Slow cooker cabbage and ham is a fantastic, comforting dish that brings together simple, affordable ingredients into a meal rich with savory flavor. It’s the perfect solution for utilizing holiday leftover ham, or for preparing a delicious, budget-friendly meal any time of the year with fresh ham. This incredibly easy Crockpot recipe guarantees a tender, flavorful experience, cooked gently over several hours to achieve maximum depth and succulent textures.
Whether served as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite crusty bread, this cabbage and ham recipe consistently yields excellent results. Our primary focus is on making this an effortless Crockpot recipe, highlighting the convenience and flavor benefits of slow cooking. However, we’ll also touch on how you can achieve similar deliciousness using a traditional pot on the stovetop or even a pressure cooker. Let’s dive in and discover why this dish is a must-try for your family.
The Irresistible Ease of Crock Pot Cabbage and Ham
Our favorite method for preparing this dish is undoubtedly in the slow cooker. The beauty of the “low and slow” approach is that you can simply combine your ingredients, set it, and return a few hours later to a perfectly cooked, aromatic meal. While plain slow cooker cabbage is undeniably good and a fantastic side dish on its own, the addition of savory ham transforms it into a hearty, complete main course. This recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to easily adjust it based on what you have in your pantry.
For example, if you don’t have ham, pre-cooked bacon, chopped into pieces, can be an excellent substitute, adding a smoky depth that is simply amazing. We frequently use bacon with our Instant Pot fried cabbage, and the results are always phenomenal. I could honestly eat it as my entire meal, and while my kids might look at me quizzically, the rich flavors are absolutely worth it. This recipe is designed to be forgiving and adaptable, encouraging you to use what’s available and tailor it to your family’s preferences.
For more culinary inspiration, consider listening to a podcast episode about Ham and Cabbage in a Slow Cooker. It often provides unique insights and tips!
Essential Ingredients for Your Flavorful Cabbage and Ham Stew
Creating this delightful slow cooker cabbage and ham dish requires a few key ingredients, each playing an important role in developing its signature comforting flavor:
- Cabbage: Select a small to medium head of fresh cabbage. The ideal cut for this recipe is large, bite-sized cubes, approximately 2×2 inches. This ensures that the cabbage becomes wonderfully tender without turning mushy during the extended cooking time.
- Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth instead of plain water is highly recommended. It provides a foundational layer of savory flavor that infuses every component of the dish, resulting in a richer, more complex taste. Vegetable stock can also be used.
- Butter: A stick of butter (1/2 cup) adds a luxurious richness and helps carry the flavors throughout the dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, a plant-based vegan butter alternative works just as effectively.
- Black Pepper and Salt: These essential seasonings are added to taste. Remember that ham is often quite salty, so start with a smaller amount of salt and adjust as needed after cooking.
- Celery Seeds: We love adding about 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds. They provide a unique, slightly peppery, and earthy aroma that beautifully complements the ham and cabbage.
- Garlic Powder: A versatile and easy-to-use spice, garlic powder contributes a warm, savory note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Bay Leaf: (Optional, but recommended) Including one bay leaf can add a subtle, herbal depth to the stew. Just remember to remove it before serving.
- Diced Ham: This is the star protein! You’ll need about 3 cups of diced ham. This can come from:
- Leftover Ham: An excellent way to give new life to post-holiday ham.
- Pre-cooked Ham Steaks: Simply dice them into appropriate pieces.
- Other Proteins: While ham is traditional, feel free to experiment. Shredded beef, as seen in our cabbage stew, is another delicious option.
Properly cutting the cabbage is crucial for the texture of this dish. You want pieces that are substantial enough to hold up to slow cooking, allowing them to become tender without disintegrating. Our general guideline is large, bite-sized squares. If you need a visual guide, many resources (like a how-to cut cabbage link) can demonstrate the best techniques for various dishes. Wider shredded pieces can also work if preferred, offering a slightly different mouthfeel.
Delicious Variations to Elevate Your Cabbage and Ham
The adaptability of this cabbage and ham recipe is one of its greatest strengths. Don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious variations to truly make it your own:
- For the Meat Lover: To create a true “meat lover’s paradise,” consider browning some ground sausage (such as Italian sausage or breakfast sausage) and adding it to the slow cooker alongside the ham. For an extra layer of smoky flavor, crispy diced bacon can also be incorporated at the beginning of the cooking process or sprinkled on top just before serving.
