Slow Cooker Red Cabbage Apple Braise, is an easy and delicious side dish. This dish is a traditional northern European one, and a close friend, whose roots are in Germany, introduced it to me many years ago. Since then, I love to make it every autumn when apples are in season and cabbages are at their peak. It’s a sweet & sour treat which is great on it’s own, or served with roasted meats and veggies.
I have always braised the cabbage with apples in the oven, the way my friend showed me. This time, though, I decided to use the slow cooker. Not only does it free up oven space, but using the slow cooker eliminates the need to use any fat or oil. The only other change that I’ve made to my friend’s recipe is swapping the sugar for honey, which to me, gives a little more of a subtle touch of sweetness. Slow cookers are often forgotten, but they are true work horses in the kitchen.
Why Red Cabbage is Wonderful
Cabbage in general, and red cabbage in particular, is amazingly good for us, too. For more info on this nutritious, delicious, cruciferous (Yes. I adored, typing that) vegetable, check out 9 Impressive Benefits Of Red Cabbage
Want more cabbage? Check out this Purple Cabbage Soup. Or try Quick Pickled Red Cabbage, or Fennel & Cabbage Slaw.
I love the colour of red cabbage, don’t you? And braising brings out the flavours of the earthy cabbage while the apples add their own touch of sweet tartness. Apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey round out the lovely fall flavours of this slow cooker cabbage & apples. A sprinkle of caraway seeds are the finishing touch.
Besides the deliciousness of this slow cooker red cabbage apple braise, the bonus is how easy it is! After slicing everything, you just toss it all into the slow cooker. Then just leave it to do that wondrous thing that it does.
How To Make Slow Cooker Red Cabbage & Apples
- 1 head red cabbage cored and sliced
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 2-3 apples cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- salt and pepper to taste
Put everything except the caraway seeds, and salt and pepper, into the slow cooker, and stir to combine. Cook on low 5-6 hours or until cabbage is tender. (times will vary with different slow cookers)
- Add caraway seeds, salt and pepper and toss.
- Serve hot or cold
Another “my kind of food” recipe. Thanks for posting. I have been experimenting with a pressure cooker, mostly with beans, I may try this one next in that shiny stainless steel German made gadget I bought. Never enough gadgets..
Dina, I totally get it with the gadgets! I have to do more with the pressure cooker, too.
Very cool! I’m half German, so red cabbage and apple has been part of my childhood, always served with a roasted chicken and mashed potatoes! I still occasionally make it. It’s very similar to your recipe. I just simmer mine on the stove for a few hours, but it’s interesting to know I could try it in the slow cooker!
Hi Gabby, its a delicious classic, and I love how the slow cooker frees up stove space for big feasts.
We make something similar but sauteed in the pan. I love how tender and juicy this version in the slow cooker gets, and it doesn’t need any fat to cook. Pinned it!
Hi Nicoletta, I’ve done this in the oven, & in a pan, but the slow cooker is now my favourite way! 🙂
I really really love the use of apples in savory dishes come fall, and I swear I can taste this just by reading the ingredients. This reminds me of a side dish I had years ago at a German family Christmas, but I don’t know the name of the dish!
Hi Dana, I love apples in any dish in the fall. This dish is a nice addition to a Thanksgiving feast, too.
That’s a way we make it too in Austria. I love red cabbage as a side with deer, and potato dumplings. So good! I know I would be addicted to your slow cooker version too!
Hi Helene, potato dumplings sound delicious, too!
Oh my goodness, you are speaking to my heart. I love this dish so much and have only made it a few times at home. But I need to make it more often! We always eat it at Christmas when we do a full German dinner as one of our traditions!
Thanks Amy! I love it too, and it’s such a comfort food for fall and winter.
I have got to make this in my slow cooker! I love cabbage and this would be great with a roasted chicken on Sunday.
Hi Tiffany! This is perfect with a roast chicken!
I’m pinning this one for later – it looks just fabulous!
Jane x
Thanks Jane! It’s delicious and so simple.
I love the sound of this and can’t wait to try it!
Hey Emily. I hope you try it, its so simple and really delicious, too.