Slow Cooker Cabbage & Bacon

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cook time: 4 to 6 hours (Low) or 3 to 4 hours (High)
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• The Core:
  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped (or sliced into thick wedges)
  • 6 to 8 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• The Liquids & Seasoning:
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds a subtle, essential brightness to balance the richness)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but enhances the bacon flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a tiny hint of heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Crisp the Bacon: For the best flavor and texture, place the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside (save about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan if you want an extra layer of rich flavor, or skip it for a lighter version).
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In that same skillet with the leftover bacon drippings (or a splash of olive oil), add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic for the final 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place your roughly chopped cabbage into the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the sautéed onions, garlic, and most of the cooked bacon over and through the cabbage layers.
4. Add Liquids and Spices: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage, then dot the top with the tablespoon of butter.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage has shrunk down, softened completely, and absorbed all those wonderful savory juices.
6. Finish and Serve: Give everything a gentle toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little extra salt or a splash of apple cider vinegar if needed. Sprinkle the remaining reserved crispy bacon over the top right before serving for a great textural crunch.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Cabbage Cut: Chopping the cabbage into rough bite-sized chunks ensures it softens evenly, but you can also cut the head into quarters or thick steaks if you prefer a rustic presentation.
• Storage: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld in the fridge! It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or on the stovetop.