Tired of the same old side dishes? Prepare to be wowed by the vibrant color and incredible flavor of this Slow Cooker Braised Red Cabbage. The perfect balance of smoky bacon, savory onion, and tangy apple cider vinegar transforms humble cabbage into a show-stopping accompaniment. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe that pairs beautifully with everything from hearty pork roasts and sausages to a simple weeknight chicken dinner.
Ingredients
• 16 ounces / 454 g sugar-free bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 head red cabbage, about 2 lbs / 900g, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup / 180 ml chicken broth
• ½ cup / 120 ml apple cider vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 6 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Once cool, crumble or chop the bacon.2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the bacon drippings. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.4. Place the sliced cabbage in the basin of a large slow cooker. Pour the onion and garlic mixture over the top, then add the crumbled bacon, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Season generously with salt and pepper.5. Stir everything together to combine.6. Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 7 hours or on High for 2½ to 3½ hours, until the cabbage is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
Nutritional Information
• (per serving)
• Calories: 269
• Fat: 23 g (77%)
• Net Carbs: 6 g (9%)
• Protein: 8 g (12%)
Pro Tips
• For perfectly uniform cabbage slices, use a mandoline slicer. This ensures even cooking.
• This dish is even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• To keep some bacon extra crisp, stir half into the slow cooker and reserve the other half to use as a garnish just before serving.
• For a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar, add one cored and thinly sliced Granny Smith apple along with the cabbage.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this braised red cabbage ahead of time
A: Absolutely! This slow cooker braised red cabbage tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: What can I serve with slow cooker red cabbage
A: This versatile red cabbage with bacon is a fantastic side dish for many meals. It pairs perfectly with hearty dishes like pork roast, sausages, and schnitzel, but it’s also delicious alongside a simple weeknight chicken dinner or a festive holiday meal.
Q: How can I add sweetness to this red cabbage recipe
A: For a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy apple cider vinegar, add one cored and thinly sliced Granny Smith apple to the slow cooker along with the cabbage. The apple will soften and add a lovely, subtle sweetness to the dish.
Q: Is this red cabbage recipe keto-friendly
A: Yes, this recipe is a great option for a keto or low-carb diet. By using sugar-free bacon and with only 6g of net carbs per serving, this flavorful side dish can easily fit into your keto meal plan. Just ensure your chicken broth is also sugar-free.
