Slow Cooker Cabbage – A Simple and Savory Side Dish: Recepies, Guide

What Is Slow Cooker Cabbage?

Slow cooker cabbage is a humble, flavorful side dish made by cooking chopped cabbage low and slow with broth, butter or oil, and seasonings. You can serve it with sausages, pork, corned beef, or even as a base for grain bowls or soups.

Ingredients: What You Need for the Base Recipe

Core Ingredients

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped into chunks
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for a kick)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for brightness)
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (traditional touch)
• Cooked bacon or sausage slices

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare the Dish Whole or in Parts

Whole Batch Method

1. Layer chopped cabbage in the slow cooker.
2. Add sliced onions, garlic, spices, and pour in broth.
3. Top with butter slices.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, stirring once halfway through.

Preparing in Parts

Pre-Cook Aromatics

Sauté onion and garlic in butter first for deeper flavor. I often do this when I want a richer profile.

Cook Cabbage Separately

Blanch or steam cabbage first, then add it to the slow cooker with remaining ingredients to shorten the cook time.

Cooking Temperatures and Times

Method	Temperature	Time
Slow Cooker – Low	~190°F	5–6 hours
Slow Cooker – High	~300°F	2.5–3 hours
Oven Braise	350°F	1 hour
Instant Pot	High Pressure	5 minutes
Stovetop Simmer	Medium	20–25 minutes

Spices and Seasonings I Recommend

The seasoning base I trust the most is:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic
• Onion
• Butter or olive oil

For added layers of flavor:

• Smoked paprika for depth
• Apple cider vinegar for brightness
• Caraway seeds for a Central European twist

I’ve also added Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and even soy sauce for umami, depending on what I’m serving it with.

Calorie and Nutrition Breakdown

Slow cooker cabbage is surprisingly light.

Per 1-cup serving (no meat or cheese):

• Calories: ~70–90
• Carbs: ~8g
• Fat: ~4g
• Fiber: ~4g
• Protein: ~2g

It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan or low-carb.

Making a Diet-Friendly Version

To make it even healthier:

• Use olive oil instead of butter
• Skip bacon or sausage
• Use low-sodium broth
• Add more onions and carrots for sweetness

I often toss in chickpeas or white beans when I want to make it a light lunch instead of a side dish.

Using Slow Cooker Cabbage in First Courses

Slow-cooked cabbage works wonders in soups. Here’s what I do:

• Add diced potatoes and carrots to the cabbage mix and blend lightly at the end for a rustic cabbage soup.
• Mix into chicken broth and puree for a creamy cabbage starter.
• Combine with beans and crushed tomatoes for a hearty Tuscan-inspired soup.

Turning It Into a Main Course

It’s easy to turn this simple side into a full meal:

• Add sliced kielbasa, bratwurst, or tofu
• Serve over mashed potatoes or brown rice
• Stuff into wraps or grain bowls
• Top with a fried egg and a splash of hot sauce

When I make this for brunch service, I always add eggs and crusty bread.

How to Cook Cabbage in Other Appliances

Microwave

Layer cabbage, onion, and a splash of broth in a covered microwave-safe dish. Cook on high for 10–12 minutes, stirring once.

Slow Cooker

Best flavor and texture. Set it and forget it!

Multicooker / Instant Pot

Pressure cook on high for 4–5 minutes with quick release. Ideal when you’re short on time.

Stovetop

Sauté onion and garlic, then add cabbage and simmer covered with broth for 20–25 minutes.

Oven

Cover in foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour. I love this for big family meals.

Clay Pot or Dutch Oven

Cook covered at 300–325°F for 90 minutes. The clay keeps moisture in beautifully.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish stores incredibly well. I always make extra.

• Fridge: Up to 5 days in airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 2 months
• Reheat: In skillet, microwave, or oven with a splash of broth or water

Common Pairings and Serving Suggestions

I love serving this cabbage with:

• Roasted pork or corned beef
• Sausages or bratwurst
• Mashed potatoes
• Grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based meal
• In wraps, tacos, or breakfast hash bowls

FAQ – Chef Answers from My Own Kitchen