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding other hardy vegetables. Cubed carrots, sliced bell peppers, or even parsnips can be added along with the cabbage and ham. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to allow for even cooking.
- Spice Profile Adjustments: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a pleasant kick. For a deeper, richer flavor, a teaspoon of smoked paprika works wonders. Experiment with other herbs like dried thyme or a hint of rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Creamy Finish: For a richer, creamier stew, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds a velvety texture and mellows the flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Cabbage and Ham
What spices do you put in ham and cabbage?
Given that ham naturally brings a good amount of saltiness to the dish, you typically don’t need a heavy hand with additional spices. We recommend black pepper, celery seeds, and garlic powder for a balanced and aromatic profile. A small pinch of Old Bay seasoning can add a unique, savory depth, and paprika can enhance both color and flavor. The bay leaf, while optional, also contributes a lovely, subtle herbal note. The most important tip is to avoid adding too much salt initially; you can always taste and adjust the seasoning once the dish is fully cooked.
What’s the best way to chop cabbage for this recipe?
For a slow cooker ham and cabbage, the ideal method is to cube the head into large, bite-sized pieces, roughly 2×2 inches. This size is crucial because it allows the cabbage to soften and wilt gracefully during the long cooking process without turning into an undesirable mush. Smaller pieces will become tender much quicker and are more prone to overcooking. By keeping the chunks larger, they retain a pleasing texture and body, even after hours of simmering. You can also opt for wide, thick shreds if you prefer a different mouthfeel, just ensure they’re not too thin.
This dish is an excellent choice for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, offering a delicious alternative to our slow cooker corned beef brisket. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, why not make both? When a good flat cut of corned beef is hard to find, this ham and cabbage recipe steps in as a perfectly satisfying and equally flavorful option. It’s incredibly cost-effective, easily feeding a large crowd without breaking the bank. Just consider the price of a head of cabbage and a pre-cooked ham, and you’re looking at a hearty, comforting meal for well under $20 – an unbeatable value!
Achieving Perfect Tenderness: How Long to Cook Ham and Cabbage in a Slow Cooker
The beauty of cooking ham and cabbage low and slow is that it typically requires about 5 hours in your slow cooker. This timeframe is generally ideal for allowing the cabbage leaves to become wonderfully tender and slightly wilted, while the ham remains juicy and flavorful. The goal is to reach a texture that is soft and yielding, but not mushy. There’s a fine line between perfectly tender and overcooked, a balance we strive for in many of our simple cabbage recipes. While leaving the dish in for a little longer might not necessarily “ruin” it, it could result in a softer consistency than desired. Keep an eye on your cabbage, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to ensure it meets your preferred level of tenderness.
Making It Even Heartier: Cabbage and Ham with Potatoes
For an even more substantial and satisfying meal, adding a third ingredient – potatoes – is a fantastic idea! This simple addition transforms the dish into a complete one-pot wonder. For guidance, you can follow a similar approach to our Crockpot cabbage and sausage with potatoes instructions. Simply dice your favorite type of potatoes (such as red potatoes or Yukon Golds) into bite-sized chunks and add them to the slow cooker along with the cabbage and ham. They will cook down beautifully, absorbing all the rich, savory flavors of the broth and seasonings, creating a truly comforting experience. This also provides another excellent opportunity to use up any leftover meats you might have – even diced pork chops or other cooked pork cuts can be thrown in. My philosophy is to hate wasting food, and this versatile recipe makes it incredibly easy to use what’s on hand!
Rated 4 out of 5 stars by 13 users.
Cabbage and Ham Recipe
By Justine
Slow cooker cabbage and ham, or prepared on the stovetop, is an exceptional way to utilize leftover ham or fresh ingredients year-round. Simple to make, yet bursting with flavor.
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 hrs
Servings: 6
Print Recipe
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker (or Crockpot)
Ingredients
- 3 cups ham, precooked, chopped (from leftovers or ham steaks)
- 1 small head of cabbage, cubed into large bite-size pieces
- How to cut cabbage guide
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp celery seeds
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
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Slow cooker ham and cabbage preparation – Start by cubing your cabbage into large, bite-sized pieces, aiming for roughly 2×2 inches. Place the chopped cabbage into the slow cooker. Add the chopped pre-cooked ham pieces on top of the cabbage. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, celery seeds, and garlic powder. Add the bay leaf if you are using it.
