Crockpot Cabbage & Bacon: A Tasty, Easy Dish

how to cook cabbage and bacon in a crock pot

Crockpot cabbage and bacon is a delicious, keto-friendly, and gluten-free side dish that is easy to make and perfect for St. Patrick's Day. It is a simple recipe that can be served with a variety of main dishes and is loaded with flavour. The prep time is quick, and the cooking time is just long enough to yield tender cabbage. The smoky, salty, and umami flavours of the bacon melt into the cabbage, and the end result is a tasty and satisfying dish.

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Bacon, Cabbage, Onion, Garlic, Butter, Chicken Broth, Apple Cider Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes
Prep Time Quick
Cooking Time 2.5-6 hours
Calories 84-276 kcal
Carbohydrates 9.6-11 g
Protein 4.1-9 g
Fat 3.7-23 g
Fiber 3.2-4 g
Sugar 1.6-6 g
Servings 3-5 days worth of leftovers
Pairs Well With Corned Beef, Ribeye Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Rice, Jiffy Cornbread, Pan-Fried Pork Chops

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Chop the cabbage and bacon

Chopping the cabbage and bacon is the first step in preparing this delicious crockpot dish. Start by slicing and coring the cabbage. You can cut the cabbage into wedges, keeping the core attached to keep the wedges intact during the long cooking time. Alternatively, cut the cabbage in half through the stem, then cut out the core by cutting a triangle shape on both sides. Lay the cabbage halves flat and cut into 1-inch square pieces.

For the bacon, cut it into 1/2-inch pieces. You can use thick-cut bacon for this recipe. Fry the bacon pieces in a large skillet on the stovetop until they are browned and crispy. This should take about 5 minutes. You can also add other ingredients to the skillet with the bacon, such as onions and garlic, to enhance the flavour of the dish.

Once the bacon is cooked, drain off the excess bacon fat and set it aside. You will use this bacon grease later in the recipe. Chop the cooked bacon into smaller pieces if needed, and then you'll be ready to assemble and cook your crockpot cabbage and bacon dish!

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Saute onions and garlic

To sauté the onions and garlic for crockpot cabbage and bacon, start by slicing the onions thinly and chopping or mincing the garlic. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the bacon grease or butter. You can use the grease from cooking the bacon, or if you prefer less bacon flavour, drain off the excess grease and use butter instead.

Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced onions and cook until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. Then, add the garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic. This should only take a few minutes, as garlic cooks quickly and can burn easily.

Once the onions and garlic are sautéed, transfer them to the crockpot, spreading them out evenly over the cabbage. If you are adding the bacon to the crockpot at this stage, be sure to spread it out as well.

For an extra flavour boost, you can deglaze the skillet by adding a splash of broth, wine, or vinegar and scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Then, pour this liquid over the cabbage in the crockpot, adding even more flavour to your dish.

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Add butter and seasoning

Once you've cooked the bacon, onions, and garlic, it's time to add the butter and seasoning.

First, transfer the cooked bacon, onions, and garlic to the crock pot, spreading them evenly over the cabbage. Next, dot the top of the cabbage with small pieces of butter. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. If you're making a vegetarian version of this dish, you can use vegan butter instead.

Now, it's time to add the seasoning. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the cabbage, and add red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick. You can also add caraway seeds for extra flavour. If you prefer your dish less salty, you can wait to add the salt until halfway through the cooking process. That way, you can taste the cabbage and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Finally, pour the liquid mixture over the cabbage. This can be a combination of chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and water. You can also use beer instead of water for a unique twist.

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Cook for 2.5-3 hours

Once you've prepared your cabbage and bacon, it's time to cook. For a crisp texture, cook the cabbage for 2.5 hours on high heat. If you prefer a softer texture, cook for up to 3 hours.

During the cooking process, the smoky, salty, and umami flavours of the bacon will infuse into the cabbage, creating a delicious combination. The cabbage will emerge tender and full of flavour.

You can also customize the dish by adding butter for richness and creaminess. Additionally, if you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and grease, and add vegetarian bouillon cubes and vegan butter for flavour.

Remember to stir the cabbage halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. This step allows you to season the cabbage to your preference as well.

By following these instructions, you'll create a mouth-watering side dish that pairs well with various main courses.

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Serve with potatoes or cornbread

Crockpot cabbage and bacon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, including potatoes or cornbread. Here are some ideas on how to prepare and serve this delicious meal:

Preparing the Dish

To make crockpot cabbage and bacon, start by slicing and coring a head of cabbage and placing it in the bottom of your crockpot. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain off the excess bacon fat, leaving about 1/3 to 1/4 cup. Chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté thinly sliced onions in the reserved bacon grease until translucent and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic.

Serving with Potatoes

For a hearty and comforting meal, serve the crockpot cabbage and bacon with potatoes. You can cook the potatoes right in the crockpot along with the cabbage. Simply place the cabbage in the bottom of the crockpot, add onions, and then add potatoes. Sprinkle the potatoes with the cooked bacon pieces and pour your choice of liquid (beer, broth, or water) over them. Add seasonings like caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on high for around 3 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Serving with Cornbread

For a different flavour profile, serve the crockpot cabbage and bacon with a side of cornbread. Prepare the cornbread according to your favourite recipe or a simple box mix. While the cabbage is cooking in the crockpot, bake the cornbread in the oven until golden and slightly crispy on the outside. You can also add some cornbread mix directly to the crockpot for a unique twist. This combination is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any time you're craving a delicious, easy-to-make meal.

Additional Tips

Feel free to customise the crockpot cabbage and bacon to your taste. You can add other ingredients like apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and butter for extra flavour and richness. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetarian bouillon cubes and vegan butter instead. Remember to stir the crockpot contents halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Enjoy your delicious creation!

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