Why Cook Cabbage in the Slow Cooker?
Cabbage is inexpensive, keeps well in the refrigerator, and turns silky and sweet with long, gentle cooking. The slow cooker makes it a hands-off side dish that pairs with a wide range of mains. It is also a budget-friendly way to add vegetables to a meal plan.
Because cabbage releases a fair amount of water as it cooks, you need less liquid than you might expect.
Basic Butter and Bacon Cabbage
This is a classic style that serves about 6 as a side.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and chopped into 1 to 2 inch pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Add the onion and cabbage to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with the garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Pour in the broth and vinegar and dot the top with butter.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours, until tender.
- Stir, taste for salt, and top with bacon if using.
Some recipes cook with as much as 2 cups of stock. A smaller amount gives a less soupy result, but either works. If you like cabbage with some bite, start checking earlier.
Vegetarian and Lighter Options
For a plant-based version, use vegetable broth and olive oil or a vegan butter in place of the butter and bacon. Smoked paprika adds a savory note. Wedges of cabbage can also be braised in the slow cooker with onion, a splash of broth and a little vinegar, then lifted out whole to serve. For more plant-forward ideas, see vegan meal prep.
Cook Times
| Cut | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped chunks | about 5 to 8 hours | about 3 to 4 hours |
| Shredded | about 3 to 4 hours | about 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Wedges | about 6 to 8 hours | about 3 to 4 hours |
These are rough guides. Shredded cabbage cooks fastest and can become very soft, so check it earlier. For more on how long other vegetables take, see our slow cooker vegetable recipes.
What Goes Well With Cabbage?
- Meats: Smoked sausage, ham, bacon, corned beef, pork chops and roast chicken are common pairings.
- Starches: Potatoes are a classic partner. Try slow cooker potatoes or crockpot mashed potatoes.
- Beans: A scoop of slow cooker pinto beans turns cabbage into a budget-friendly plate.
Cabbage can also cook alongside meat in the same pot, such as sausage or a ham hock, and take on its flavor.
Tips
- Core the cabbage and cut pieces to a similar size.
- Do not overfill the pot. A full head of cabbage shrinks a lot, but it should fit with the lid closed.
- Add a little acid, such as vinegar, near the end for brightness.
- Cabbage has a strong smell when cooked a long time. Cooking it only until tender helps.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftover cabbage in a covered container within two hours of cooking. It keeps for several days and reheats well in the microwave or in a skillet. Freezing changes the texture, so it is better used in soups or casseroles afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook shredded cabbage in the slow cooker? Yes, but it cooks faster and gets soft, so shorten the time.
Do I need to brown anything first? No. Everything can go in raw, though browning bacon or onions first adds flavor.
Can I use red or Savoy cabbage? Yes. Red cabbage holds its color better with a splash of vinegar or other acid, and Savoy is milder and more tender.