Brussels sprouts get such a bad reputation. Most of us grew up eating them boiled into submission, which creates sad, grey-green mush balls that nobody wanted on their plate. I refused to touch them until I was like 28.
Then I went to a dinner party where one of my friends served them with bacon and cream sauce. It changed my entire perspective. I went back for thirds, maybe fourths.
The whole problem with Brussels sprouts? We’ve been cooking them wrong. But what about the carb?
Well, do not worry. This keto creamed Brussel sprouts recipe is keto, which just means low-carb but loaded with fat. Brussels sprouts are already pretty low-carb; only 8 net grams per cup. Add bacon, heavy cream, and cheese to that to give yourself a side dish that fits keto macros while tasting ridiculously good.
Why You’ll Love Keto Brussel Sprouts?
This recipe hits 24g of fat with only 7 net carbs per serving, a perfect keto ratio. They are loaded with vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber as well.
Searing them in bacon fat creates caramelized edges that kill that sulfur taste people hate. It takes about 30 minutes total, and you’re only actively cooking for 15.
Frozen Brussels sprouts also work if fresh ones aren’t available, but they won’t get as crispy.
Leftover sprouts reheat great in a skillet. You just have to skip the microwave, or the cream sauce separates.
Keto Creamed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Keto creamed Brussel sprouts recipe takes about 30 minutes. Most of that is just letting them sit in the pan getting crispy.
To make this recipe, you’ll need these ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | My Notes |
| Brussels sprouts | 1.5 lbs | Trim the bottoms, slice in half |
| Bacon | 6 strips | Thick cut is better |
| Heavy cream | 3/4 cup | Real cream, not half and half |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz | Soften first, cut small |
| Garlic cloves | 3-4 | Chop them fine |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup grated | Freshly grated tastes way better |
| Butter | 2 Tbsp | Makes it extra rich |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Taste and adjust |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | Freshly cracked if you have it |
| Red pepper flakes | Pinch | Skip if you don’t like heat |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tsp | Or use 1/2 tsp dried |
How I Actually Make This?
Step 1: Start with bacon. Chop bacon into bits. Toss in a big skillet, medium heat. Stir now and then. Takes 8 minutes to get crispy. Scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon, but keep the bacon fat in the pan; it’s liquid gold.
Step 2: Turn the heat to medium-high. Halve the Brussels sprouts and lay them cut-side down right in that bacon fat to get a good sear. Leave them alone, they need to sit there and brown. Takes 5-6 minutes. Flip, cook the other side 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: At the moment, toss in garlic. Stir for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Including Brussels sprouts and all the things are nicely browned, it’s time for the sauce.
- For Sauce: First, pour in the heavy cream along with the cubed cream cheese. Then keep stirring as everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce. This should take about 2 minutes.
Step 5: After sauces, now for the finishing touches! Toss in your parmesan, butter, and most of the crispy bacon (save some for topping). Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste, then let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes while the sauce thickens up.
Step 6: Ready to serve!
Carb Breakdown for Keto
Brussels sprouts have 8 net carbs per cup when raw. This whole recipe feeds 6 people. Each serving has roughly:
- Net carbs: 7g
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 12g
- Calories: 290
Pretty solid macros for keto. The cream and bacon add fat without carbs.
Pro Tips
- Getting them crispy: Don’t stack them. If your pan’s not huge, do two batches. They need space to get crispy, not steamed.
- Bacon fat is gold: Don’t dump it out. That’s your flavor base. If there’s too much, drain some but keep 2 tablespoons minimum.
- Cream cheese hack: Chop it into tiny pieces before adding. Big chunks take forever, and you’ll stand there stirring. Tiny cubes melt fast.
- Sauce too thick? Add more cream and stir. Too thin? Let it simmer longer or throw in more Parmesan.
- If prepping ahead, cook the sprouts and bacon first. When ready to serve, reheat them and whip up a fresh cream sauce. Way better than reheating the whole thing.
What I Serve This With?
| Steak or prime rib – The richness works together. Roasted chicken – Makes regular chicken feel fancy. Pork chops – More bacon never hurt anyone. Thanksgiving turkey – Better than green bean casserole, fight me. By itself – Sometimes I eat a huge bowl for lunch. No shame. |
Keto Creamed Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 Lbs Brussels Sprouts Trimmed and cut in half
- 6 Strips Bacon Chopped
- 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream
- 4 Oz Cream Cheese Softened and cut into cubes
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves Minced
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
- A Pinch Red Pepper Flakes Optional
- 1 Tsp Fresh Thyme
Instructions
- Cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon, but leave 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Turn the heat to medium-high. Place the Brussels sprouts cut-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until browned.
- Flip them over and cook another 3-4 minutes to brown the other side.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the parmesan, butter, and most of the bacon. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Top with the reserved bacon and extra parmesan or red pepper flakes before serving.
Nutrition
My Closing Scoop
I used to hate Brussels sprouts. But now? I make them at least twice a month. This bacon and cream version changed that.
The sauce turns them from diet food into something that tastes restaurant-quality. At 7 net carbs per serving, I don’t stress about staying in ketosis either.
Try this even if you think you hate Brussels sprouts. The bacon covers up the bitter taste. Most people finish their plate before they remember they’re eating vegetables.
FAQs
How Many Carbs Are in Brussels Sprouts?
One cup of raw Brussels sprouts has about 8 grams of carbs, but after subtracting 3 grams of fiber, that’s only 5 net carbs.
Are Brussels Sprouts Keto-friendly?
Yes, they’re one of the best veggies for keto. They’re lower in carbs than carrots, corn, or sweet potatoes.
Can I Make Creamed Brussels Sprouts Ahead of Time?
Kind of. You can cook the sprouts and bacon in advance, but make the cream sauce fresh for the best texture.
Why Are My Brussels Sprouts Bitter?
Overcooking makes them bitter. Also, bigger sprouts tend to be more bitter than small ones.
