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Southern Cabbage Recipe

12/16/15

Southern, soul food style cabbage made in the slow cooker with smoked ham hocks, onions, garlic and more!Cabbage doesn't have to be boring! You can make southern cabbage to give it a punch of flavor.

Cabbage flavored with smoked ham hocks, celery, garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Doesn’t that sound good? Just imagine it with a big ol’ piece of sweet buttery cornbread. It sounds pretty darn good right? What If I told you that it was easy to make? Guess what? I have a foolproof recipe for true soul food style cabbage that is made in the slow cooker. No more having to watch the ham hocks for hours, then tossing in other ingredients. This recipe is pretty much a throw-it-all-in-the-pot kinda recipe… Well Kinda. I’m going to show you how to make some real deal southern cabbage, just like grandma used to make, with just a few simple steps. Let’s get started!

The chunks of ham give this soul food cabbage some extra flavor.

So let’s talk about the ingredients that I will be using! First things first, I am using greens cabbage ( obviously right?). Whenever I make cabbage, I peel of the first layer of cabbage. I then cut the cabbage in small sections, and pull it apart. After those steps I rinse the cabbage thoroughly. Be sure to not skip out on the rinsing. You don’t want to cook dirty cabbage! Trust me, I did it when I was in my preteens, and it was horrible. My mom still reminds me of terrible event ( I wish she would just forget about it already!!! GEEZ!)

For flavor you’re going to need some smoked meat. This time around I used smoked ham hocks. I cooked the ham hocks for 4 hours on high in slow cooker. Down below I will list substitutions  for ham hocks and cooking times. Keep in mind that the setting should still be on HIGH

  • Smoked pork neck bones – 3 hours
  • Smoked turkey wings or legs – 3 hours
  • bacon ends – 1 hour
  • smoked sausage – 1 hour

Other than the smoked meat I also use celery, garlic, onions, and bell pepper to flavor up my southern cabbage. If you don’t like any of the ingredients, feel free to leave it out.

Depending on what meat you use, the cabbage will cook up at different temperatures, so be careful if you're using sausage or bone.

Watch my video tutorial for this quick and easy soul food style cabbage

Southern Cabbage
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Soul Food Cabbage Recipe

Super savory low carb side dish loaded with tender cabbage flavored with bits of either sausage or ham.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Soul Food
Keyword Soul Food Cabbage Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Author I Heart Recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 - 3 lbs head of green cabbage chopped & rinsed
  • 3 medium sized smoked ham hocks
  • 1 medium sized yellow onion diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 stalks of celery diced
  • 1 large bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper you may add more seasonings
  • 6 - 8 cups water

Instructions

  • Place the smoked ham hocks into the slow cooker.
  • Add in the celery, onions, bell pepper, and garlic.
  • Pour in the water, then put the lid on the slow cooker.
  • Cook on high for 4 hours.
  • After the 4 hours, add in the cabbage, then sprinkle in the black pepper ( and any seasonings that you may wish to add).
  • Let cook for an additional one hour.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

I used a 4 qt slow cooker. I was able to fit all of the cabbage into the pot all at once. If you are not able to add all of the cabbage, wait until some of it cooks down, then add the remaining cabbage when you are able to. Also, I used water. However, you can replace the water with chicken broth if you choose.

Check out my southern fried cabbage recipe as well!Fried Cabbage | I Heart Recipes

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Filed Under: All Posts, Dinner, Easter, Holiday Recipes, Mains, Sides, Thanksgiving Recipes Tagged With: cabbage recipes, crockpot, CrockPot recipes, side dish, soul food, southern

Comments

  1. Nicole says

    December 16, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    What else can be used instead of Ham hocks

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:14 pm

      It’s in the post

      Reply
      • Nicole says

        December 17, 2015 at 10:50 am

        Thank you just seen it

        Reply
      • Annie Johnson says

        March 30, 2018 at 10:31 am

        Hi Rosiei love this recipe Its the bombs it’s cooked just perfect for my husband the cabbage was nice and tender will always use the recipe. Thanks

