Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful side dish that practically cooks itself, you absolutely need to try my Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon Recipe. This recipe is a delightful mix of tender cabbage infused with smoky bacon goodness and just the right kick of mustard and smoked paprika. It’s super easy to whip up, perfect for those busy days when you want comfort food without all the fuss. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite in your kitchen too!

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to create a slow cooker magic moment. The smoky bacon fat infuses the cabbage, while stone ground mustard and smoked paprika give the dish balanced tang and warmth. I always recommend fresh cabbage and high-quality bacon to ensure delicious results.

• Bacon: The star here, it adds richness and smoky flavor—grab thick-cut if you want more bite.
• Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness that caramelizes with the bacon, boosting savoriness.
• Cabbage: Choose a fresh, firm head; green or savoy works great for slow cooking.
• Jarred Minced Garlic: Easy and consistent—feel free to swap with fresh if you prefer.
• Stone Ground Mustard: Gives a lovely tang and subtle texture; perfect paired with smoky bacon.
• Chicken Bone Broth: Adds savory depth—if you don’t have it, a light chicken stock can do the trick.
• Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky vibe without overpowering, plus adds color.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste at the end once flavors meld beautifully.

Make It Your Way

I love switching things up with this Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or mood. It’s perfectly forgiving, so feel free to play around and make it your own.

• Variation: I once added a splash of apple cider vinegar near the end for a slight tangy punch—it balanced the smoky richness wonderfully.
• Dietary Twist: For a lower-fat option, reduce bacon to 4 oz and add a smoked turkey sausage for extra flavor without too much grease.
• Extra Spice: Crushed red pepper flakes sprinkled in elevate the heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred in during the last hour adds a fragrant herbal note I adore.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon & Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and diced yellow onion. Cook until the bacon is nicely crispy and the onions are lightly browned and sweet—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes. The smoky fat rendered from the bacon is golden liquid gold here, so don’t drain it off! This will infuse your cabbage with amazing flavor later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

While the bacon and onions are cooking, slice off the bottom stem of the cabbage and cut it in half. Remove the tough core from each half, then chop the halves into large pieces about 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide. The larger cuts keep the cabbage from turning to mush during slow cooking and give you those satisfying bites.

Step 3: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place the chopped cabbage into the slow cooker bowl. Spoon the crispy bacon and browned onions on top—don’t forget to drizzle all that bacon grease over the cabbage to soak in that smoky richness. It’s what makes this dish sing.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce & Pour

In a small bowl, whisk together the stone ground mustard, chicken bone broth, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. This combo adds depth and just the right touch of smoky heat. Pour it evenly over the cabbage and bacon in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook Till Tender

Cover and set your slow cooker to high for 2 to 3 hours. The cabbage will soften beautifully, absorbing all those smoky, tangy flavors. You want the cabbage tender but still with a little body—avoid overcooking it into a mush if you can.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Before serving, taste and add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to suit your liking. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for that little extra zip. Now dig in and enjoy that soulful, smoky goodness!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to bring a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end. Sometimes, I’ll grate a little sharp cheddar over the top for a melty, creamy finish that’s just dreamy.

Side Dishes

This slow cooker cabbage pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled chicken, pork chops, or even simple baked potatoes. For a complete comfort meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the irresistible bacon juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, I like serving this dish in a rustic cast iron skillet straight from the slow cooker—it keeps things warm and looks inviting. You could also layer the cabbage in a pretty serving bowl with crispy bacon bits scattered on top for added texture and appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually consume them within 3-4 days. The cabbage holds up well and flavors deepen, making for some tasty next-day lunches.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this cabbage dish because the texture changes—it tends to become watery and mushy once thawed. Fresh is best here to keep those vibrant flavors and textures intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave on a low power setting to avoid drying out the cabbage. You can also warm it slowly in a skillet on the stove with a splash of water or broth to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how effortlessly it comes together with just a handful of ingredients, yet delivers rich, smoky, comforting flavors that everyone adores. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe won’t disappoint. So go grab your slow cooker and give it a try—I’m sure you’ll be making it over and over, just like I do!

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