Slow Cooker Cabbage

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Cabbage recipe is a simple, flavorful way to prepare cabbage as a delicious side dish. With minimal ingredients like bacon, apple cider vinegar, and basic seasonings, the cabbage becomes tender and full of savory flavor. Perfectly suited to accompany a variety of main dishes, this recipe is easy to prepare and allows the slow cooker to handle the work, making dinner preparation a breeze.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage (about 8-10 cups)
• 12 oz. package of bacon, sliced and cooked
• 1/4 cup bacon grease (use more or less as desired)
• 1 cup water (or chicken broth for added flavor)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • Cut the cabbage in half through the stem (core). Remove the core by cutting a triangle shape from both sides.
   • Lay the cabbage halves flat and cut into 1-inch square pieces.
2. Add to Slow Cooker:
   • Place the chopped cabbage into the slow cooker.
3. Cook the Bacon:
   • Before cooking, slice the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Cook the bacon in a skillet until browned. Save the bacon grease in a glass dish for later use.
4. Assemble:
   • Add the cooked bacon, bacon grease (approximately 1/4 cup), apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine. If you prefer a spicy flavor, add the red pepper flakes.
5. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours. For a crisper cabbage, cook for only 2.5 hours on HIGH.
6. Serve:
   • Stir well before serving. Transfer to a serving dish or individual plates, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of black or red pepper flakes if desired.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cabbage is a versatile and tasty side dish that complements many meals. The slow cooker allows the cabbage to cook until tender, absorbing the flavors of bacon, vinegar, and seasonings. Whether you’re serving it alongside a roast, chicken, or grilled sausage, this dish is sure to be a hit. It can also be easily adapted to fit vegetarian diets by omitting the bacon and adding vegetarian bouillon cubes and vegan butter for a rich, satisfying flavor. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish!