1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Directions
1. Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and cut the bottom core so it can stand upright.
2. In a medium skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Keep the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
4. Place the cabbage in the slow cooker. Brush the cabbage with olive oil, making sure to get in between the leaves.
5. Pour the garlic and bacon grease over the cabbage evenly. Pour the chicken broth around the cabbage.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the cabbage. Then, sprinkle the cooked bacon on top.
7. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 6-7 hours, or until the cabbage is tender.
8. Once cooked, carefully remove the cabbage from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving dish. Spoon any leftover juices from the slow cooker over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a different flavor profile, try using smoked paprika or chipotle powder in place of the Italian seasoning. If you’re vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Additionally, adding some chopped carrots and onions to the slow cooker can introduce more texture and flavor to the dish. For a cheesier twist, top the cabbage with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses towards the last hour of cooking.