Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly smoky depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika along with the garlic powder. This will complement the balsamic vinegar beautifully and add an extra layer of complexity to the dish.

If you prefer a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can be added at the same time as the salt. These adjustments allow you to tailor the flavor profile to your specific preferences while maintaining the core integrity of this simple, slow-cooked vegetable dish.

When cleaning up, remember that balsamic glaze and honey can become quite sticky if allowed to dry on the slow cooker insert. To make cleanup easier, soak the insert in warm, soapy water immediately after removing the serving portion.

This will loosen any caramelized bits of glaze that may have adhered to the bottom. If the insert is dishwasher safe, this soak will still help to ensure that any stubborn residue is easily removed during the wash cycle, maintaining the longevity of your equipment.

Variations

• Bacon Balsamic Brussels: Add four slices of chopped, pre-cooked bacon to the slow cooker before starting. The smoky saltiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet balsamic glaze for a more savory, hearty side dish.
• Citrus Balsamic Brussels: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the mixture before cooking. The bright citrus notes complement the balsamic vinegar and honey, adding a refreshing finish to the tender Brussels sprouts.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the glaze has become too thick.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Once stored properly, they will maintain their quality in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy them again, it is best to reheat them gently to preserve their texture, ensuring they remain tender and flavorful rather than becoming overly soft or mushy during the reheating process.

These Brussels sprouts are excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. You can prepare the dish entirely, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the sprouts in a pan over medium-low heat with a splash of water or balsamic vinegar to refresh the glaze. This makes them a perfect stress-free side dish for busy weeknights or large holiday gatherings.

Serving ideas

Serve these honey balsamic Brussels sprouts warm, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a decorative serving bowl. They pair exceptionally well with roasted meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef, as the sweetness of the glaze cuts through the richness of the protein.

For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a simple grain like quinoa or wild rice, which will help absorb any extra glaze remaining in the dish, ensuring that no flavor is wasted during your meal.

If you are looking to add a bit of texture to the finished dish, consider topping the sprouts with toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts, or perhaps a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese.

The creaminess of the cheese or the crunch of the nuts provides a lovely contrast to the tender, glazed vegetables. Serve immediately to ensure the best temperature and texture, and encourage guests to help themselves to the extra glaze that inevitably collects at the bottom of the serving dish.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp butter, sliced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup honey balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Place the halved fresh Brussels sprouts into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out in a relatively even layer to promote uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Dot the surface of the sprouts with slices of butter. Sprinkle the garlic powder and salt evenly over the vegetables, then drizzle the honey balsamic glaze over the entire mixture to coat the sprouts thoroughly.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 3 hours. Once finished, ensure the sprouts are tender and the glaze has thickened, then serve immediately while warm.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

115

Protein

3.5 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

4.5 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

320 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.