Slow Cooker Creamy Cabbage with Bacon and Tomatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a bit of texture, consider topping the finished dish with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or fresh herbs like parsley right before serving. This provides a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the cabbage and sauce. If the sauce appears too thin after cooking, you can remove the cabbage wedges and stir the sauce vigorously to thicken it before spooning it back over the cabbage.

If the flavor needs more depth, a small splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice can be added right at the end of the cooking time to brighten the overall profile. This is especially helpful if the sun-dried tomatoes were quite sweet.

Always taste the sauce before serving to determine if a pinch of salt is needed, though the parmesan and bacon usually provide sufficient saltiness for most palates.

Variations

• Spicy Cabbage: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian herbs to introduce a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cream cheese sauce.
• Garlic Lovers: Incorporate three minced cloves of fresh garlic into the slow cooker with the herbs to add a pungent, aromatic layer that complements the bacon and parmesan.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep the cabbage and the sauce stored together to ensure the vegetable stays moist. This dish is best enjoyed within three days of preparation.

When storing, try to keep the cabbage wedges intact to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy during the reheating process, as the sauce will continue to soften the cabbage slightly while it sits in the refrigerator.

This dish can be prepared in advance by assembling the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, covering it, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker and start the cooking cycle.

Note that you may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the total cooking time if starting from a chilled state to ensure everything reaches the proper temperature throughout.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy cabbage as a centerpiece for a hearty dinner, perhaps alongside roasted chicken or pork chops. The rich, cheesy sauce pairs beautifully with the simple flavors of roasted meats, making it a versatile side dish. For a lighter meal, serve it with a crusty piece of sourdough bread to help soak up the delicious, creamy sauce left in the bowl after the cabbage is finished.

When serving, use a large spatula or tongs to carefully transfer the cabbage wedges to individual plates to keep them from breaking apart. Spoon the remaining creamy sauce from the slow cooker over the top of each wedge.

This presentation makes the dish look elegant while ensuring that every diner gets a generous portion of the flavorful bacon and tomato sauce that has accumulated at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Creamy Cabbage with Bacon and Tomatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 head green cabbage, cut into wedges
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 oz block cream cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the cabbage wedges into the base of the slow cooker stoneware. Scatter the chopped bacon pieces and sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the top of the cabbage wedges.
2. Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs and grated parmesan cheese over the bacon and cabbage. Place the block of cream cheese in the center and pour the chicken broth around the sides.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until the cabbage is tender and the cream cheese has melted into a thick, blush-orange sauce. Gently stir before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

14 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.