Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Creamy Mustard Sauce – A Keto-Friendly Side Dish

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about Brussels sprouts, especially when they’ve been transformed into a delectable side dish. Pairing them with crispy bacon and a creamy mustard sauce elevates this humble vegetable to new heights, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a cozy weeknight, this Brussels sprouts recipe is a winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Imagine crispy bacon mingling with tender Brussels sprouts enveloped in a rich, velvety mustard sauce. This dish is not only luscious and indulgent but also aligns beautifully with a keto-friendly lifestyle. Its balance of flavors makes it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses or a delightful stand-alone vegetarian option on a busy weeknight.

Why Make This Recipe

This dish combines the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts with the smoky richness of bacon, resulting in a flavor explosion that is both hearty and satisfying.
The creamy mustard sauce adds a zingy twist, ensuring you never look at Brussels sprouts the same way again.
Keto-friendly and low in carbs, it fits perfectly into dietary restrictions while still being incredibly indulgent and delicious.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Creamy Mustard Sauce

Crafting this delightful dish is simpler than you might think. With just a few ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you’ll be savoring this combo of Brussels sprouts and bacon in no time. Get ready to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself!

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to create this delightful side dish:

350 g Brussels sprouts
100 g smoked bacon (diced)
100 ml heavy cream
2 tablespoons mustard (preferably coarse or Dijon mustard)
50 g butter
Pepper to taste

Directions

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts: Start by cleaning the Brussels sprouts. Trim the stems and remove any yellow or wilted outer leaves. In a pot of boiling water (don’t add salt), cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Once boiled, drain them well and let them dry.
Cooking the Bacon: While the Brussels sprouts are boiling, heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced smoked bacon and cook until it turns golden brown and crispy, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan but leave the rendered fat in the pan.
Making the Sauce: Lower the heat and add the butter to the bacon fat in the pan. Allow it to melt, then stir in the heavy cream and mustard. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken up slightly. Don’t forget to season it with fresh pepper to elevate the taste.
Combining the Ingredients: Add the pre-boiled Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon back into the pan with the creamy mustard sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the Brussels sprouts are well coated with the sauce. Allow it to cook on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes so that all the flavors meld beautifully.
Serving: Serve this luscious dish immediately, garnished with a sprinkling of freshly ground pepper for an extra kick.

Best Way to Store Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Creamy Mustard Sauce

To ensure that your delicious Brussels sprouts with bacon remain fresh and tasty, consider these storage tips:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days at a temperature of 40°F (4°C).
Freeze: If you prefer to make a larger batch, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to store them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat for the best texture.

How to Serve Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Creamy Mustard Sauce

There are so many fantastic ways to present this dish in your meals. Here are some great serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish: Pair it with roasted chicken or turkey for a complete meal. The flavors complement each other wonderfully, making for a hearty plate.
On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter meal, serve the Brussels sprouts over a bed of mixed greens or spinach, with additional dressing on the side if you prefer.
With a Sprinkle of Cheese: Don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for an additional depth of flavor.
With Nuts: Adding toasted walnuts or pecans can provide a nice crunch and a hint of nuttiness to the dish.

Tips to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Creamy Mustard Sauce

To take your dish to the next level, consider the following tips:

Adjust the Mustard: Depending on your taste preference, you can experiment with different types of mustard. Honey mustard offers a sweeter profile, while a spicy brown mustard adds a kick.
Include Garlic: For added flavor, sauté minced garlic with the bacon for a delicious aroma and taste that enhances the dish.
Don’t Overcook the Brussels Sprouts: Be sure to keep them slightly undercooked when boiling, as they will continue to cook when you mix them with the sauce.

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to switch things up or cater to different tastes, consider these variations:

Swap the Bacon: For a vegetarian alternative, you can easily replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or tempeh. They provide a satisfying texture and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Add Greens: For added nutrients and flavor, toss in some steamed kale or spinach along with the Brussels sprouts when mixing with the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and bacon in advance and mix them with the sauce right before serving to maintain the freshness.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of bacon?

A: Yes, if you prefer chicken, use diced, cooked chicken thighs for a different protein option that pairs nicely with the creamy mustard sauce.

Q: How do I make it spicier?

A: To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce or finish the dish with sriracha or a dash of hot sauce before serving.

Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

A: Yes, this dish can easily be meal-prepped. Just keep the sauce separate until you are ready to eat it to maintain the best texture.

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

A: While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the sauce.

Nutritional Info

When it comes to a keto-friendly side dish, keeping track of nutritional values is essential. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you might expect per serving:

Calories: Approximately 300
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Fat: 27g

The exact nutritional values will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While preparing this Brussels sprouts dish, be mindful of these common pitfalls to ensure the best results:

Overcooking: Brussels sprouts can become mushy if overcooked. Aim for a tender-crisp texture by keeping an eye on the timing.
Not Enough Seasoning: Don’t skip on seasoning! The bacon adds some flavor, but you still need to enhance it with pepper and any additional spices you enjoy.
Ignoring the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to cook too long can lead to overly thick or burnt sauce. Keep the heat low and monitor it closely.

Embarking on the culinary journey of making Brussels sprouts with bacon and creamy mustard sauce not only turns a simple vegetable into an outstanding dish but also brings an element of joy to your dining experience. With these tips and variations, you can enjoy this recipe in myriad ways, ensuring that it never becomes boring but always a delightful addition to your meals. Enjoy your cooking and the flavors that await you!