Crock Pot Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Crockpot Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Crockpot Gourmet

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy holiday recipe, look no further than this Crockpot Brussels Sprouts Gratin. Made with fresh Brussels sprouts, creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it can be made in your slow cooker, freeing up valuable oven space for other holiday dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the Brussels sprouts in the slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Gruyere and Fontina cheeses, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the Brussels sprouts, stirring gently to coat.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the Brussels sprouts.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve the Crockpot Brussels Sprouts Gratin as a side dish alongside your favorite holiday main course.

How to Prepare:

The preparation for this Crockpot Brussels Sprouts Gratin is simple and straightforward. Start by trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded Gruyere and Fontina cheeses, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour this creamy cheese sauce over the Brussels sprouts in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter, and sprinkle this mixture over the Brussels sprouts. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The result is a cheesy, creamy, and crispy Brussels sprouts dish that is perfect for any holiday gathering.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for this Crockpot Brussels Sprouts Gratin is minimal. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to trim and halve the Brussels sprouts and prepare the creamy cheese sauce. The slow cooker does the rest of the work, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations.

Servings:

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people as a side dish. Adjust the quantities accordingly if you’re serving a larger or smaller crowd.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 295
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 73mg
Sodium: 395mg
Total Carbohydrate: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 13g

Tips:

- Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add cooked bacon or pancetta for an extra savory twist, or top the gratin with additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you don’t have Gruyere and Fontina cheeses on hand, you can substitute them with any other melty cheese like cheddar or Swiss.
- For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the bacon or pancetta, if using, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers of this Crockpot Brussels Sprouts Gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs:

Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 375°F. Follow the same steps for preparing the Brussels sprouts and cheese sauce. Instead of placing the mixture in a slow cooker, transfer it to a baking dish. Top with the breadcrumb mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine the two and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s possible to freeze leftovers of this Crockpot Brussels Sprouts Gratin, the texture of the Brussels sprouts and cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for the most delicious results.

Now that you have this amazing Crockpot Brussels Sprouts Gratin recipe, you can make a delicious and impressive holiday side dish with ease. Your guests will be wowed by the creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. Give it a try and enjoy!