Southern Crockpot Bacon Butter Cabbage Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, cut the cabbage into large, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. If the pieces are too small, they can turn mushy; if too large, they may stay crunchy in the center.

Stirring once halfway through helps the cabbage cook evenly, but do it gently to keep the layers intact. The slow cooker should be filled at least three-quarters full for even heat distribution.

To make the bacon extra crispy, cook it just before serving and sprinkle it over the cabbage rather than mixing it in at the start.

The bacon that cooks with the cabbage will soften, which is fine, but the crunchy topping adds a pleasant contrast. If making this for a crowd, keep the slow cooker on the WARM setting after cooking, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun: Increase the Cajun seasoning to 3 teaspoons and add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Serve with hot sauce on the side.
• Apple and Onion: Add one peeled and diced apple to the layers for a touch of sweetness. The apple softens and blends with the cabbage, adding a fruity note that complements the bacon.
• Smoked Sausage: Slice 8 ounces of smoked sausage and layer it with the cabbage for a heartier main dish. The sausage infuses the cabbage with additional smoky flavor.
• Herb Butter: Soften the butter and mix in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano before dotting over the cabbage. This adds an herby aroma that pairs well with the Cajun spice.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Store leftover cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the cabbage may soften further. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Do not leave the cabbage at room temperature for more than 2 hours after cooking.

This dish can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before serving. The cabbage actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. To reheat, place the cabbage in a skillet or in the slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add a little butter or broth if it looks dry.

Serving ideas

Serve this Southern cabbage as a hearty side dish alongside roasted pork, fried chicken, or grilled sausages. It also pairs well with cornbread or buttermilk biscuits to soak up the buttery drippings.

For a complete meal, spoon the cabbage over rice or grits and top with extra bacon. The sweet, smoky flavors make it a versatile addition to any Southern-style spread.

This cabbage is equally delicious as a main dish for a light supper, especially when served with crusty bread and a simple green salad.

The richness of the butter and bacon makes it satisfying on its own. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving, though the video keeps it simple with just bacon crumbles.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Southern Crockpot Bacon Butter Cabbage

Prep 15 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup crispy thick-cut bacon, crumbled
• 6 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions

1. Place half of the chopped cabbage into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter half of the crumbled bacon, half of the diced onion, half of the minced garlic, and half of the Cajun seasoning over the cabbage. Dot with half of the butter pieces. Repeat with the remaining cabbage, bacon, onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and butter.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and caramelized. Stir once halfway through if possible, but avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the heat steady.
3. Use tongs to transfer the braised cabbage to a warm serving platter. Spoon any remaining butter and bacon drippings from the slow cooker over the top. Garnish with extra crispy bacon crumbles before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

480 mg

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