Slow Cooker Cabbage and Bacon is an easy, budget-friendly side dish packed with comforting flavor. Tender cabbage slowly cooks with crispy bacon, onion, garlic, and savory seasonings until everything is buttery, flavorful, and delicious. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, sausage, or cornbread.
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage, chopped
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Add the chopped bacon to a skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and crisp.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
2. Prepare the Cabbage
Place the chopped cabbage in a large slow cooker. Add the diced onion and minced garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the reserved bacon drippings.
3. Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle the cabbage with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the butter and half of the cooked bacon.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, stirring once or twice if convenient.
The cabbage is ready when it is very tender but not completely mushy.
5. Finish and Serve
Stir the cabbage well and taste for seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon over the top just before serving.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cabbage and Bacon
- Don’t add too much liquid: Cabbage releases plenty of moisture as it cooks.
- Brown the bacon first: This gives the dish a deeper smoky flavor and keeps the bacon from becoming completely soft.
- For extra flavor: A splash of apple cider vinegar added near the end gives the cabbage a delicious sweet-and-tangy balance.
- For a heartier dish: Add sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa during the last few hours of cooking.
- Watch the salt: Bacon and chicken broth can already be salty, so season gradually.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cabbage alongside fried chicken, roast beef, pork chops, meatloaf, smoked sausage, or baked ham. It is also delicious with warm cornbread for a simple, satisfying meal.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6