Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly cheesy, creamy, and savory keto Brussel sprouts casserole. A dish that’s so satisfying, it effortlessly transitions from a hearty side dish to a fulfilling main course, perfectly aligning with your low-carb lifestyle.
Irresistibly Creamy Keto Brussel Sprouts Casserole: Your New Low-Carb Favorite
Brussel sprouts often get a bad rap, but prepare to have your mind (and taste buds) completely transformed with this recipe! We understand that for many, these miniature cabbages aren’t at the top of their vegetable preference list. However, their incredible health benefits make them a powerhouse ingredient, and with the right preparation, they become an undeniable culinary delight. This keto Brussel sprouts casserole is designed to make you fall in love with them, boasting a rich, creamy texture and layers of savory flavor that will make you forget you’re even eating sprouts!
Why Brussel Sprouts Deserve a Spot on Your Keto Plate
Beyond their newfound deliciousness in this casserole, Brussel sprouts are nutritional champions, especially for those following a ketogenic diet. A mere half cup serving contains approximately 4g net carbs, making them an excellent low-carb vegetable choice. But their benefits extend far beyond just being keto-friendly. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, crucial for overall health:
- Vitamin K: Providing a remarkable 137% of the recommended daily intake per half cup, Vitamin K is vital for proper blood clotting and plays a significant role in maintaining strong, healthy bones.
- Vitamin C: Another abundant nutrient, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune health, protects against cell damage, and enhances iron absorption, keeping you feeling energized and resilient.
- Fiber: Brussel sprouts are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, promoting satiety, and helping to stabilize blood sugar levels – all important aspects of a successful keto journey.
Incorporating more nutrient-dense vegetables like Brussel sprouts into your diet is a smart move for your body. This casserole is not just a healthy choice; it’s a testament to how truly delicious healthy eating can be. The luxurious savory and creamy sauce is so incredibly rich that it expertly masks the distinctive sprout flavor, making it a hit even with the most skeptical eaters!
Crafting the Ultimate Keto Brussel Sprouts Casserole: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
If you’re only going to try one Brussel sprouts recipe, make it this one! This casserole transcends the humble sprout, transforming it into a gourmet experience. It’s a masterful blend of ingredients that contribute to its extraordinary depth of flavor and captivating textures.
The magic begins with perfectly sautéed Brussel sprouts, earthy sliced mushrooms, and delicate shallots, all bathed in a decadent, garlicky butter sauce. This creamy foundation is then elevated by crispy, salty bacon pieces, adding a delightful crunch and smoky depth. The crowning glory is a golden topping of crunchy pork rind crumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese, which bakes into a irresistible crust. The combination of creamy, tender vegetables, crispy bacon, and a savory, crunchy topping ensures every bite is an exciting interplay of flavors and textures, keeping your palate engaged and preventing any hint of boredom.
Preparing Your Brussel Sprouts for Casserole Perfection
The success of any Brussel sprouts dish often comes down to preparation. For this casserole, we recommend selecting firm, bright green sprouts without any yellowing or soft spots. Before cooking, wash them thoroughly, trim off the very end of the stem, and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. While you can add them whole, we highly suggest slicing the Brussel sprouts in half. This simple step not only helps them cook faster and more evenly but also allows them to absorb more of that glorious creamy sauce, resulting in a more enjoyable and tender texture. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the final dish.
Customizing Your Creamy Keto Brussel Sprouts Casserole
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and this keto Brussel sprouts casserole is wonderfully adaptable. While the base recipe is phenomenal, feel free to experiment with different additions and seasonings. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the creamy sauce will add a pleasant kick without overwhelming the other flavors. Beyond the earthy ground thyme, salt, and pepper recommended, consider incorporating other aromatic herbs like sage, parsley, basil, oregano, or rosemary to introduce even more complexity and freshness to the dish.
You can also play with different cheeses. While Parmesan offers a classic salty, nutty profile, a blend of Gruyere or sharp cheddar could add another layer of richness. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can often substitute heavy whipping cream, and nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor. Always remember, recipes are a guideline, and your kitchen is your canvas!
Keto-Friendly Versatility: Main Course or Perfect Side Dish?
This keto Brussel sprouts casserole truly shines with its versatility. It’s robust and satisfying enough to serve as a standalone main course for a delicious low-carb meal. The combination of vegetables, bacon, and a rich cream sauce ensures you’ll feel completely full and satisfied.
However, it also makes an exceptional side dish that complements a wide array of proteins. To easily transform it into a more substantial meal, consider adding some shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey directly into the casserole before baking. This is an absolutely fantastic way to repurpose holiday leftovers like Thanksgiving turkey, giving them a fresh and exciting new life!
Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips
This casserole is just as delicious the next day! Since it’s made with a cream-based sauce, it’s best to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The sauce and cheese will melt beautifully, returning to their creamy, comforting state. For meal prep, consider making a larger batch and dividing it into individual portions for quick, grab-and-go keto-friendly meals throughout the week.
Simple Steps to Your Delicious Keto Brussel Sprouts Casserole
Ready to create this incredible low-carb dish? Here’s everything you need to know to make your own cheesy, creamy, and savory Keto Brussel Sprouts Casserole. The detailed measurements and instructions are provided below.
Keto Brussel Sprouts Casserole
This cheesy, creamy, and savory keto Brussel sprouts casserole is filling and can either be a side dish or the main course.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Brussel Sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 Shallot, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tsp Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2 tsp Ground Thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Pork Rind Crumbs, crushed
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- Add the olive oil to a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the brussels sprouts for about 5 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
- Add in the mushrooms and shallot, and continue to sauté for another 4-5 minutes until they soften. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- To the same skillet over medium heat, add the butter.
- Mix in the chopped bacon pieces and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy whipping cream and ground thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce gently until it begins to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Pour the sautéed vegetables back into the thickened sauce, stirring gently to ensure everything is well combined and coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed pork rind crumbs and grated parmesan cheese to create the crunchy topping.
- Transfer the vegetable and sauce mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the pork rind and parmesan crumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped bacon if desired for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 245 kcal per serving
Net Carbs: 5 net carbs per serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
More Low-Carb Delights: Other Keto Side Dishes You’ll Love
If you thoroughly enjoyed this keto Brussel sprouts casserole, you’re in luck! We have plenty more delicious low-carb side dish ideas to keep your keto meals exciting and flavorful. Don’t stop at just one fantastic recipe; expand your culinary horizons with these incredible options:
- Easy Keto Broccoli Salad
- Keto Garlic Butter Mushrooms Recipe
- Keto Cauliflower Potato Salad
- Simple Keto Garlic Cauliflower Mash
- Keto Sausage Stuffing Recipe
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