This Slow Cooker Buttered Cabbage recipe transforms humble cabbage into a tender, subtly sweet, and incredibly flavorful side dish with minimal effort. The slow cooker gently cooks the cabbage wedges in butter, allowing them to become meltingly soft and develop a rich, savory flavor. A touch of garlic powder and onion powder enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage, while a sprinkle of black pepper adds a hint of warmth. This method of cooking brings out the inherent sweetness of the cabbage, mellowing its sometimes slightly sharp flavor into a mild and palatable delight. The butter infuses every layer of the cabbage, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and pork to sausages and stews. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe incredibly convenient for busy weeknights or when you’re preparing a larger meal. The low and slow cooking process ensures that the cabbage becomes exceptionally tender without becoming mushy, retaining a pleasant texture. This simple yet elegant side dish is a testament to how even basic vegetables can be elevated with the right cooking method and a few quality ingredients. The aroma that fills your kitchen as this cabbage slowly cooks is subtly sweet and savory, hinting at the deliciousness to come.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 2-3 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust as needed)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (if you prefer a slightly more braised texture)
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment:
- 4-6 quart slow cooker
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Optional: Small bowl for broth
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage:
Rinse the head of cabbage under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Place the cabbage on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut it through the core into 6 to 8 wedges, depending on the size of the cabbage. Leaving the core intact helps the wedges hold their shape during the slow cooking process. You can remove any tough outer leaves if they appear damaged or wilted.
2. Arrange Cabbage in the Slow Cooker:
Place the cabbage wedges in the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer as much as possible. If your slow cooker is smaller, you might need to slightly overlap the wedges, but try to avoid tightly packing them.
3. Add Butter and Seasonings:
Distribute the pats of unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cabbage wedges. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the cabbage. Season generously with salt. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and you can always add more to taste after the cabbage has cooked down.
4. Add Optional Broth (for a braised texture):
If you prefer a slightly more braised and less purely steamed texture, you can add about 1/4 cup of chicken or vegetable broth to the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create a bit more liquid during the cooking process. If you prefer the cabbage to be cooked more in its own steam and the butter, you can omit the broth.
5. Cook the Cabbage:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker and the desired tenderness of the cabbage. The cabbage is done when it is tender and slightly translucent, but still has a bit of bite. If you prefer it softer, you can cook it for a little longer. Check the cabbage periodically, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to ensure it doesn’t become overly soft.
6. Check for Tenderness and Adjust Seasoning:
Once the cabbage is cooked, carefully remove a wedge and taste it. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If there is excess liquid in the slow cooker (especially if you added broth), you can either leave it as is or, for a slightly more concentrated flavor, you can remove the lid and cook on high for the last 15-20 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
7. Serve:
Carefully transfer the tender buttered cabbage wedges to a serving dish using a slotted spoon. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot as a delicious and simple side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Tips and Variations:
- Type of Cabbage: While green cabbage is used in this recipe, you can also try this method with Savoy cabbage for a slightly milder flavor and more delicate texture.
- Add Aromatics: For extra flavor, you can add a chopped onion or a few cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker along with the cabbage.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or caraway seeds can be added to the slow cooker for a different flavor profile.
- Sweetness: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar added towards the end of cooking can introduce a touch of sweetness.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle hint of heat.
- Cheese: For a richer dish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the cooked cabbage before serving.
- Bacon or Pancetta: For a more indulgent version, sauté some chopped bacon or pancetta until crispy and add it to the slow cooker with the cabbage.
This Slow Cooker Buttered Cabbage recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients and a gentle cooking method can yield incredibly flavorful results. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this hands-off side dish!