        Reply
    • dorothy murray says

      February 24, 2017 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      I used baked chicken I bought at the local supermarket. minus bones , skin and fat. Added one package of lipton onion soup mix, onions , celery, garlic . Cooked on high for 2 hours then added cabbage for an hour. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Linda Huff says

        February 21, 2019 at 8:38 pm

        5 stars
        I used andouille sausage and smoked ham hock. This recipe is amazing. I had a garden full of Napa cabbage and I was able to use the most raggedy heads and they turned out great. I also added poblano peppers with the bell. I will make this again!

        Reply
    • Andi says

      April 23, 2020 at 6:58 am

      I am from South Carolina, we use fat back, in the north it is called salt pork! Which is a better taste.

      Reply
  2. Mary says

    December 17, 2015 at 4:50 am

    Yummy! Pinned. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  3. India says

    December 17, 2015 at 8:16 am

    Yes Chile! Thanks for including other meats that can be used in this recipe also; because i’m a Smoked Turkey Wing kind of girl! 🙂 I can’t wait to make this.

    Reply
  4. chris says

    January 13, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    5 stars
    Hey Rosie, I’m Chris new subscriber love the recipe trying the cabbage with smoked pork neck bones me and my 10 year old son is doing this together.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      January 14, 2016 at 1:30 pm

      Hi Chris! Awesome! I love it when my son cooks with me 🙂

      Reply
  5. Natalia says

    February 3, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    Hoping to try this recipe tomorrow. Can I cook on low and double the cooking time for the smoked meat? I would like the meat to cook while I’m at work.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:46 pm

      Yes indeed 🙂

      Reply
      • This yetta says

        May 10, 2018 at 9:22 pm

        5 stars
        Hi Rosie making it right now

        Reply
      • Frances says

        October 7, 2018 at 2:18 pm

        5 stars
        I used spiral ham , sugar, carrots, celery onion, potatoes and used a small pressure cooker to cook down the cabbage.

        Reply
  6. Judy says

    February 17, 2016 at 11:18 am

    This is the very best recipe site I have found and, trust me, I have found hundreds. I love your recipes and style. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      February 17, 2016 at 10:07 pm

      Hi Judy! I’m glad that you like my recipe. It’s super easy, and delicious! XOXO

      Reply
  7. C.C. says

    March 18, 2016 at 11:38 am

    5 stars
    Can I cook or fry the smoke ham hocks on the stove and then add the cabbage?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      March 18, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      No, You can’t fry the ham hock. You can cook it on the stovetop though.

      Reply
      • C.C. says

        March 24, 2016 at 9:30 am

        How long should you cook the ham hocks on top of the stove?

        Reply
        • Rosie says

          March 24, 2016 at 12:40 pm

          It depends on how big they are. If you want them to be falling off the bone tender, it may take approximately 2 hours or so.

          Reply
  8. Mary B says

    June 20, 2016 at 11:39 am

    What do you think about substituting red for green cabbage? Would it alter the recipe at all?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      June 20, 2016 at 6:35 pm

      Hi Mary. I actually never tried this recipe with red cabbage. I don’t think it would taste much different though.

      Reply
  9. Mary B says

    June 21, 2016 at 5:07 am

    Ok! So you think it would be worth a go? I love red cabbage.

    Also, your blog has been my absolute favorite for months now. I’ve made your Mac N Cheese, greens, honey jalapeño cornbread, candied yams, and cabbage and tonight I’m trying your peach cobbler. I’m becoming quite popular amongst my friends as being an amazing soul food chef, lol, and I just tell them about your blog.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      June 21, 2016 at 11:07 am

      I think that it maybe worth a try. I might try it myself! LOL. I’m glad that you like the recipes! XOXO

      Reply
  10. Raffie says

    July 17, 2016 at 2:36 am

    Hey I’m going to try to make this for my boyfriend tonight before he gets home for work, do you think I could use smoked pig tails instead of hamhocks?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      July 17, 2016 at 12:51 pm

      You sure can!

