Tender, buttery cabbage infused with garlic, Parmesan, and lemon—this slow cooker recipe makes a flavorful and easy side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe turns a simple cabbage into a deliciously tender and flavorful side. Cooking it low and slow allows the garlic, Parmesan, and lemon butter to fully penetrate every leaf, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture with bright, savory notes. It’s effortless to prepare and pairs perfectly with many main dishes.

Ingredients

• 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

1. Cut out the core of the cabbage while keeping the leaves intact to help them absorb flavor.

2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.

3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the butter mixture.

4. Place the whole cabbage in the slow cooker and pour the butter mixture over it, making sure some seeps between the leaves.

5. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the cabbage.

6. Pour the vegetable broth into the slow cooker around the cabbage.

7. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours until the cabbage is tender.

8. Carefully remove the cabbage and transfer it to a serving plate.

9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of regular melted butter.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle kick.

• Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.

• Serve with toasted breadcrumbs or extra Parmesan on top for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker cabbage pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or rice. It’s a fantastic vegetarian side as well.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this cabbage in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the butter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Assemble and cook the cabbage on the day you plan to serve it.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can steam the cabbage on the stovetop and then pour the garlic Parmesan lemon butter over it, but the slow cooker allows deeper flavor absorption and tenderness.

Is this recipe vegan?

This recipe contains butter and Parmesan, so it’s not vegan. You can substitute vegan butter and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make it vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Whole Cabbage with Lemon Butter is a simple yet impressive side dish that elevates humble cabbage with rich, bright flavors. Its easy prep and hands-off cooking make it a great addition to your meal rotation.