Slow Cooker Cabbage and Bacon
A simple, comforting side dish made with tender cabbage, smoky bacon, onion, and a little apple cider vinegar. The slow cooker does most of the work, and the cabbage becomes soft and flavorful as it cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage, about 2½–3 pounds
- 12 ounces bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½–1 teaspoon salt, depending on how salty the bacon is
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the cabbage
Remove any damaged outer leaves. Cut the cabbage in half, remove the tough center core, and chop the cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces.
2. Cook the bacon
Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and lightly crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate, keeping about 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
3. Soften the onion
Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika and stir briefly.
4. Add everything to the slow cooker
Place the chopped cabbage into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the cooked bacon and onion mixture.
Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle with black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently so the seasonings and liquid are distributed throughout the cabbage.
5. Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or HIGH for about 3 hours, until the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness.
For cabbage that still has a little bite, start checking earlier. For very soft, silky cabbage, allow it to cook longer.
6. Finish and serve
Stir the cabbage well before serving. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. For a richer finish, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter while the cabbage is still hot.
Serve warm alongside roasted chicken, pork, sausage, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t add too much salt at first: Bacon and broth can already contain plenty of salt.
- For more bacon flavor: Reserve a little of the bacon drippings and add it to the slow cooker.
- For a tangier flavor: Add another teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar at the end.
- For less greasy cabbage: Drain most of the bacon fat and use only a small amount in the slow cooker.
- For firmer cabbage: Check it earlier rather than letting it cook for the full time.
- For softer cabbage: Continue cooking until the leaves are tender and silky.
This makes a generous side dish for a family dinner and can also be served as a simple light meal with potatoes or bread.