      Reply
  11. Raffie says

    July 17, 2016 at 2:39 am

    And can I cook this in a regular pot?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      July 17, 2016 at 12:52 pm

      Yes. You can.. Just keep an eye on in.

      Reply
  12. Georgia Smith says

    July 18, 2016 at 7:26 am

    HI Rosie. I love the white part of the cabbage. Is it ok to use that instead of the green.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      July 18, 2016 at 10:35 am

      You can use whatever you’d like.

      Reply
  13. Roshonda says

    August 23, 2016 at 12:13 am

    5 stars
    Hello Rosie, I was looking for a very easy
    and delicious way to make green cabbage.
    I found your recipe and fell in love! This
    will be a hit with my family who are all experts
    in the kitchen, it’s my time to shine this
    Sunday! Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      August 23, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      Hi Roshonda! Yes I LOVE this recipe. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser!

      Reply
  14. Greg says

    September 20, 2016 at 10:16 am

    Hi Rosie,

    Found your site today while looking for Soul Food Cabbage. This recipe looks amazing and am anxious to try it. I do have a question, can this be frozen? I would like to prepare a batch of this and portion it out for future meals. Thank You.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      September 20, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      Hi Greg! I actually haven’t froze it. I’m unsure. I think it would be okay, but again I never tried it.

      Reply
      • Scott says

        June 25, 2017 at 10:55 am

        I make a very similar cabbage/bacon dish, and find that it freezes very well.

        Reply
  15. warren says

    October 10, 2016 at 1:12 am

    3 stars
    i’ll bet you learned a lot from your mothers/grandmother teachings on cooking.your blog is really good on all the food recipes. i have read a few and tried a few . pictures/video are great, cabbage looks like you can really tast /smell it cooking. i havent tried this one yet, but i have put it on my cooking list….(only a 3 star because i havent cooked it yet )

    Reply
  16. Sue says

    October 12, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    Girl, I am ruined. Your site is awesome. I have the cabbage in my crock as we speak and the corn casserole in the oven. Just found your site. Love it. Thank you so much. I finally found someone who cooks like my grandma did.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      October 12, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      Awee. I’m glad that you found my blog! XOXO

      Reply
  17. Makava Holiday says

    October 20, 2016 at 11:55 am

    Hi Rosie

    Thank you for this blog. This is the very first time I found one really interesting and beneficial for me personally. I like how thorough you are. I didn’t have anymore questions nor did I need anymore instructions. I also like the step by step instructions and how you inject your own personal stories, making it entertaining as well as instructional. Again, job well done, thank you and I will be coming back to this cite often for cooking tips and recipes.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      October 20, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      Thanks Makava! I’m glad that you found my blog!

      Reply
  18. Ebony Arts says

    November 2, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    5 stars
    Got this cooking right now! Used smoked sausage!

    Reply
  19. Annette Valentine says

    November 20, 2016 at 1:52 pm

    5 stars
    Hello Rosie

    I was looking for a different way to prepare my cabbage and came across your blog. I looked at the ingredients, then watched your video, and said to myself “this is it”!!! So while I was very pleased with my decision I continued to look further at more recipes that you had to offer. Came across the baked yams, omgoodness Rosie!!! Cabbage on point, and my yams were devine, my family went for seconds. I have you to know, no more cabbage or yams left in the house. You are my new best friend. I look forward to trying more recipes for days ahead.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 20, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      Hi Annette! So glad that you found my blog!

      Reply
  20. Amber says

    December 22, 2016 at 5:06 am

    Have you ever tried sautéing the “trinity” (bell pepper, onion and celery) in a little butter first before adding it to the crock pot? Thinking about trying it out and wanted to see your thoughts.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 22, 2016 at 9:52 pm

      Hi Amber! No I haven’t tried that method. It sounds good though!

