Get ready to fall in love with a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and richness—our Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan (Keto) Recipe makes Brussels sprouts irresistible. This dish balances the savory crunch of bacon, the nutty depth of Parmesan, and the silky smoothness of cream, transforming humble sprouts into a decadent keto-friendly delight. It’s the perfect recipe to brighten up any meal, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of many small pieces of cooked bacon spread unevenly across a silver pan. Each bacon piece is crispy with a mix of deep reddish-brown and darker brown colors, and you can see some glistening fat and oil around them, giving a shiny appearance. The background is the silver metal pan with light reflections and some oil pooled in small spots. There is no additional food or ingredients visible in the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role, from the crispy bacon that adds smoky texture to the creamy cheese that binds it all together in a luscious sauce. Despite using simple pantry staples, the combination delivers layers of flavor and inviting textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Bacon slices: The star ingredient for smoky, crispy bites that enhance both texture and flavor.
Butter: Brings richness and helps sauté the vegetables to golden perfection.
Brussels sprouts: The fresh, green base of the dish providing crunch and a slightly nutty flavor.
Onion (optional): Adds sweetness and depth to the savory profile when minced finely.
Garlic cloves: Infuses bold aroma and a gentle spicy kick.
Italian seasoning (optional): A blend of herbs to brighten and add complexity to the flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing all the ingredients.
Heavy cream: The creamy base that transforms the dish into a luscious, silky keto-friendly delight.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty texture for that irresistible cheesy pull.

How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan (Keto) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Bacon

Start by heating your oven to 400°F to get it ready for baking later. While waiting, cut the bacon into small pieces. Cooking the bacon first in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s crispy is the key to locking in that intense, smoky flavor that makes this dish sing.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

After you remove the bacon, toss a tablespoon of butter into the same pan to soak up all that bacon goodness. Add your halved Brussels sprouts and minced onion, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Cooking these for about 4-5 minutes until they start getting tender allows them to caramelize slightly, bringing out their natural sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes for that punch of aromatic flavor.

Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in a cup of heavy cream and stir until it just begins to simmer. This creamy mixture acts as the sauce’s base, coating every sprout with velvety smoothness. Taste at this point to adjust your seasoning—balancing salt and pepper is crucial before moving on.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the creamy Brussels sprouts to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top, then scatter the crispy bacon pieces across. Bake everything for about 15 minutes until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the cheese has melted into a bubbly, golden crust. This final baking step melds all the flavors together and gives the dish that irresistible finish.

How to Serve Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan (Keto) Recipe

A white plate filled with a creamy dish of green Brussels sprouts mixed with bits of brown bacon and melted cheese sauce, showing a soft, slightly lumpy texture blending all ingredients together. The Brussels sprouts are whole and halved with some dark green leafy parts visible, while the sauce has a pale yellow color with specks of seasoning. The plate sits on a round wooden board with a silver fork resting on the right edge of the plate. There is a blue cloth partially visible under the board on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra burst of fresh flavor and texture, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving. This adds a lovely pop of green and freshness that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple protein like grilled chicken, steak, or salmon, making it perfect for keto-friendly meals. It can also shine alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter contrast or be part of a more decadent holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the creamy Brussels sprouts in individual ramekins topped with a little extra crispy bacon and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This makes it feel special and party-ready, perfect when entertaining guests who will appreciate the rich, comforting flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce thickens as it chills, so allow it to come to room temperature before reheating to restore its silky texture.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to only freeze if necessary since the texture of the Brussels sprouts and creamy sauce can change slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to a month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching and to bring back that creamy consistency. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked bacon saves time and still delivers plenty of smoky flavor. Just add it at the end before baking to keep it crispy.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, the Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan (Keto) Recipe is designed to be low in carbs and high in fat, making it perfectly keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Can I substitute any of the cheeses?

Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty dimension, but you can use Pecorino Romano for a bit more bite or swap mozzarella for a similar melting quality. Avoid processed cheeses to keep the dish fresh and natural.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

Heavy cream is key for the creamy texture, but full-fat coconut milk can be a dairy-free alternative, though it will slightly alter the taste.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate that smoky flavor. You can also toss in toasted nuts or crispy fried shallots for texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to transform your Brussels sprouts from humdrum to crave-worthy, the Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan (Keto) Recipe is your new go-to. It’s comfort food with a fancy twist, perfect for impressing at the table or simply treating yourself on any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a beloved staple!