Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe. This dish takes humble cabbage and elevates it to new heights through slow cooking, pairing it with velvety butter, aromatic garlic, tangy lemon, and rich Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious and flavorful centerpiece that’s perfect for any meal. Cozy, creamy, and simply irresistible, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully in this Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe. Each item plays a key role in building deep flavor, silky texture, and vibrant color in the finished dish.
- 1 medium cabbage, whole: The star of the dish, providing a tender, slightly sweet base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted: Adds a rich, creamy foundation that helps carry the garlic and Parmesan throughout the cabbage.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Infuses the dish with bold, savory depth that wakes up every bite.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings sharp, nutty flavor and melts into a creamy coating for the cabbage leaves.
- 1 lemon, juice and zest: Offers bright citrus notes that cut through the richness and highlight freshness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the cabbage perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup vegetable broth: Keeps the cabbage moist during slow cooking and adds a savory base to the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley for topping: A pop of color and a fresh herbaceous finish to brighten the creamy cabbage.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by removing the core from your whole medium cabbage. Be careful to keep the leaves connected so they can soak up the rich garlic and Parmesan flavors more fully during cooking. This technique ensures every layer is infused with deliciousness.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter
Slowly melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped garlic and cook just until fragrant, usually about 1 to 2 minutes. This gentle cooking releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Combine Parmesan and Lemon
Remove your pot from the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the fresh lemon juice and zest. This mixture creates a luscious sauce that will coat each cabbage leaf with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the prepared whole cabbage into your slow cooker. Drizzle the garlic-Parmesan butter all over it, making sure to push some of the mixture between each leaf to truly infuse the cabbage from the inside out.
Step 5: Season and Add Broth
Sprinkle the salt and black pepper evenly over the cabbage. Then pour the vegetable broth around the sides of the cabbage inside the slow cooker. This broth keeps the cabbage moist and helps it slowly blossom into tender perfection.
Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This low and slow approach softens the cabbage wonderfully while allowing the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a creamy, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 7: Serve with Fresh Parsley
Once the cabbage is tender and cooked through, carefully lift it out of the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving plate. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that complements the creamy richness perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet brilliant garnish for this dish, offering a fresh and vibrant contrast to the creamy Parmesan sauce. You could also add a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if desired.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty grain like quinoa or wild rice. Its creamy texture and bold flavors add warmth and comfort to any meal and balance beautifully with lighter proteins and grains.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cabbage into thick wedges after cooking and serving each piece layered with extra Parmesan topped with a drizzle of olive oil. For a fun twist, serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the rich garlic and cheese sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for make-ahead meals or easy reheating later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked cabbage packed tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave some space for expansion and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the creamy sauce. Adding a splash of broth or water as you reheat helps maintain the dish’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Parmesan offers a unique nutty flavor and great melting quality that defines this dish, but you could try Pecorino Romano or Asiago as alternatives if you want a similar taste profile. Avoid cheeses that melt too quickly or become greasy.
Is it necessary to cook the whole cabbage instead of chopped pieces?
Cooking the cabbage whole helps keep the leaves connected, allowing slow infusion of flavors between layers and maintaining tenderness. Chopped pieces may cook unevenly or lose some of that creamy texture.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or olive oil, Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast, and use vegetable broth as usual. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can replicate the recipe by wrapping the cabbage tightly in foil with your garlic-Parmesan butter and broth, then baking at 325°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours until tender. Check occasionally to ensure it stays moist.
How much garlic is best for this recipe?
Four cloves provide a nice, balanced garlic flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two, but be mindful not to overpower the delicate cabbage and Parmesan flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe is pure comfort in every bite, flawless for cozy dinners or impressing family and friends with minimal effort. Its harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors will quickly make it a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and get ready to savor a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time!
Print
Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Cabbage is a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring a whole cabbage slowly cooked to tender perfection in a garlic-infused butter and Parmesan cheese sauce. Enhanced with fresh lemon zest and juice, seasoned with salt and pepper, and topped with chopped parsley, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal effort, making it an ideal make-ahead vegetable dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium cabbage, whole
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Chopped fresh parsley for topping
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Other
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage carefully while keeping the leaves connected to allow the flavors to penetrate between the layers during cooking.
- Melt butter and cook garlic: Slowly melt the unsalted butter in a small pot over low heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Mix in Parmesan and lemon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest, creating a flavorful, creamy sauce.
- Assemble in slow cooker: Place the whole cabbage into the slow cooker and drizzle the garlic-Parmesan-lemon butter mixture evenly over the cabbage, making sure to get the sauce between the cabbage leaves for full flavor absorption.
- Season: Sprinkle the salt and black pepper evenly over the top of the cabbage to season thoroughly.
- Add vegetable broth: Pour the vegetable broth around the sides of the cabbage inside the slow cooker; this will help steam and keep the cabbage moist during cooking.
- Slow cook: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the cabbage becomes soft and has soaked up all the delicious flavors.
- Serve: Using care, gently lift the cabbage from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Garnish and present: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top as a vibrant, fresh finishing touch before serving at the table.
Notes
- Ensure the cabbage leaves remain attached when coring for best flavor distribution and presentation.
- For a richer flavor, Parmesan cheese can be increased or substituted with Pecorino Romano.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth for non-vegetarian variations.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker; check tenderness starting at 6 hours.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