      Reply
  21. Diane says

    December 26, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    Happy Holidays to you and your family. I want to make this cabbage for new years. My question is l don’t own a slow cooker so can you kindly tell me how to make the cabbage with ham hocks without using a slow cooker. Thank you

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 26, 2016 at 8:34 pm

      Hi Diane. I have Slow Cooker & Stovetop conversion charts available. Please check them out under the “Printables”.

      Reply
  22. Tylor says

    January 8, 2017 at 11:29 am

    Making it right now and it smells AMAZING!!! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe with us! Can’t wait for the final product….LOVIN IT!!’ Btw…not sure if it let me rate it or not down below but I gave it 5 *’s!!!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      January 8, 2017 at 1:48 pm

      Hi Tylor! Thanks for trying my recipe!

      Reply
  23. Joan says

    January 9, 2017 at 10:17 am

    Store bought smoked ham hocks are already cooked. Do I still cook 4 hours in crock pot before adding cabbage?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      January 9, 2017 at 11:23 am

      Yes, because they are not tender. I cook them for a long time to get them tender.

      Reply
  24. Kim Kreamer says

    January 16, 2017 at 8:20 am

    Hi Rosie! I have a question about the ham hocks, when they are done cooking after the 4 hours, do you remove them from the crockpot and take the meat off the bones and return meat to the pot? It wasn’t mentioned so I thought I would ask. I am really excited to try this and many more of your recipes!!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      January 16, 2017 at 1:44 pm

      Hi Kim! You can remove it from the pot, and take the meat off. 🙂

      Reply
  25. Lola says

    March 30, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    5 stars
    Giiiirrrlll I’m giving you 5 stars and I’m not even done cooking the cabbage yet. I tasted the mix before adding the cabbage and it is great so far. Awaiting the finished product.

    Reply
  26. Alexandra says

    September 16, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    Hi. Rosie! Is this recipe a main course or a side dish?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      September 16, 2017 at 6:22 pm

      HI Alexandra! It can be either. 🙂

      Reply
  27. Briana says

    October 15, 2017 at 11:13 pm

    5 stars
    I’d be using smoked sausage and chicken stock since it says only 1 hour do i do 30 with the sausage and 30 with the cabbage or do I throw it all in the pot and do it for the full hour

    Also do i use less stock since it won’t be going for 5 hrs if so how much

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      October 16, 2017 at 11:02 am

      Hey Briana, that would be another recipe.

      Reply
  28. Tina says

    November 9, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Is this a diabetic friendly recipe? I hop it is, because my husband is a diabetic and this looks like a very good recipe.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 9, 2017 at 9:00 am

      There isn’t any sugar, but it’s not low in sodium nor fat.

      Reply
  29. Leslie says

    November 18, 2017 at 7:47 am

    I will be trying a few of your recipes for Thanksgiving. Thank you for your recipes.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 18, 2017 at 8:11 am

      Thanks for coming by Leslie!

      Reply
  30. Maurice says

    March 31, 2018 at 6:55 pm

    I am using smoked turkey for this recipe. Will the cook time be the same?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      March 31, 2018 at 8:03 pm

      No, it will not be the same time.

      Reply
  31. Teresa says

    September 6, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    Made it today with smoked pork neck bones. Great tasting! Thank you for the recipe

    Reply
  32. Maggie says

    December 7, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    Can i add the cabbage at the same time as i do everything else? I want to cook it on low for 8 hours and want to add everything at once.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 7, 2018 at 6:58 pm

      No. For best results follow the recipe listed.

      Reply
  33. Rich says

    January 25, 2019 at 1:30 am

    5 stars
    Hi Rosie,

    I’m a homesick American living overseas in Australia. I just got a slow-cooker so I can make some of my favorite comfort foods from back home. We have a frozen ham bone from Christmas that I just sawed in half, and I’m about to follow your recipe. I love your blog, and I can’t wait to try some more of your dishes. Thanks for bringing me down-home comforts on the other side of the world!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      January 25, 2019 at 9:00 am

      I’m glad that you found my blog!

