Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1/4 cup of the rendered bacon drippings in the skillet. If you don’t have 1/4 cup, supplement with unsalted butter.
2. Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): If using, add the chopped onion to the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the cut potato chunks evenly on the bottom of your large slow cooker. This helps them cook thoroughly and absorb flavors.
4. Add Cabbage and Aromatics: Arrange the cabbage wedges on top of the potatoes. If you sautéed the onion and garlic, sprinkle them over the cabbage and potatoes now.
5. Introduce Bacon and Liquid: Sprinkle about two-thirds of the cooked, crispy bacon over the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over everything. Drizzle the reserved bacon drippings (or melted butter) over the ingredients.
6. Seasoning: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, add the apple cider vinegar now for a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
7. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size of your vegetable chunks. The vegetables should be fork-tender when done.
8. Finishing Touches: Once cooked, gently stir the contents of the slow cooker to distribute the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or apple cider vinegar if desired.
9. Serve: Ladle the Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon into bowls. Garnish with the remaining crispy bacon and fresh chopped parsley or dill, if using. Serve hot.

Cooking Tips and Variations

For the best results with your Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon, consider these tips. First, the choice of bacon makes a difference. Thick-cut bacon not only provides more substance but also renders more flavorful drippings, which are essential for adding richness to the dish. Don’t skip the step of browning the bacon in a skillet beforehand; this crucial step develops a deep, smoky flavor and a pleasant crispness that you can’t achieve by simply adding raw bacon to the slow cooker. Reserving some of these drippings to add back into the slow cooker ensures that rich, bacony essence permeates every bite of cabbage and potato. When cutting your vegetables, aim for uniform sizes, especially for the potatoes. This ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender at the same time as the cabbage. Large chunks are ideal for slow cooking as they hold their shape better and won’t turn mushy. While the recipe calls for layering, placing the potatoes on the bottom is strategic. They will be submerged in the broth and drippings, allowing them to absorb more flavor and cook thoroughly without drying out. The cabbage, being more delicate, can rest on top. Remember that slow cookers retain a lot of moisture, so resist the urge to add too much liquid; the two cups of broth, along with the moisture released by the vegetables, should be sufficient to create a tender, flavorful dish without it becoming watery. Finally, a touch of apple cider vinegar at the end can truly elevate the dish by adding a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the cabbage, balancing the overall flavor profile.