Slow Cooker Cabbage With Bacon

Cabbage is typically NOT a food that is known to tempt everyone around the table, but with this recipe, you’ll win over the veggie-skeptics! Slow cooker cabbage and bacon takes a basic veggie and transforms it into a delicious option with special added ingredients. Discover how easily you can create a new favorite side dish with this nutrient-packed food!

About This Recipe 

I love using the slow cooker for sides because it simplifies one more step in the dinner time rush and gives us a more complete and varied meal. This recipe is one of my all-time favorite sides and is specifically created for the slow cooker with the extra elements to make it super flavorful. With the slow cooker, the cabbage turns out tender but not overly soft, and absorbs all the added flavors over time. 

I especially love how this recipe takes basic cabbage – which you might not even think twice about at the grocery store – to a smoky and savory dish with the addition of crispy bacon and onions. I also added chicken bone broth to keep the cabbage from drying out. With added seasonings and a rich, hearty taste, this dish will be difficult to turn down!

And, one more thing to love – slow cooker cabbage with bacon is also a great side dish to make for those with varying dietary preferences since it is both gluten and dairy-free.

Why eat cabbage?

If you aren’t already familiar with the health benefits of cabbage, you’ll be amazed by what it has to offer!

This single vegetable is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C and vitamin K top the list of high daily value percentages, but cabbage also contains considerable amounts of vitamin b6, calcium, and potassium. As a cruciferous vegetable, cabbage is also a great option for including lots of healthy fiber in your diet.

One of the most unique benefits of cabbage is that it contains the compound sulforaphane. This compound (also in kale and broccoli) is linked to cancer prevention by promoting overall liver function and detoxification of harmful cells.

Ingredients Needed

A few extra ingredients elevate this recipe from just cabbage to a savory side dish!

• Cabbage – Choose a medium-sized whole head of green cabbage. Be sure it is firm and free from blemishes. Remove and discard the tough outer leaves, rinse the cabbage thoroughly, and cut it into wedges or large strips.
• Bacon – Because bacon improves pretty much everything, right? Find a quality bacon (preservative and nitrate/nitrite free) and cook it until the pieces are crispy. This adds amazing overall flavor to the cabbage and can entice just about any picky eater!
• Yellow onion – Dice a sweet yellow onion. The onion pieces will be browned along with the crispy bacon before adding to the slow cooker.
• Garlic – Use jarred minced garlic for easy meal prep.
• Stone ground mustard – This is a coarse mustard that is in paste-like form and works well in sauces and dressings. The ground mustard seeds provide a nice texture and a more rustic flavor than standard yellow or Dijon mustard. 
• Chicken bone broth – Whenever I can, I opt for bone broth since it adds hearty flavor and protein. It can make any dish more filling and nutritious.
• Smoked paprika – This little bit of seasoning will add depth to the overall savory flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Season as needed before serving.

How To Make Cabbage In The Slow Cooker 

1. Begin by preheating a large skillet and adding chopped bacon and diced onion. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the chopped onions are lightly browned.

2. Next, slice off the stem of the cabbage and cut the cabbage in half. Remove the core and then cut the cabbage halves into large pieces (about 1 1/2 – 2 inches each).
3. Place the cabbage in the slow cooker and top it with cooked bacon and onions. Add the bacon grease for extra flavor!

4. Then, whisk together mustard, bone broth, and paprika and pour the mixture over the cabbage.

4. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until tender (the cabbage should look translucent).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Variations and Substitutions 

Test out a few tweaks to this recipe for a side dish the whole family will enjoy!

• If you’d like to make this recipe as a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. 
• Green cabbage works best in this recipe.
• For other seasoning options, try an all-purpose herb and garlic seasoning or Italian dressing mix for a slightly different flavor. Add red pepper flakes for a bit of spicy heat and onion or garlic powder for a stronger taste. 

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Cabbage

Knowing the health benefits and how easy it is to make, you’ll be persuaded to add cabbage to your menu rotation more often! All the added elements in this recipe make it a side that can truly be enjoyed with so many different meal options. 

This recipe pairs especially well with main proteins like Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast, The Ultimate Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs, or Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks. Add a classic cornbread or another sautéed veggie like carrots or green beans as well.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. I recommend reheating on a low-power setting in the microwave.

This recipe does not work well as a freezer recipe, and due to the textural changes, I don’t recommend freezing the leftovers.

Slow Cooker Cabbage FAQs 

• How do I make sure the cabbage doesn’t get soggy? To prevent soggy cabbage, be sure to start the dish with a fresh head of cabbage that has not wilted. Cut into evenly sized pieces and be sure to not overcook past the recommended time. You’ll know the cabbage has finished cooking when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
• Can I use pre-shredded cabbage? I don’t recommend using a bag of pre-shredded cabbage for the slow cooker since the small pieces will likely overcook too quickly. The texture will not be pleasant since it will resemble a mushy mess.
• Can I substitute vegetable broth for the chicken bone broth? Yes, you can swap vegetable broth in place of chicken bone broth. If you are hoping to make a vegetarian option, be sure to either leave out the bacon or find a vegetarian substitute.
• What is the cooking time on low? If you cook this in the slow cooker on low, plan for 4-6 hours. Keep an eye on the cabbage after about 4 hours to ensure that it does not overcook. 

More Slow Cooker Side Recipes

• Slow Cooker Carrots with Herbed Honey Butter Sauce
• Slow Cooker Ranch Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Green Beans
• Slow Cooker Gratin Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes