Brussels sprouts have long been underrated, but their nutty, slightly sweet flavor and delightful crunch make them a fantastic vegetable to spotlight, especially if you’re following a keto vegetarian lifestyle.
This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a savory, satisfying dish that’s both low in carbs and rich in nutrients. Roasting them to perfection caramelizes their edges, enhancing their natural sweetness, while a touch of garlic and tangy lemon zest adds layers of flavor with minimal ingredients.
Whether you’re a dedicated keto follower, a vegetarian looking for new veggie-centric meals, or simply someone eager to enjoy Brussels sprouts in a fresh, exciting way, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Not only is it easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, but it also pairs beautifully with many keto-friendly dishes or stands alone as a hearty side. Plus, it’s gluten-free and packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Let’s dive in and explore how to make these Brussels sprouts irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Brussels sprouts keto recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s designed to keep your carb count low while maximizing taste and texture.
By roasting the Brussels sprouts, you get a crispy outside and a tender inside, avoiding any bitterness often associated with this vegetable.
As a vegetarian dish, it relies solely on plant-based ingredients that are keto-friendly, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest elevates the flavor profile without adding unnecessary carbs or calories.
It’s also versatile enough to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
Finally, it’s a nutrient-dense dish that supports your health goals while satisfying your palate. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for guests, this recipe is a winner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
Equipment
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press or microplane (for zesting)
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Trim off the tough ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise for even roasting.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything until the sprouts are evenly coated.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts cut side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they roast rather than steam.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to promote even cooking.
- Remove from the oven and, while hot, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Toss in fresh parsley for a bright finish.
- Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish or a light main course.
Tips & Variations
“For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, make sure they are dry before tossing with oil and seasonings. Excess moisture will cause them to steam instead of roast.”
Try adding some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a crunchy texture contrast. For a vegan twist, skip the Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to change the flavor profile. For extra zest, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a new dimension.
If you want to boost your protein, serve these Brussels sprouts alongside a hearty vegetarian keto dish like a cauliflower “steak” or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1/4 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Net Carbs | 5g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 75% Daily Value |
| Vitamin K | 150% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with other keto-friendly vegetarian meals. Consider serving it alongside a creamy cauliflower mash or a fresh leafy green salad with avocado.
For a more substantial meal, combine it with a protein-rich vegetarian option like a baked tofu steak or explore Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for a delicious, hearty complement.
To round out your keto menu, you might also enjoy the flavors in the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe, which provides a light yet flavorful contrast.
Conclusion
This keto vegetarian Brussels sprouts recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a nutrient-packed vegetable without compromising your dietary goals. The roasting technique brings out a caramelized sweetness that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will love.
It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to your taste preferences.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking a quick, wholesome dinner, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t forget to explore other creative keto and vegetarian recipes on the site, such as the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for meat eaters or the Horse Cough Syrup Recipe for a natural remedy.
Enjoy your journey to delicious, healthy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Keto Vegetarian Brussels Sprouts
Description: A delicious and easy keto-friendly vegetarian Brussels sprouts recipe. Perfectly roasted with garlic and olive oil for a healthy side dish.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Spread sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle lemon juice and garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 8g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Keto Vegetarian Brussels Sprouts”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and easy keto-friendly vegetarian Brussels sprouts recipe. Perfectly roasted with garlic and olive oil for a healthy side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved”, “3 tbsp olive oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1/4 tsp black pepper”, “1/2 tsp smoked paprika”, “1 tbsp lemon juice”, “1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle lemon juice and garnish with parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “6g”, “fatContent”: “15g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8g”}}