Imagine transforming the often-maligned Brussels sprout into a mouthwatering delicacy that's so crispy, so flavorful, and so addictive that it becomes the star of your dinner table. Our Crock Pot Crispy Brussels Sprouts recipe is about to revolutionize the way you think about vegetables, combining the smoky richness of bacon, the nutty depth of Parmesan cheese, and the slow-cooked magic of your trusty crock pot. Get ready to turn those tiny green globes into a side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by washing them thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the tough stem ends and slice each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Chop the bacon into small, uniform pieces to help distribute the smoky flavor evenly throughout the dish. The bacon will render its fat and create a deliciously crispy texture for the Brussels sprouts.
- Lightly grease the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the halved Brussels sprouts in the crock pot, spreading them out in an even layer to ensure consistent cooking.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces evenly over the Brussels sprouts, allowing the bacon fat to coat and flavor the vegetables during slow cooking.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your personal taste preferences.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for
- 5 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts, allowing it to melt and create a crispy, golden crust.
- Once cooking is complete, use a slotted spoon to transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish, making sure to drain excess liquid.
- For extra crispiness, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts and cut them in half to maximize flavor absorption and ensure even cooking.
- Don't skip the bacon! It's the secret weapon that transforms these sprouts from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- For extra crispiness, consider the optional broiling step at the end - it adds a delightful crunch.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor profile.
- If you prefer less fat, you can drain some of the bacon grease midway through cooking.
- Experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or herbs to customize the flavor.
- Ensure your crock pot is clean and well-greased to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
