Indulge in the irresistible flavors of homemade Bacon Brussels Sprouts, a restaurant-inspired recipe. Easy, keto, low carb, paleo, and gluten-free. Delicious side dishes don’t get any better than this.
If you want your husband to take you out to dinner, don’t cook up his favorite restaurant dish at home. Just kidding.
One of our favorite local restaurants makes an extraordinary side dish of Brussels sprouts with bacon.
Savoring all the flavors and ingredients, from the perfectly caramelized sprouts to the tantalizingly crisp bacon, I knew I had to give it a try in my kitchen.
Fast forward to the next time we went to the restaurant, I noticed that John didn’t order their Brussels sprouts. He smiled and said, “Why should I order theirs, when I can get it at home?” 😊
Now, this Bacon Brussels Sprouts has taken its well-deserved place among my collection of favorite vegetable recipes.
It’s a quick easy side dish to your favorite beef, tasty chicken, sweet pork, succulent lamb, or delicious seafood dishes, including my Salisbury steak with homemade gravy, delicious low carb meatballs in smoked paprika sauce, and scrumptious pan-seared scallops with beurre blanc sauce.
As the holidays get closer, I can’t wait to put this recipe on the menu for Thanksgiving and Christmas, too.
Brussels sprouts are named after Brussels, Belgium’s capital, where they initially flourished in the 16th century. Resembling miniature cabbages, these little wonders may seem petite, but they pack a powerful punch of nutrition in every bite. Read more about the health benefits of Brussels sprouts here.
The Recipe: Bacon Brussels Sprouts
You’re going to love this vegetable side too.
And you’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are needed to create such a flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: They bring a unique and slightly nutty flavor to the dish. Choose vivid green Brussels sprouts. If you spot any black spots or yellowing leaves, it’s a sign they’re starting to spoil.
- Bacon: Ah, bacon, the sizzling delight that adds a burst of savory goodness to any dish. In this recipe, bacon not only provides a smoky and salty flavor but also lends a delightful crunch to each bite. Its fat renders during cooking, infusing the Brussels sprouts with its rich essence. I like Applegate Sunday bacon because it doesn’t contain any nitrites or chemical preservatives. Go with your favorite bacon, even turkey bacon will work.
- Butter: Butter is a luxurious addition that brings richness and a luscious mouthfeel to the dish. When melted in the pan, it provides a velvety base for cooking the Brussels sprouts and garlic. The buttery flavor complements the earthiness of the sprouts and adds a delightful richness to the overall taste.
- Garlic: Known for its aromatic and pungent qualities, garlic is a staple ingredient in countless savory dishes. In this recipe, it adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the dish. As it cooks with the butter, the garlic infuses its essence throughout, elevating the dish to new heights.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the flavors and bring out the natural taste of the Brussels sprouts. It helps to enhance the other ingredients, adding a touch of seasoning that ties everything together. Remember to use salt judiciously, tasting as you go, to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Instructions
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.
Here’s how we make the low carb, keto-friendly recipe.
First, trim off the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts and cut off the knobby ends. Then cut each in half.
Boil the Brussels sprouts in an inch of water for 4 minutes. Then set them aside.
Fancy bacon as much as I do? Go ahead and cook the whole package.
Cut your bacon into bite-size pieces and cook over a medium heat until crispy. When your bacon is done, transfer the bacon with a slotted spatula to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain.
In the same pan, melt your butter. Add garlic and Brussels sprouts cut side down and brown about 2 minutes. Then toss and season with salt.
Finally, reintroduce the crispy bacon to the pan and toss everything together.
And that’s it. An easy homemade bacon Brussels sprouts side dish.
PRO TIPS AND RECIPE NOTES
- Trim off the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts, cut off the knobby ends and rinse well in a bowl of cold water before cutting each in half.
- Boil the Brussels sprouts in an inch of water to tenderize them before browning.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, feel free to substitute extra-virgin olive oil for butter. Olive oil will provide a similar richness and help to enhance the flavors of the Brussels sprouts and garlic.
- Can you use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh ones? While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts as a substitute if needed. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Want to add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! This recipe serves as a versatile base for experimentation. Feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced onions, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers for added flavor and variety.
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
I hope you enjoy making this restaurant favorite dish in your own kitchen. These bacon Brussels sprouts not only satisfy, but also align with various dietary preferences such as keto, paleo, and gluten-free due to their low-carb and fiber-rich nature.
Happy cooking!
More bacon recipes you’ll love
Seasoned Cauliflower Rice With Bacon This makes a delicious easy side dish that tastes just like fried rice.
Beef Liver With Bacon And Caramelized Onions Liver is a quick, tasty, nutrient dense meal.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: This is such a nutritious treat whether you’re paleo, gluten free, an asparagus fan, a bacon fan, or just looking for a new addition to your collection of vegetable recipes.
Gluten Free Bacon And Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: These beautiful little mushrooms are stuffed to overflowing with savory Italian sweet sausage, bacon bits, and Mascarpone cheese.
Irish Nachos: Irish nachos are a fun twist on traditional nachos. Crispy, seasoned potato slices are drowned in cheese, bacon, green onions and cilantro.
Game Day Chili Dip: This homemade, gluten-free, and low-carb chunky chili dip has all the ingredients necessary to make it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Restaurant Style Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of Brussels sprouts
- 8- ounce package of bacon
- 3 tablespoons butter *see note for dairy-free option
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Trim off the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts and cut off the knobby ends. Then cut each Brussels sprout in half.1 pound of Brussels sprouts
- Boil Brussels sprouts in 1 inch of water for 4 minutes. Set aside.
- Cut bacon into bite size pieces and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon or spatula and set aside.8- ounce package of bacon
- Melt butter in the same pan. Add garlic and Brussels sprouts cut side down and brown about 2 minutes.3 tablespoons butter *see note for dairy-free option, 1 clove garlic
- Then toss with garlic and season with salt.salt to taste
- Finally, return bacon to the pan and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Trim off the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts, cut off the knobby ends and rinse well in a bowl of cold water before cutting each in half.
- Boil the Brussels sprouts in an inch of water to tenderize them before browning.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, feel free to substitute extra-virgin olive oil for butter. Olive oil will provide a similar richness and help to enhance the flavors of the Brussels sprouts and garlic.
- Can you use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh ones? While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts as a substitute if needed. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Want to add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! This recipe serves as a versatile base for experimentation. Feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced onions, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers for added flavor and variety.
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
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Betsy says
These look good! Bacon makes everything better. 🙂 I will have to try this recipe.
Barbara says
I’m with you, bacon adds deliciousness.
Stacey Strickler says
In a word….YUM! This looks and sounds delicious. I can’t remember the last time I ate brussel sprouts, but that streak is ending today. I have been wanting to try a new vegetable recipe and I think this one is a winner. I agree with Betsy’s comment, everything tastes better with bacon 🙂
Barbara says
I just know that you’re going to love this, Stacey.
GiGi Eats says
Hubba!! But seriously, bacon + Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven!