Here’s a simple, tasty, and no-fuss recipe for Slow Cooker Cabbage—tender, buttery, and full of flavor. It’s perfect as a side dish or mixed with sausage, bacon, or potatoes for a full meal.
Slow Cooker Cabbage
Ingredients (serves 6)
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into large chunks
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 4 tbsp butter, sliced
- 1–1½ cups chicken broth (just enough to cover the bottom)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional add-ins:
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 1 tbsp sugar (for Southern-style sweet cabbage)
Instructions
1. Prep the slow cooker
- Add cabbage, onion, and garlic into the crockpot.
2. Season
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
- Place butter pieces on top.
3. Cook
- Pour chicken broth around the edges (not over the top).
- Cover and cook on:
Low: 6–7 hours
High: 3–4 hours - Stir lightly halfway through if possible.
4. Taste & finish
- Taste for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper.
- If you want a little brightness, add a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving.
Optional Add-Ins
1. With Sausage (full meal)
- Add 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced.
- No need to precook.
2. With Bacon
- Add 4–6 slices cooked, chopped bacon at the end (so it stays crisp).
- Use a little bacon grease instead of butter for extra flavor.
3. With Potatoes
- Add 2–3 diced potatoes on the bottom so they cook evenly.
4. Southern Style
- Add 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp vinegar for a sweet/tangy balance.
Tips
- Red cabbage works too but will turn the broth pink.
- If you want firmer cabbage, cook 30–45 minutes less.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
If you want, I can give you a slow cooker cabbage with sausage, cabbage roll casserole, or low-carb cabbage & chicken meal!
