking time would depend on how many you are cooking, how deep your baking pan is, and what it is made of. Metal baking dishes cook and burn faster than ceramic or cast-iron dishes.

        Reply
    2. linda

      September 17, 2019 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      Nothing should be changed except more od them!

      Reply
      • Ruth

        November 30, 2020 at 9:35 pm

        Can you freeze this ready for Christmas? Thanks

        Reply
    3. linda

      September 17, 2019 at 12:24 am

      Im 70 and did not start eatting brussel sprouts until we started ditching carbs. I was raised on green beans, carrots, creamy corn and peas veggies. Oh, tamatos too. Both parents were raised on a farm and these were reliable bed plants in MN.

      Reply
    4. Katie

      January 09, 2018 at 12:45 pm

      Do you leave the bacon grease in with the butter and garlic or do you cook the bacon and drain it first?

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        January 09, 2018 at 8:24 pm

        Oooh, keep the bacon grease in the mix - yum yum.

        Reply
    5. djnikkik

      November 25, 2016 at 4:22 pm

      I've made a recipe very similar to this before, but that little addition of the orange zest really makes a difference and a lovely flavour.

      Reply
    6. Colin Stone

      May 19, 2016 at 3:25 am

      The buttery bacon sprouts is one of my favourites if not my ultimate favourite. It is easy enough for anyone to make and is so nice even my 3 year old son likes them. A 3 year old liking sprouts? Yes they are that good.

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        May 19, 2016 at 10:57 am

        Yay, this comment makes me smile - a 3 year old eating and loving Brussels Sprouts - mission accomplished 🙂

        Reply
    7. Barbara

      January 22, 2016 at 5:58 am

      Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        January 22, 2016 at 12:09 pm

        I've never used frozen ones but I'm sure you could.

        Reply
    8. Sarah

      December 10, 2015 at 8:02 am

      I recommend these! I didn't add the orange zest but these were so delicious. Me and my family ate all of it. My 2 year old even liked it (as much as a 2 year old will admit to liking a food). Ill be making it again!! Give it a try!

      Reply
    9. Jan

      November 01, 2015 at 1:00 pm

      Libby
      These look so good.
      I love Brussels Sprouts and served this way just adds a great zing ...

      All the best Jan

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        November 02, 2015 at 10:54 am

        Thanks Jan for stopping by and leaving your lovely comment. Nice to make the connection the other day who you are married to. It's a small world. Libby.

        Reply
    10. Willow Lane

      October 29, 2015 at 2:51 am

      wow this looks so good and i love the presentation!

      Reply
    11. thehomeschoolingdoctor

      October 28, 2015 at 12:05 am

      Brussels are one of my favorites! They caused a little FODMAP issue, but that is getting better and better. I never thought of adding orange zest. Man, that sounds good!

      Terri

      Reply
    12. Hélène

      October 27, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Roasted brussel halves, sliced onions, minced garlic, drizzled with bacon grease and S&P. Oh em gee.
      I put on little vinegar on mine, either panfried or roasted. Or mustard mmmm
      I put chili over some panfried brussels tonite. My kids even ate it. It was unexpectedly good. We've gotten so we eat greens in the strangest things lol

      Reply
    13. Kerry

      October 27, 2015 at 11:31 am

      I might have to give this a try - I too have never liked brussel sprouts since childhood, but I know they are very good for you!

      Reply

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