Okay, so holidays are *crazy* busy, right? Between the turkey, the pies, and trying to remember where you put the good serving spoons, who needs *another* complicated side dish? That’s why I am absolutely obsessed with this Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges with Three Ingredients for Thanksgiving, Christmas. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver! It lets the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, and you end up with the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth cabbage you’ve ever had. It’s so simple, but trust me, it tastes fancy enough for any holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is a total game-changer for holiday cooking. Here’s why it’s a staple at my table:

It’s ridiculously easy: Seriously, just three ingredients and your slow cooker. That’s it!
Minimal prep: You can have this prepped and in the cooker in about 10 minutes flat. More time for you!
Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it! No hovering over the stovetop or worrying about burning.
Amazing flavor: The butter and brown sugar caramelize beautifully, making the cabbage sweet and tender. It’s a comforting, delicious flavor that just screams holidays.

Gathering Your Three Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges

This is where the magic really starts – with just a few simple things from your pantry and fridge. You’ll need:

1 head of cabbage, cut into 6-8 wedges: Look for a nice, firm head of green cabbage. You want it to hold its shape while it cooks. I usually just slice it right through the core, keeping each wedge attached. It sounds weird, but it works!
1/2 cup butter, melted: Good old butter is key here. It gives the cabbage that rich, savory base and helps the sugar caramelize. I just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds to melt it.
1/4 cup packed brown sugar: This is what gives it that lovely sweet, slightly caramelized coating. Make sure to pack it into your measuring cup so you get the right amount. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on what you have!

That’s it! No fancy spices, no obscure ingredients. Just pure, simple goodness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges

Even with just three ingredients, a couple of little tricks can make your cabbage wedges absolutely perfect every single time. I’ve learned these through trial and error, and they really make a difference!

Cabbage Selection: Grab a nice, firm head of green cabbage. Avoid anything that looks bruised or has floppy leaves. A good, solid cabbage will hold together better in the slow cooker.
Wedge Cutting: Make sure you cut your wedges through the core. This keeps the leaves from falling apart during the long cooking time. Aim for wedges that are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly. If a wedge is super thick, you can even slice it in half lengthwise.
Butter Distribution: Pour the melted butter evenly over all the cabbage wedges. I like to give them a little nudge with a spoon to make sure they’re all coated.
Sugar Sprinkle: Sprinkle the brown sugar generously over the top of the buttered cabbage. Try to get it as evenly distributed as possible for consistent sweetness.
Lid On Tight: Make sure your slow cooker lid is on securely. You want to trap all that moisture and heat inside to steam and tenderize the cabbage. Resist the urge to peek too often!
Checking for Tenderness: After about 4 hours on low, give it a gentle poke with a fork or a knife. It should be tender enough to pierce easily but not mushy. If it’s still a bit firm, let it go another hour or so.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges

Alright, let’s get this into the slow cooker! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed.

Prep the Cabbage: First things first, take your head of cabbage and carefully cut it into 6 to 8 wedges. You want to cut it right through the core so the wedges stay intact. Try to make them all a similar size for even cooking.
Melt the Butter: Grab your butter and melt it. I usually just pop about half a cup into a microwave-safe bowl and give it 30 seconds or so until it’s all liquid. Easy peasy.
Arrange in Slow Cooker: Now, carefully place your cabbage wedges into your slow cooker. You might need to stack them a little, but try to get them in a single layer as much as possible.
Butter Them Up: Pour that lovely melted butter all over the cabbage wedges. Make sure to get a good coating on all sides.
Sweeten It Up: Next, sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the buttered cabbage. Get it all over the top!
Cook Low and Slow: Pop the lid on your slow cooker nice and snug. Set it to LOW and let it cook for about 4 to 6 hours. You’re looking for the cabbage to be really tender when you poke it with a fork, but still holding its shape.
Optional Flavor Boost: If you want a little extra zing, this is when you’d add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper. It really does bring out the flavors! Just sprinkle it over before you put the lid on.

That’s literally it! The aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is just heavenly.

Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges

These sweet and tender cabbage wedges are just fantastic alongside all your favorite holiday mains. They’re especially good with:

Roasted turkey or ham – the sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat perfectly.
Pot roast or beef stew – it’s a comforting side that complements hearty dishes.
Mashed potatoes and gravy – it adds a different texture and a touch of sweetness to the plate.

They really do fill that spot for a simple yet flavorful vegetable side that doesn’t require constant attention during your busy holiday cooking. For more holiday side dish ideas, check out our honey roasted carrots.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once the cabbage has cooled down a bit, you can pop any extra into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way is to gently warm them back up in a skillet over medium-low heat, kind of like a little sauté. You can also reheat them in the slow cooker on warm for a bit, or even in the microwave. Just be gentle so they don’t get too mushy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use different types of cabbage? While green cabbage is my go-to because it holds up so well, you could try red cabbage for a pop of color! Just know it might bleed a bit. Savoy cabbage could also work, but it’s a bit more delicate.
What if my cabbage is too soft or too firm? If it’s too firm after 4 hours, just let it go longer, checking every 30 minutes. If it gets a little *too* soft for your liking, you can try transferring it to a baking sheet and popping it under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp up the edges.
Can I add other seasonings to this three-ingredient recipe? Absolutely! While the three ingredients are magic on their own, a little pinch of salt and pepper is fantastic. You could also try a sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of nutmeg for a different flavor profile. For more flavor inspiration, consider trying a creamy Cajun sauce.
How do I adjust the sweetness? If you prefer it less sweet, start with 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and add more to taste before cooking. If you *love* sweet, you can bump it up to 1/3 cup!

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges with Three Ingredients

This recipe is a delicious and relatively light option! Per serving (one wedge), it’s estimated to have around 150 calories, 10g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. Keep in mind these are just estimates and can vary based on your exact ingredients! For a similar comforting side, you might enjoy our easy Tennessee onions.

Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Wedges: 3 Ingredients

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Easy slow cooker cabbage wedges with just three ingredients, perfect for holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 head of cabbage, cut into 6–8 wedges
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

Place cabbage wedges in a slow cooker.
Pour melted butter over the cabbage.
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the cabbage.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until tender.

Notes

You can add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Adjust brown sugar to your sweetness preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 wedge
Calories: 150
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: slow cooker cabbage, holiday side dish, three ingredient recipe, Thanksgiving, Christmas, easy side dish, vegetarian