Slow Cooker Braised Cabbage and Bacon
š² The Ultimate Slow Cooker Braised Cabbage and Bacon
There is something incredibly nostalgic about the aroma of cabbage and bacon wafting through the house. This Slow Cooker Braised Cabbage and Bacon recipe takes a humble head of cabbage and transforms it into a buttery, smoky, and tender side dish that pairs perfectly with almost anything. š„āØ
Whether youāre prepping for a cozy Sunday dinner or looking for a “set it and forget it” holiday side, this recipe is a total game-changer. Plus, itās naturally low-carb and packed with flavor!
š Ingredients Youāll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Green Cabbage | 1 large head | Cored and shredded (roughly 1-inch pieces) |
| Thick-Cut Bacon | 6ā8 slices | Chopped into bite-sized bits |
| Yellow Onion | 1 medium | Finely diced š§ |
| Chicken Broth | 1/2 cup | Low sodium preferred š„£ |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 tbsp | For that perfect “tang” |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Unsalted, cubed š§ |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | Or 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Go easy on the salt (bacon is salty!) |
| Red Pepper Flakes | Pinch | Optional, for a tiny kick š¶ļø |
šØāš³ Step-by-Step Instructions
- Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until itās nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits and set them aside on a paper towel. Pro Tip: Keep about 2 tablespoons of that liquid gold (bacon grease) in the pan! š„
- SautĆ© the Onions: Toss your onions into the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook for 3ā5 minutes until soft and translucent. This builds a deep flavor base.
- Layer the Slow Cooker: Place your shredded cabbage into the slow cooker. Pour the sautƩed onions and bacon grease over the top. Add half of your crispy bacon bits (save the rest for a crunchy garnish later!).
- Season & Pour: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Top it off with the cubes of butter. š§
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6ā8 hours or High for 3ā4 hours. About halfway through, give everything a good stir to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated in those delicious juices.
- The Finish: Once the cabbage is tender and buttery, give it one final taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Top with the remaining crispy bacon before serving. š½ļø
š” Why This Recipe Works
- Low and Slow: Braising the cabbage in the slow cooker breaks down the fibers without making it mushy, resulting in a “melt-in-your-mouth” texture.
- The Acid Balance: The apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness of the bacon and butter, brightening the whole dish. š
- Easy Cleanup: One skillet and one potāit doesn’t get much simpler than that!
Storage Tip: This cabbage tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or back in a skillet.
š“ What to Serve This With?
This dish is a superstar alongside:
- Roasted Pork Loin š„©
- Pan-Seared Sausages or Brats š
- Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash š„
