Introduction
Cabbage often goes underappreciated, but with the right treatment, it transforms into a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth side dish. This Slow Cooker Buttered Cabbage is simple yet incredibly flavorful—perfect for busy days. It requires minimal ingredients, uses a hands-off slow cooking method, and delivers tender cabbage leaves infused with butter, black pepper, and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegetable side to accompany roast meats or an easy meal prep idea, this dish offers comfort in every bite.
The slow cooker works magic, softening the cabbage to perfection while preserving its natural sweetness. Plus, it’s economical and ideal for anyone wanting a low-carb, gluten-free dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 2 lbs), chopped into wedges
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Prepare the cabbage by removing any tough outer leaves. Cut the cabbage in half, remove the core, and chop it into large wedges or chunks.
Step 2:
Place the cabbage wedges in the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out to form an even layer.
Step 3:
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the cabbage to season it evenly.
Step 4:
Distribute the cubed butter across the top of the cabbage. This ensures that the butter melts gradually, coating every leaf as the cabbage cooks.
Step 5:
Pour the vegetable (or chicken) broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the liquid reaches about halfway up the cabbage. This helps the cabbage steam gently during the cooking process.
Step 6:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW for 5-6 hours, or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the cabbage is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 7:
Before serving, gently stir the cabbage to coat it fully in the buttery broth. Sprinkle with additional black pepper and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Notes:
- Broth substitution: If you want an even richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- Herb twist: For a different flavor profile, try adding a bay leaf or a teaspoon of thyme along with the broth.
- Add some heat: If you prefer a bit of spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Avoid overcooking: While it’s tempting to let the slow cooker run longer, cabbage that’s overcooked may turn mushy and lose its structure.
Serving Suggestions:
- This buttered cabbage is the perfect side dish for pot roast, meatloaf, grilled chicken, or pork chops.
- It also complements Southern comfort foods like fried catfish or cornbread.
- For a low-carb meal, serve it as a main course alongside some sausages or smoked meats.
- Leftovers? Mix them with noodles or mashed potatoes for a cozy meal the next day.
Tips:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently warm the cabbage on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if it seems dry.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing as the texture of cabbage can become too mushy when thawed.
- Make it ahead: You can chop the cabbage in advance and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days, making it easy to toss into the slow cooker when ready.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
5 hours on LOW / 2-3 hours on HIGH
Total Time:
5 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Buttered Cabbage is a simple, no-fuss dish that takes humble cabbage to the next level. Its buttery richness, combined with soft, tender cabbage leaves, makes it an irresistible side dish for any meal. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring the cabbage comes out perfectly cooked and flavorful. This dish is excellent for those looking for a comforting yet healthy side that can fit into many different diets, from low-carb to gluten-free. Enjoy it fresh out of the slow cooker, and savor the wonderful blend of butter, herbs, and spices!
Print
Slow Cooker Strawberry Cheesecake
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 2 lbs), chopped into wedges
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare the cabbage by removing any tough outer leaves. Cut the cabbage in half, remove the core, and chop it into large wedges or chunks.
Step 2:
Place the cabbage wedges in the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out to form an even layer.
Step 3:
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the cabbage to season it evenly.
Step 4:
Distribute the cubed butter across the top of the cabbage. This ensures that the butter melts gradually, coating every leaf as the cabbage cooks.
Step 5:
Pour the vegetable (or chicken) broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the liquid reaches about halfway up the cabbage. This helps the cabbage steam gently during the cooking process.
Step 6:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW for 5-6 hours, or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the cabbage is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 7:
Before serving, gently stir the cabbage to coat it fully in the buttery broth. Sprinkle with additional black pepper and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours on LOW / 2-3 hours on HIGH
Nutrition
- Calories: 110
- Sodium: 300mg
- Protein: 2g