This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Whole Cabbage with Lemon Butter is a tender, buttery dish infused with garlic, Parmesan, and lemon. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an elegant and comforting addition to any meal. Whether served as a side or a light main course, this recipe is sure to delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless preparation: Just a few minutes of prep, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest.
Delightful flavor combination: The mix of garlic, Parmesan, and lemon creates a savory yet bright taste.
Versatile dish: Serve it as a side or enjoy it as a light main course.
Healthy and comforting: Packed with fiber and wholesome ingredients, this dish is as nourishing as it is satisfying.
Perfectly tender: The slow-cooking process ensures the cabbage becomes meltingly soft and flavorful.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 medium whole cabbage
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup vegetable broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage and trim the stem slightly so it sits flat, ensuring the core remains intact to hold the cabbage together.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest, juice, salt, and black pepper.
Place the whole cabbage into your slow cooker. Pour the vegetable broth around the base, then evenly drizzle the garlic-lemon butter mixture over the cabbage.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender when pierced with a fork.
Carefully remove the cabbage from the slow cooker and slice it into wedges. Drizzle the cabbage wedges with the juices left in the slow cooker.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 135 kcal per serving
Variations
Cheese options: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a plant-based Parmesan alternative for a dairy-free version.
Add herbs: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy aroma.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Broth swap: Use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth for a different depth of flavor.
Roasted garlic: Replace minced garlic with roasted garlic for a sweeter, caramelized flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the cabbage wedges in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of broth to retain moisture.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the cabbage from falling apart during cooking?
Ensure you keep the core intact when trimming the stem. This holds the cabbage together while it cooks.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, red cabbage works well, but it may have a slightly firmer texture and a deeper, earthier flavor.
Can I cook this on high to save time?
While cooking on high reduces the time to about 2–3 hours, the cabbage may not become as tender or evenly cooked as it does on low.
What can I pair this dish with?
This cabbage pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as a side to hearty stews.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Whole Cabbage with Lemon Butter is a flavorful, fuss-free dish that combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Perfect for busy days or when you want a unique and comforting dish, it’s a recipe worth trying again and again. Whether served as a side or enjoyed solo, this cabbage recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
📖 Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Whole Cabbage with Lemon Butter
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful, this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Whole Cabbage with Lemon Butter is the perfect blend of savory garlic, tangy lemon, and rich Parmesan. A simple, healthy side dish or light main course that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 medium whole cabbage
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup vegetable broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Remove damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Trim the stem slightly so the cabbage sits flat, but keep the core intact.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the cabbage in a slow cooker. Pour the vegetable broth around the base. Drizzle the garlic-lemon butter mixture evenly over the cabbage.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Carefully remove the cabbage from the slow cooker and slice it into wedges. Drizzle with the juices from the slow cooker.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Cheese Alternatives: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or vegan cheese.
Flavor Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 135 kcal
