This super easy Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe is made with a homemade balsamic reduction. All you need is 10 minutes of prep time to make this before letting your slow cooker do the rest of the work! It’s the perfect healthy side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Looking for more easy side dish recipes? Then try my Instant Pot Potato Salad and my Baked Macaroni and Cheese!
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Easy Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
These Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are the perfect healthy side dish that are as delicious as they are easy to make! They take only 10 minutes of prep time and can be made in advance.
All you need for this recipe are a few pantry staples including olive oil, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and light brown sugar. The Brussels Sprouts come out perfectly tender and delicious in the slow cooker. They go perfectly with the slightly sweet, tangy, and thick balsamic reduction. The balsamic reduction can even be made days in advance, and kept in the refrigerator for multipurpose use.
Key Ingredients
This is one of those essential recipes every home cook needs in their arsenal because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort! You only need 4 ingredients for these Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts recipe — olive oil, Brussels sprouts (rinsed and halved), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, Optional, but highly recommended, additions include toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and a homemade balsamic reduction made from light brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
How To Make Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Add Brussels sprouts and olive oil to a slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, then toss to coat.
- Cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours or until tender.
- While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, make the balsamic reduction. (I make it about 30 minutes before the Brussels sprouts are done)
- When the Brussels sprouts are ready to serve, drizzle with the balsamic reduction and serve immediately with pine nuts and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Variations
- Bacon: Everything’s better with bacon! While the Brussels sprouts are cooking bake a couple slices of bacon. Crumble, and serve on top.
- Shallots: Thinly sliced shallots would be delicious slow cooked with the Brussels sprouts.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary would go perfectly with the roasted veggies.
- Maple Syrup: For some sweetness add a drizzle of maple syrup on top of the Brussels sprouts just before serving.
- Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would also be amazing in this.
- Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries can be added for some sweetness.
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano, sharp white cheddar, or shredded mozzarella cheese would also work!
How To Make a Balsamic Reduction
- Add balsamic vinegar and light brown sugar to a small saucepan.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by half.
- Keep warm until ready to use. Then, drizzle over the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat. Serve, and enjoy!
- You can store the balsamic glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. We do not recommend freezing this balsamic reduction.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- The BEST Grilled Chicken
- Honey Garlic Salmon
- Easy Thai Grilled Chicken
- Baked Teriyaki Chicken
- Mushroom Shallot Garlic Quinoa
- Three Cheese Mac and Cheese
More Easy Side Dish Recipes
Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 2 pounds brussels sprouts, rinsed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- toasted pinenuts for serving, if desired
- parmesan cheese for serving, if desired
Balsamic Reduction
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
- Add brussels sprouts and olive oil to a slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours or until tender.
- While the brussels sprouts are cooking make the balsamic reduction. (I make it about 30 minutes before the brussels sprouts are done)
- When the brussels sprouts are ready drizzle with the balsamic reduction and serve immediately with pine nuts and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Balsamic Reduction
- Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to a small saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced by half. Keep warm until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Lauren Cermak
These look incredible Kelley! I love finding new things to do with brussels sprouts!
Vero
Do you think sunflower seeds would be a good substitute for pine nuts?
Kelley
Hi Vero,
I think raw shelled sunflower seeds would be a nice substitute. I would recommend roasting them beforehand.
Thanks & Enjoy!
Kelley
Alma
These look extraordinary! I enjoy locating new points to do with brussels sprouts!
Stephanie
Would it work if I put some baby carrots in with it?
Kelley
Hi Stephanie,
I have not tried it with baby carrots but I think it will work out just fine. They should take about the same time or maybe a bit longer.
Thanks & Enjoy!
Kelley
Bec
Great easy side! We will be having these for Christmas – I know they will be a hit – Thanks!
rebecca
can i use stevia instead of brown sugar?
Kelley
Of course! Enjoy!
Thanks,
Kelley
Christine bryant
Goon a try this
Nancy Gibson
They look wonderful! Part of tonight’s supper. What do you think about toasted sesame seeds rather than the pine nuts?
Kay
I made these last night, but was so preoccupied with getting dinner on the table, I didn’t finish the recipe properly!! Ugh. My tips for next time: make the balsamic reduction in advance so you get the flavor right. I doubled the recipe, using 4 Tbsp of brown sugar, but didn’t reduce it enough so there was a more vinegary than soft flavor because the balsamic didn’t cook down. Even so, I thought is was delicious, but my daughter thought they didn’t take quite right. I cooked the sprouts for almost four hours on a low setting, and they were a good texture, but might have been a little better if it had been the full four hours. Next time I will try the high setting and allow extra time in case the sprouts aren’t cooked enough. Lastly, set the the pine nuts and parmesan by the slow cooker so you don’t forget to add them. The recipe is very easy and I will definitely try it again.
John
There’s so much one can do with Brussels sprouts. Thank you for this recipe