Keto Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a sweet and savory holiday side dish made with caramelized Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a sugar-free maple glaze. This low-carb Christmas favorite delivers bold flavor, perfect texture, and an easy, festive pairing for any holiday dinner.
About This Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted a holiday side dish that feels beautifully balanced between sweet and savory, these maple glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon deliver everything you expect from a classic Christmas table but in a fully keto-friendly version. As the Brussels sprouts roast, they become deeply caramelized on the edges, tender in the center, and perfectly coated in a sugar-free maple glaze that brings out their natural warmth and nuttiness. The bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch that breaks up the sweetness and makes the whole dish taste rich, festive, and satisfying without ever feeling heavy. It’s the kind of side that looks simple but fills the kitchen with that unmistakable holiday smell — roasted veggies, bacon, and maple spice.
Traditional versions of this dish rely on real maple syrup and brown sugar, which can push the carbs through the roof, especially when paired with holiday meals already rich in starches. This keto version keeps the same depth of flavor using sugar-free maple syrup and a touch of butter, letting the Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully without adding unnecessary sugar. As they roast, the glaze thickens and clings to each piece, creating that glossy, sweet-savory finish Americans love during the holidays. The bacon fat mixes with the glaze just enough to give the sprouts an extra punch of flavor, creating a dish that tastes indulgent but stays perfectly aligned with a low-carb lifestyle.
What makes this recipe especially special for holiday cooking is its versatility and reliability. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight, yet festive enough to serve alongside a Christmas prime rib or Thanksgiving turkey. It reheats surprisingly well, retains its texture, and can even be prepped ahead and roasted just before serving. You can plate it elegantly for a holiday spread or keep it rustic in a serving bowl, and it always looks impressive thanks to the caramelized edges and glossy finish. Whether you’re cooking for keto guests or simply want a side dish that stands out, this maple glazed Brussels sprouts and bacon combo brings big flavor with zero holiday stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized
- Crispy bacon + sugar-free maple glaze
- A holiday side dish everyone loves (keto or not)
- Low-carb, festive, and easy to prepare
- Works with turkey, ham, prime rib, and more
- Great for Christmas and Thanksgiving
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on the baking sheet and sprinkle chopped bacon over the top.
- Roast 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway, until caramelized and crispy.
- Drizzle sugar-free maple syrup over the hot Brussels sprouts and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately with extra bacon on top.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 16 g
- Net Carbs: 5 g
- Protein: 9 g
FAQ
- Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh is best — frozen won’t caramelize the same way. - Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, roast ahead and reheat at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. - What’s the best sugar-free maple syrup?
Any monk fruit–sweetened syrup works. - Can I add nuts?
Yes — pecans or walnuts are great for crunch.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add pecans for extra holiday flavor.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.
- Add lemon zest for a brighter finish.
- Mix in rosemary or thyme for an herby twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside holiday mains like prime rib, roast turkey, glazed ham, or with other keto Christmas sides.
Keto Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 6 slices bacon (chopped)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 3 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on the baking sheet and sprinkle chopped bacon over the top.
- Roast 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway, until caramelized and crispy.
- Drizzle sugar-free maple syrup over the hot Brussels sprouts and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately with extra bacon on top.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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- Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus
- Herb Butter Turkey Thighs with Garlic Cauliflower Mash and Creamy Gravy
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