Crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, bold garlic, and a shower of fresh Parmesan โ this is the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight. Itโs low-carb, keto-approved, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or meal prep.
๐ Servings & Timing
Serves: 4โ6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
๐ Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, washed, trimmed, and halved
- โ teaspoon salt
- โ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon paprika
- ยฝ teaspoon dried parsley
- ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ยผ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Add bacon pieces and cook until crispy.
Transfer bacon to a paper towelโlined plate to drain.
2. Sautรฉ the Brussels Sprouts
Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about half in the skillet for flavor.
Add the Brussels sprouts cut-side down and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and soften.
3. Season & Steam
Add:
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Dried parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt & black pepper
Stir well, cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 more minutes until Brussels sprouts are tender.
4. Finish with Bacon
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet.
Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, letting everything crisp slightly.
5. Add Parmesan & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with fresh shredded Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
๐ฅ Tips for Best Results
- Extra Crispy: Let Brussels sprouts sit undisturbed cut-side down for a few minutes before stirring
- Oven Option: Transfer everything to a baking sheet and broil 2โ3 minutes for extra crunch
- Cheese Swap: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
- Reheat: Best reheated in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness
๐ฅ Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~220
Fat: ~16 g
Protein: ~10 g
Net Carbs: ~5 g
โญ Final Thoughts
These Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts convert even the biggest veggie skeptics. Smoky bacon, savory garlic, and melty Parmesan make this dish bold, comforting, and totally addictive โ all while staying keto-friendly.