Slow Cooker Braised Cabbage and Bacon: The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Dish – Page 2

Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until lightly crisp and the fat has rendered. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the thinly sliced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped cabbage into the slow cooker. Top with the cooked bacon, followed by the sautéed onions and garlic.
Add Liquid and Seasonings: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), brown sugar or honey, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage and bacon. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the cabbage is coated in the liquid and seasonings.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the broth and bacon. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
Finish and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the butter until it melts into the cooking liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.

Choose the Right Cabbage: Green cabbage is ideal for this recipe. It holds its shape during long cooking while becoming tender and silky. Savoy cabbage also works beautifully.
Do Not Overcook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until lightly crisp but not overly crunchy. It will continue to soften as it cooks in the slow cooker.
Reserve the Bacon Fat: Sautéing the onions and garlic in the rendered bacon fat adds an extra layer of smoky flavor to the dish.
Cut Cabbage into Large Pieces:Chopping the cabbage into large wedges or chunks helps it hold its texture during slow cooking. It will become tender without turning to mush.
Stir Occasionally: Giving the cabbage a gentle stir once or twice during cooking helps distribute the flavors evenly and ensures everything cooks uniformly.
Adjust Salt Carefully: Bacon can be quite salty, so taste the dish before adding additional salt. You may find that the salt from the bacon and broth is sufficient.

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