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Slow Cooker Braised Cabbage and Bacon

Slow Cooker Braised Cabbage and Bacon

Tender green cabbage is slow cooked with smoky bacon, onion, garlic, broth, and a tangy-sweet seasoning blend until rich, buttery, and deeply flavorful. This easy slow cooker cabbage recipe makes a cozy side dish for family dinners, holiday meals, or low-carb comfort food nights.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium green cabbage about 1–1.2 kg, chopped into large pieces
  • 200 g bacon cut into small strips
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup / 240 ml chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust based on bacon saltiness
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until lightly crisp.
  • Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving a little bacon fat in the pan.
  • Add the sliced onion to the same skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped cabbage to the slow cooker.
  • Top the cabbage with the cooked bacon, onions, and garlic.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
  • Add the Dijon mustard, brown sugar or honey, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Toss gently to combine the cabbage with the seasoning and liquid.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Stir once or twice during cooking, if possible, to help the cabbage cook evenly.
  • Stir in the butter just before serving.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Notes

For the best texture, keep the cabbage pieces large so they become tender without turning mushy during slow cooking.
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