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Slice the stick of butter into several pats and distribute them evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the “Low” setting for approximately 5 hours, or until the cabbage leaves have reached your desired tenderness. Gently fold all the ingredients together before serving to ensure the flavors are well combined.
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Ham and cabbage on stovetop method – For a quicker preparation, use a Dutch Oven or a large pot over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and add all the seasonings along with the diced ham. Cook until the ham is lightly browned. Add the cut cabbage chunks and chicken broth, then gently fold everything together. Reduce the heat to low/medium, cover with a lid, and simmer. Stir gently every few minutes and remove from heat once the cabbage is tender to your liking. Serve immediately.
Video Tutorial
For a visual step-by-step guide, you can search for “Slow Cooker Cabbage and Ham Recipe” on popular video platforms.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 342kcal,
Carbohydrates: 8g,
Protein: 17g,
Fat: 27g,
Saturated Fat: 14g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g,
Trans Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 85mg,
Sodium: 1652mg,
Potassium: 429mg,
Fiber: 3g,
Sugar: 4g,
Vitamin A: 591IU,
Vitamin C: 44mg,
Calcium: 64mg,
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only. Individual results may vary.
Additional Information
Course: Appetizer, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Irish
Tried this recipe? We’d love to see your creation! Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom on Instagram!
Alternative Cooking Methods: Stove Top, Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer Options
While the slow cooker offers unmatched convenience for this dish, its versatility means you can achieve delicious results using other cooking methods, each providing a slightly different approach to texture and timing.
On the Stovetop
If you need dinner on the table faster, the stovetop is a great option. Use a sturdy Dutch Oven or a large pot over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add your diced ham and all the chosen seasonings. Cook until the ham is lightly browned and fragrant. Next, add the cubed cabbage and chicken broth, gently stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low-medium, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer. Stir periodically every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent any sticking. The dish is ready once the cabbage leaves are tender to your liking, much like our cabbage and black eyed peas recipe. This method typically takes under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
In a Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)
For the quickest cooking time, your Instant Pot or other pressure cooker is an excellent tool. To prevent the cabbage from becoming overly soft, it’s best to cut the cabbage pieces a bit larger than you would for slow cooking, as the pressure will tenderize them rapidly. The ham, being firmer, won’t be as affected by the increased pressure. If you’re new to cooking cabbage in a pressure cooker, you could follow a recipe like our Instant Pot buttered cabbage and simply add your diced ham into the mix when you start. This approach significantly reduces cooking time, making it ideal for when you’re short on time but still crave a hearty meal.
In an Air Fryer
To enjoy a firmer texture with slightly caramelized edges, the air fryer offers a unique preparation method. Instead of stewing, chop both the cabbage and ham into smaller, uniform pieces. Toss them thoroughly with melted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option) and your preferred seasonings. Place the mixture in your air fryer basket in a single layer, or in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at approximately 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring you shake the basket every 5-7 minutes. The dish is ready when the cabbage is tender-crisp and the ham has a lovely, slightly browned finish. This quick method results in a delicious side dish or a lighter main course.
What to Do with Leftovers: Storage and Reheating Tips
When it comes to enjoying leftovers of this delicious slow cooker cabbage and ham, it’s important to set expectations, especially regarding texture. While I generally champion avoiding food waste at all costs, it’s true that this particular dish doesn’t always “save” in its prime textural state. The cabbage leaves, unfortunately, tend to continue wilting and softening in the refrigerator, and there’s no real way to bring back their initial cooked firmness upon reheating. The flavors, however, will remain robust and delicious.
If you don’t mind a softer texture, reheating is straightforward: simply portion out your leftovers and warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or gently heat them in a pot on the stovetop over low heat until thoroughly warm. However, if that softer texture is a deal-breaker for you, I recommend preparing only the amount you anticipate eating in one sitting. Alternatively, you can repurpose the softer leftovers into other dishes, like blending them into a savory soup base or adding them to a frittata or omelet, where the softer consistency is actually desirable.
For those chilly days when you crave something deeply warming and satisfying, you might also enjoy our slow cooker stuffed cabbage soup – another fantastic, family-friendly meal idea centered around this versatile vegetable. Don’t underestimate the humble cabbage! When you find it on sale, grab a few heads, because there are oodles of delicious possibilities beyond just a simple side dish. This slow cooker cabbage and ham recipe is a perfect testament to its potential as a hearty and complete main course.
