Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts

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These Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts are zesty and flavorful. If you are searching for the perfect Brussels sprouts recipe, this one is easy and delicious.

Slow cooker brussels sprouts on a plate sprinkled with bacon.

When I was a child, I would turn my nose up at vegetables - especially green ones! I was used to eating them steamed and unseasoned, which is likely why I strayed away from them for so long. As an adult, I learned to cook and experiment with flavors and realized that veggies just need a little TLC to be tasty.

Brussels sprouts have become an all-time favorite of mine. They take on flavor incredibly well and this recipe for crock pot Brussels sprouts with bacon is a staple side dish in my house! You can customize the flavors and still wind up with a delicious, flavorful result. Who knew that a slow cooker could be so handy?

My crock pot is one of my all-time favorite kitchen gadgets. More recipes you have to make in yours include Slow Cooker Cabbage, Crock Pot Corn on the Cob, Jalapeno Creamed Corn and Crock Pot Collard Greens.

Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Perfect for the holidays: I have this Brussels sprouts recipe tucked away with my other favorite slow cooker Christmas recipes for its ease and flavor!
Easy to make: The slow cooker is a great tool that cuts back on a lot of hands-on time in the kitchen.
Great leftovers: These crock pot Brussels sprouts reheat very well, making them perfect for lunch the next day or dinner again!

Ingredients

A little goes a long way with this slow cooker Brussels sprouts recipe. The minimal ingredients still add delicious, bold flavors.

Brussels sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are an underrated vegetable! They are good for you and take on flavors with ease.
Chicken broth: Using chicken broth instead of water allows the flavors to really infuse into the sprouts while still steaming them to perfection.
Thyme: I love the flavor of thyme. It adds a wonderful herbaceous flair to any dish.
Salt and pepper: I find that you need just a pinch of salt and pepper. Add more as needed to suit your tastes.
Bacon: Salty bacon adds another layer of flavor. Any variety of bacon will work well here. Hickory smoked and applewood smoked are great choices.
Butter: Everything's better with butter! In this case, finishing the sprouts with butter adds flavor and richness.
Lemon: I use lemon juice and zest for a pop of acid. It adds tang and freshness to the Brussels sprouts.

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact quantities of each ingredient.

Variations

Maple: Slow cooker Brussels sprouts with maple syrup is a great riff on this recipe. It adds a touch of sweetness and maple flavor that tastes great with the bacon.
Cheesy: I love parmesan cheese with my brussels sprouts. It's a little salty and sharp!
Asian-style: Add ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for a flavorful, umami zing.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts in the Crock Pot

Here are the instructions on how to make Brussels sprouts for easy meals!

Brussels sprouts cut in half on a wooden cutting board.

Step 1: Prepare Brussels sprouts. Wash and slice the Brussels sprouts in half. I like to leave the bottoms untrimmed.

Brussels sprouts in a crockpot before cooking.

Step 2: Add to the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.

Seasoning added to the top of the Brussels sprouts.

Step 3: Add broth and seasoning. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle with half of the thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Cook. Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 2-3 hours or until the sprouts soften.

Bacon cooking in a skillet on the table.

Step 5: Cook bacon. Add the bacon to a skillet and cook until crisp.

Bacon is sprinkled over the top of crockpot Brussels sprouts.

Step 6: Top Brussels sprouts. Before serving, top the Brussels sprouts with cooked bacon, butter, lemon juice, zest, and remaining fresh thyme.

Serve. Enjoy with your favorite protein.

A wooden spoon lifting some cooked Brussels sprouts up from the slow cooker.

⭐️ Hint: Just like with any other vegetable, ensure that you thoroughly wash and pat dry your Brussels sprouts before cooking them.

If you love recipes like this one, you may also enjoy Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts or our Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts!

Storage

Storing: Store leftover crock pot Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing the leftovers because the excess moisture will cause the Brussels sprouts to become mushy and watery.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or for 30 minutes on low in the crock pot.

Serving Suggestions

Add Brussels sprouts to the slow cooker with a roast! My favorites are Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Beef Roast and Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef Roast.
The flavors of this recipe pair well with Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks.
Try them with Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon if you are craving seafood.
Topping a simple Mixed Green Salad with Fruit and Nuts is a fantastic way to use leftover slow cooker Brussels sprouts.
Can't go wrong with pork! Make these sprouts with a juicy Sous Vide Pork Loin.

A plate of Brussels sprouts slow cooker with a spoon adding a serving to it.

Tips

Don't microwave leftovers. The microwave makes these Brussels sprouts mushy when reheated. Stick to the stovetop or slow cooker to heat your leftovers.
Always slice the sprouts. I find the Brussels sprouts cook more evenly when sliced in half. If you want to leave them whole, you can. You will have to adjust the cooking times.
Reserve the liquid. The liquid left behind in the slow cooker is gold. I love using crusty bread to soak up all of the flavors.

Recipe FAQs

How long does it take to cook Brussels sprouts in the crock pot?

Depending on your slow cooker, the time varies between 2-3 hours on high. You can also set it to low heat for 4-5 hours. The Brussels sprouts will be fork-tender but still crispy when cooked.

Does the slow cooker make the Brussels sprouts mushy?

Not at all. As long as you cook them for the recommended amount of time, they will be tender but still have a little bite to them.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

I don't like to use frozen Brussels sprouts in the slow cooker because of the extra water content. With the broth, it will make them very watery.

A wooden spoon holding up a serving of Brussels sprouts with bacon over the crockpot.

Video

More Delicious Vegetable Side Dishes

Do you like simple vegetable side dishes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.