If you’re a fan of bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this Bacon Blue Cheese Brisket in a Slow Cooker Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine smoky bacon wrapping juicy brisket that’s slowly cooked until it falls apart, all enhanced with the tangy punch of crumbled blue cheese melting right on top. It’s comfort food elevated with a striking twist that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for bringing everyone together around the dinner table with smiles and satisfied sighs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward but indispensable ingredients that build layers of incredible flavor. Each one plays a starring role in giving the brisket its rich texture, savory depth, and that crave-worthy taste you won’t forget.
- Thick-cut bacon (1 pound, divided): Adds smoky richness and a delicious salty crunch to complement the beef.
- Sweet onions (2 large): Bring natural sweetness and softness that soak up all the savory juices beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors in the brisket.
- Flat-cut boneless beef brisket (3 1/2 pounds): The star of the show, slow-cooked to tender perfection.
- Water (3 cups): Forms the base of the slow cooker broth, keeping the brisket juicy.
- Beef bouillon (4 teaspoons): Intensifies the meatiness and savory notes of the cooking liquid.
- Cracked black pepper (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle kick and warmth to the dish.
- Crumbled blue cheese (4-6 ounces): A bold topping that delivers creamy, tangy bursts of flavor.
How to Make Bacon Blue Cheese Brisket in a Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking half of the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it flexible and just cooked through, not crispy, so it melts into the brisket later. Once it’s cool enough to handle, chop it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside to add in at the end.
Step 2: Layer the Onions
Slice your sweet onions into half or quarter-inch thick rings and spread them out evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed for the brisket to rest on, infusing sweetness as it slowly cooks.
Step 3: Season and Sear the Brisket
Generously season the entire surface of the brisket with salt and pepper. Heat your skillet to medium-high and sear the brisket for about two minutes on each side until all sides develop a rich brown color. Keep those bacon drippings nearby — they’ll be key for your broth!
Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the browned brisket directly on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Then discard the excess bacon grease from the pan and deglaze it with water and beef bouillon, stirring to release all those delicious browned bits. Pour this savory broth over the brisket and onions, sprinkle with optional cracked black pepper, and scatter the chopped, cooked bacon over the top.
Step 5: Slow Cook and Finish
Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 5 to 7 hours or low for 9 to 10 hours, depending on your schedule. The goal is for the meat to get so tender it melts apart at the touch of a fork. Right before serving, cook the remaining bacon until crispy, chop it, and sprinkle over the brisket along with generous crumbles of blue cheese.
How to Serve Bacon Blue Cheese Brisket in a Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
The crispy bacon topping adds a wonderful texture contrast to the tender meat, while the blue cheese brings luscious creaminess and a tangy edge that brightens each bite. Fresh cracked pepper or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley works nicely too, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This brisket is incredibly versatile with sides. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that savory broth. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or silky polenta are divine choices that complement the rich flavors, making every forkful comforting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, family-style meal, serve the brisket sliced or shredded right in the slow cooker, letting everyone build their own plates. Alternatively, pile it high on a toasted sandwich bun with extra blue cheese and bacon for an unforgettable sandwich experience. You could also try it over roasted vegetables for a lighter but still indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Bacon Blue Cheese Brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the brisket along with its cooking juices in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the meat moist. Alternatively, the microwave works well if you cover the dish to trap steam, ensuring your brisket stays tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While flat-cut brisket is ideal because of its fat content and texture, you could substitute with a chuck roast. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly to reach the perfect tenderness.
Is it necessary to add blue cheese?
The blue cheese is really what sets this Bacon Blue Cheese Brisket in a Slow Cooker Recipe apart with its bold flavor. However, if you prefer milder tastes, feel free to swap for a creamy cheese like goat cheese or simply enjoy the brisket as is.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this on the stovetop in a heavy pot or Dutch oven by cooking low and slow over very low heat for several hours, but using a slow cooker is hands-down the easiest way to achieve that melt-apart tenderness.
What should I do if my brisket turns out dry?
Make sure to monitor the liquid level in the slow cooker and add a bit more broth or water if it gets too low. Also, slow cooking times may need adjustment depending on your slow cooker’s heat settings.
Can this dish be made ahead for a crowd?
Absolutely! It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect choice for entertaining. Prepare it the day before and simply warm it up right before serving to save yourself time on the big day.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Blue Cheese Brisket in a Slow Cooker Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on your plate. It’s satisfyingly rich, packed with personality, and surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises comfort and flavor with every tender bite. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your cooking rotation!
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Bacon Blue Cheese Brisket in a Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (high) to 10 hours (low)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (high) to 10 hours 10 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This slow cooker Bacon Blue Cheese Brisket is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef brisket cooked with sweet onions, savory bacon, and topped with crumbled blue cheese. The brisket is first browned in bacon drippings for rich flavor, then slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, making it perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Meat & Bacon
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon (divided)
- 3 1/2 pounds flat-cut boneless beef brisket
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 large sweet onions
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 cups water
- 4 teaspoons beef bouillon (such as Better than Bouillon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (optional)
Toppings
- 4–6 ounces crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Cook half the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook half of the bacon until it is flexible but not crispy. Remove the bacon to a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Once cool enough to handle, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the onions: Slice the sweet onions into half or quarter-inch rings and arrange them evenly in the bottom of a large slow cooker.
- Season the brisket: Generously salt and pepper the entire brisket on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Brown the brisket: Heat the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat. Carefully place the brisket in the skillet and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. Use tongs to turn the brisket, being cautious of splattering grease. Once browned on all sides, turn off the heat.
- Place brisket in slow cooker: Transfer the browned brisket on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
- Make broth: Discard any leftover bacon grease from the skillet. Add water and beef bouillon to the hot pan and stir, deglazing the pan and scraping up browned bits. Stir until the bouillon dissolves completely. Pour this flavorful broth into the slow cooker over the brisket.
- Season and add bacon: Sprinkle additional cracked black pepper over the brisket if desired, then evenly distribute the cooked chopped bacon on top.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the brisket on high for 5 to 7 hours or on low for 9 to 10 hours, until the meat is tender and easily falls apart.
- Cook remaining bacon: When ready to serve, cook the remaining bacon in a skillet until crisp. Chop the crispy bacon for garnish.
- Serve: Slice or shred the brisket and serve it sprinkled with the crispy bacon and crumbled blue cheese. It’s delicious with crusty bread for dipping in the broth, or served alongside mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
Notes
- Be careful when browning the brisket in bacon drippings, as grease can splatter.
- The cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker; check the brisket for tenderness before the minimum time is up.
- If you prefer a milder cheese flavor, reduce the amount of blue cheese or serve it on the side.
- For best results, use thick-cut bacon for a more robust flavor and texture.
- Leftover brisket can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
