Amazing! I never realized you could whip this up in a slow cooker! Delicious!

One of the cozy benefits of living in the Midwest is getting to enjoy hearty dishes that warm you up from the inside out. This slow cooker garlic parmesan whole cabbage with bacon is one of those dishes. Inspired by traditional comfort foods, it blends the fresh crunch of cabbage with the rich savoriness of garlic, parmesan, and bacon. It's perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something delicious with minimal effort. Pop it in the slow cooker, head off to work, and come home to a mouthwatering dinner.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. For a lighter accompaniment, try serving it with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. If you're looking to make it a complete meal, consider adding a hearty soup or stew as a starter.

Servings: 6

1 large head of green cabbage
4 slices of bacon, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

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.

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.