Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Cabbage recipe transforms a simple whole cabbage into a flavorful, tender dish infused with rich garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and lemon. Perfectly slow-cooked to absorb all the savory juices, it makes an easy and comforting side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium cabbage, whole
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Chopped fresh parsley for topping
Dairy & Fats
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Liquids & Seasoning
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage Core: Remove the core from the cabbage while keeping the leaves connected so that the flavors can seep deeply through the layers during cooking.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Slowly melt the unsalted butter in a small pot over low heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Mix Cheese and Lemon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest to create a flavorful butter mixture.
- Arrange Cabbage in Slow Cooker: Place the whole prepared cabbage into the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably.
- Add Butter Mixture: Drizzle the lemon-garlic-Parmesan butter evenly over the cabbage, making sure to get some of it between the leaves for maximum flavor penetration.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the cabbage to taste.
- Add Broth: Pour the vegetable broth around the sides of the cabbage inside the slow cooker to help steam and soften the cabbage as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the cabbage is soft and has absorbed all the flavorful liquids.
- Serve: Carefully lift the cabbage out of the slow cooker using tongs or a large spoon and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving to add color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cabbage is medium-sized to cook evenly within the 6-8 hour timeframe.
- Keeping the leaves connected allows the flavors to infuse better and makes for a more visually appealing presentation.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if you prefer a richer flavor and are not vegetarian.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste depending on dietary preferences.
- If you want a slightly firmer texture, check the cabbage at the 6-hour mark and cook longer if needed.