      Reply
  34. Matthew Richardson says

    February 22, 2019 at 6:29 pm

    Rosie, your cabbage recipe has reminded me of something my Southern Momma used to make. I’d love to find a recipe for it. She called it “Pigs In The Blanket” or something like “Glunkies”. It was a mixture of hamburger, tomatoes, & rice stuffed into a cabbage leaf. She used string to hold them together while cooking them in a tomatoey broth. If you’ve heard of this, or have any ideas, I’d love to hear from you.
    THANK YOU,
    Matt

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      February 23, 2019 at 11:54 am

      Hi Matthew! That sounds similar cabbage rolls. I think I have one uploaded ( I did it a few years back)

      Reply
  35. Katherine Dietz says

    April 13, 2019 at 4:55 am

    This is my third comment. I suggested that you try to fry the cabbage with your spices and diced smoked ham in butter, this is very good.
    Thank you
    Katherine

    Reply
  36. Cathy Sawyer says

    May 17, 2019 at 1:41 pm

    Hi, new to your page. Everything I’ve seen so far looks scrumptious! Love cabbage and glad to see different ways to use. I often use a 16 oz bag of precut multicolored cabbage/carrot blend instead of green cabbage. If I use this substitution with this recipe, do you think one or two bags would be better?
    Thanks for your input and for your super blog!
    Cathy

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      May 17, 2019 at 2:34 pm

      I think you would probably need 2 bags 🙂

      Reply
  37. ryvir says

    September 4, 2019 at 1:04 pm

    5 stars
    Very good. I got the ham hocks because they’re cheaper than bacon in my area. Didn’t have a bell pepper but still tasted good without it.

    Reply
  38. Eric says

    September 24, 2019 at 11:27 am

    5 stars
    This was the bomb recipe. I used turkey neck bones, chicken broth, and added crushed red peppers. I will us this dish forever. Also I would like your permission to lie to all my family, friends, and coworkers about how I came up with this dish. lol

    Thank you so much

    Reply
  39. Adasha says

    September 26, 2019 at 6:55 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Rosie. I love your site. I think I want to use smoked sausage for this recipe. Should I use 1 pound or 2?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      September 28, 2019 at 6:38 am

      Hi there! You can try using 2 lbs 🙂

      Reply
  40. Jessica Collier says

    April 10, 2020 at 11:36 am

    5 stars
    I made this last night with your Sweet Southern Cornbread – Y.U.M.
    Bonus – Next-day leftovers are even better!
    Thanks Rosie you’re amazing!

    Reply
  41. Shayla says

    April 14, 2020 at 5:23 am

    Can I just used one smoke turkey leg, If I am not making a lot of cabbage in the crockpot or do you prefer two?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      April 14, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      Yes

      Reply
  42. Gina says

    June 29, 2020 at 1:31 pm

    5 stars
    Wow Rosie!! This recipe is the bomb! I made it with ham hock and neck bones cause I’m greedy..lol. But I love cabbage and this tasted amazing!!

    Reply
  43. JUDI ANDREASEN says

    November 8, 2020 at 6:20 pm

    5 stars
    This is FABULOUS! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe! Will be trying your Southern Fried Cabbage next weekend! It looks delicious!

    Reply
  44. Jessie says

    August 7, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    5 stars
    Hey Rosie! I was searching for a ham hock and cabbage recipe and yours was the first one I came across and I will be making this tomorrow for Sunday dinner. And adding the cornbread on the side…amazing idea and it answered my question of what can I serve with this. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      August 7, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      Hi Jessie! Thanks for coming by!

      Reply
  45. Ashley says

    November 18, 2022 at 11:45 am

    Is it ok to add cheese once it’s is cooked?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 20, 2022 at 11:38 am

      No, do not add cheese.

      Reply

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