Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe
If you’re searching for a craveable side dish that will liven up any meal, look no further than Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts. Imagine vibrant, ribbon-thin sprouts, kissed with buttery bacon flavor, and finished with a snowy drift of parmesan—all in less than 20 minutes. This dish brings together crispy, savory, and downright irresistible flavors while keeping things low-carb and keto-friendly. Whether you’re hosting friends or just jazzing up a weeknight dinner, this is the Brussels sprouts recipe that could make anyone a believer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts is that you don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients—just a handful of essentials that work together in delicious harmony. Each component adds something special to the final dish, from rich mouthfeel to spicy little pops of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need (and why it matters):
- Brussels Sprouts (1 ½ pounds, shredded): The crucial main ingredient; when shredded, they cook quickly and absorb all the savory goodness from the skillet.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Brings a wonderful nuttiness and irresistible melt, creating gooey, golden pockets throughout your sprouts.
- Bacon Grease (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle smokiness and unbeatable flavor depth—if you don’t have bacon grease, try rendered pancetta or quality olive oil.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Supplies luscious richness and helps caramelize the sprouts to golden perfection.
- Garlic Salt (½ teaspoon): Delivers just the right boost of garlic flavor without overpowering the other components.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon): For a hint of gentle heat that really wakes up the palate; add more if you like it spicy!
- Balsamic Reduction (optional, for drizzling): Provides a tangy-sweet contrast that takes the whole dish over the top; balsamic vinegar works nicely if you’re out of reduction.
How to Make Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Shred the Brussels Sprouts
After giving your Brussels sprouts a quick rinse and trimming the ends, it’s time for a little slicing action. The fastest way is with a food processor fitted with a shredding disk—just feed the sprouts through the chute and let the machine do its magic. If you’re working without a processor, shred them with a sharp knife or buy pre-shredded sprouts for ultimate ease. The goal is to achieve fine, even ribbons so the dish cooks quickly and consistently.
Step 2: Saute Your Aromatics
Heat your largest skillet over medium heat and add in both the butter and bacon grease. As they melt together, swirl the pan to combine and let the kitchen fill up with those delectable aromas! Add in the shredded Brussels sprouts, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes all at once, tossing everything so the greens get coated in all that savory goodness.
Step 3: Cook for Golden Perfection
Let the Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts cook, stirring occasionally, so they start to soften and take on hints of toasty color. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes. Resist the urge to stir constantly; those golden, slightly crispy bits are the best part. Keep an eye on them and don’t be afraid of letting a few edges brown!
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Serve
Once your sprouts are just tender and have picked up some lovely caramelization, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing the residual warmth to melt the cheese into creamy nooks and crannies. For that final flourish, drizzle over a little balsamic reduction (if you like) and serve immediately. The result is a side so delicious, you might find yourself eating it straight from the pan.
How to Serve Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts
Garnishes
A finishing flourish can take these Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts from great to unforgettable. Try a sprinkle of extra parmesan, a cascade of toasted pine nuts, or even a few crackles of maldon sea salt. The optional balsamic reduction brings a bright, sweet edge—just a light drizzle does wonders!
Side Dishes
Pair your sprouts with simply roasted meats, such as pork tenderloin or grilled chicken thighs. They’re also perfect alongside keto-friendly cauliflower mash or a crisp salad. Because they’re rich and full-flavored, they work beautifully with lighter mains or as part of a larger holiday feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts onto a platter and serve family-style, or divide into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party touch. For brunch, top with a poached egg or crumble in cooked bacon for extra satisfaction. If you love color, scatter on fresh herbs or pomegranate seeds for a celebratory vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen and mingle deliciously with time.
Freezing
Freezing is technically possible, but Brussels sprouts can lose some of their vibrant texture once thawed. If you do freeze them, let the sprouts cool completely before sealing tightly. For best results, reheat directly from frozen to retain as much flavor and texture as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until everything is hot and slightly crispy again. The microwave is faster, but reheating on the stove keeps the texture truer to its original glory. A fresh sprinkle of parmesan after reheating can revive their cheesy magic.
FAQs
Can I make Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts without bacon grease?
Absolutely! If you prefer a meatless version, swap the bacon grease for more butter, avocado oil, or even ghee. The finished sprouts will still have loads of flavor—just a little less smokiness.
Is it possible to prepare Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?
Yes, you can shred the sprouts and even pre-cook them a day ahead. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet, add parmesan, and finish with your preferred garnish. This makes entertaining a breeze.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No worries! Grab your sharpest knife and slice the Brussels sprouts as thinly as you comfortably can, or pick up a bag of pre-shredded sprouts from the grocery store for a convenient shortcut.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You sure can. Use a plant-based butter and substitute the parmesan for nutritional yeast, or your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. This way, you still get the savory, umami flavor without any dairy.
How spicy are Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts with red pepper flakes?
They have just a gentle kick—nothing overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to heat, scale back the red pepper flakes or leave them out altogether. If you’re craving something bolder, feel free to dial it up!
Final Thoughts
Don’t let these humble sprouts fool you—Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts are packed with flavor, texture, and charm. I hope you’ll give this recipe a spin and share it with someone who thinks they “don’t like Brussels sprouts”—they might just change their mind after one bite!
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Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delightful and flavorful recipe for Keto Shredded Brussels Sprouts that makes a perfect side dish for any meal. These Brussels sprouts are cooked to crispy perfection with a cheesy finish and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds Brussels Sprouts (shredded)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: Drizzle of balsamic reduction
Instructions
- Clean and Shred Brussels Sprouts: Prepare the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the ends and shredding them using a food processor or a knife.
- Cook Brussels Sprouts: Heat a skillet with butter and bacon grease. Add shredded Brussels sprouts, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 8-10 minutes until slightly browned.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Optionally, drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving.
Notes
- You can use balsamic vinegar as a substitute for balsamic reduction.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Keto, Brussels Sprouts, Side Dish, Low Carb, Vegetarian
