Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage
When I first tried Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage, I was immediately transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Growing up, she would make this simple dish that filled the whole house with a warm, buttery aroma. It was one of those meals that made you feel cozy and cared for, no matter what kind of day you had. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up in an Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want a comforting side without much fuss. I remember watching her chop the cabbage into perfect cubes, her hands deftly moving as she mixed in the butter and spices. This recipe truly embodies the essence of home cooking, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
Recipe Snapshot
9 mins
5 mins
4 mins
Medium
150 kcal
3 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
10 g
Instant Pot, cutting board, sharp knife, wooden spoon
Why This Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage Is a Winner
Quick and Simple
What I love most about Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage is how quickly it comes together. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious side dish. With just a few minutes of prep and a short cooking time, you can have a warm, flavorful meal ready to serve.
Versatile Flavors
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with almost anything, from roasted meats to hearty vegetarian meals. The butter enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage, while the vegetable stock adds depth. It’s a flavor profile that complements many main dishes!
Nutritious Goodness
Cabbage is packed with nutrients, making Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage not just a tasty choice but a healthy one too. It’s rich in vitamins C and K, and it’s a great source of fiber. Incorporating this dish into your diet is an easy way to add more vegetables to your meals.
Perfect for Fall
As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, this dish is a wonderful addition to your fall table. It embodies the essence of comfort food during the cooler months and pairs beautifully with seasonal flavors.
Family-Friendly
Kids love it too! The buttery taste and tender texture make it a hit with the entire family. It’s a great way to introduce more vegetables to children’s plates without any complaints.
Leftover Magic
If you happen to have leftovers, they’re just as delicious! You can quickly reheat them the next day or even toss them into a stir-fry or soup for added flavor.
Ingredient List for Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage

The ingredients for Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage are simple yet effective in creating a delicious dish. Each component contributes to a harmonious balance of flavor and texture. The star of the show is, of course, the cabbage, which, when cooked in the Instant Pot, becomes tender and infused with buttery goodness. The vegetable stock is key in adding moisture and depth, while the butter brings richness. Together, these ingredients create a comforting side dish that’s hard to resist.
- 1 head green cabbage: A fresh green cabbage, chopped into cubes, forms the base of this dish. It cooks down beautifully, becoming tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup vegetable stock: Using vegetable stock instead of water elevates the flavor profile, making the cabbage savory and delicious.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a luscious mouthfeel that perfectly complements the cabbage.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the cabbage and balances the richness of the butter.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a gentle kick that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
The Process for Making Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage

Making Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage is a breeze, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious side dish that will impress everyone at your dinner table. Let’s get started!
- Begin by washing the cabbage thoroughly under cold water. Once clean, remove the core and cut the cabbage into cubes, aiming for pieces that are about 1.5 inches in size. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture.
- Next, add the cubed cabbage to your Instant Pot. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, break down the cabbage cubes to separate the leaves into individual pieces. This step is crucial for even cooking.
- Add the butter to the pot along with the salt and ground black pepper. The butter will melt during cooking, infusing the cabbage with its rich flavor.
- Pour in 1 cup of vegetable stock. I highly recommend using vegetable stock instead of water as it adds a great depth of flavor to the cabbage.
- Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and set the vent to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- While the Instant Pot comes to pressure, you can prepare yourself for the delicious outcome. It typically takes around 10 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before the actual cooking begins.
- As soon as the cooking program ends, quickly release the steam using the quick-release method. Carefully remove the lid once all the steam has escaped, taking care not to burn yourself.
- Stir the cabbage to make sure that the butter and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout. This is where the magic happens, and the cabbage transforms into a delicious side dish.
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider serving the cabbage with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. The acidity from the lemon will brighten the dish and elevate the flavors even further.
Things Worth Knowing
- Cook Time Variation: If you like your cabbage very tender, feel free to extend the cooking time by 1 minute to a total of 5 minutes.
- Choosing Cabbage: Opt for fresh, firm heads of green cabbage. Avoid soft or wilted varieties for the best texture.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the dish’s texture.
- Flavor Enhancements: You can sauté some diced onions before adding the cabbage for an additional layer of flavor.
- Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Recipe Tips about Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage turns out perfectly every time. Feel free to explore these ideas to make this dish your own!
- Storage: Leftover buttered cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: You can freeze any leftover cabbage in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or can be served as a hearty vegetarian side. It’s a versatile companion at any meal.
- Seasonal Variations: During fall, consider adding spices like nutmeg or a dash of cayenne for a seasonal twist.
- Texture Preference: I prefer my cabbage slightly firm. If you enjoy a softer texture, simply increase the cooking time by a minute or two.
- Cooking Consistency: Make sure your cabbage pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking throughout.
Best Served With
Instant Pot Buttered CabbageWhen it comes to serving Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage, the possibilities are endless! Here are some fantastic ideas:
- Roasted Chicken: This dish pairs beautifully with a juicy, roasted chicken, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Grilled Fish: The lightness of grilled fish complements the buttery richness of the cabbage, making it a perfect match.
- Vegetarian Dishes: Serve alongside hearty vegetarian options such as stuffed peppers or lentil loaf for a filling meal.
- In Salads: Mix leftover cabbage into salads for added flavor and texture. It works well in grain bowls too!
- Holiday Gatherings: This dish is a fantastic addition to your holiday table, providing a comforting side that everyone will enjoy.
- As a Snack: Enjoy it on its own as a warm snack or side dish; it’s just as delicious reheated as it is fresh!
FAQ
Conclusion
Making Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage is not just about enjoying a delicious dish; it’s about reliving those memories of home and comfort. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a perfect side for any occasion. I encourage you to try it yourself and feel the warmth of this meal fill your home. Trust me, once you experience the buttery goodness of this dish, you’ll want to make it time and again!

Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by washing the cabbage thoroughly under cold water. Once clean, remove the core and cut the cabbage into cubes, aiming for pieces that are about 1.5 inches in size. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture.
- Next, add the cubed cabbage to your Instant Pot. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, break down the cabbage cubes to separate the leaves into individual pieces. This step is crucial for even cooking.
- Add the butter to the pot along with the salt and ground black pepper. The butter will melt during cooking, infusing the cabbage with its rich flavor.
- Pour in 1 cup of vegetable stock. I highly recommend using vegetable stock instead of water as it adds a great depth of flavor to the cabbage.
- Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and set the vent to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- While the Instant Pot comes to pressure, you can prepare yourself for the delicious outcome. It typically takes around 10 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before the actual cooking begins.
- As soon as the cooking program ends, quickly release the steam using the quick-release method. Carefully remove the lid once all the steam has escaped, taking care not to burn yourself.
- Stir the cabbage to make sure that the butter and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout. This is where the magic happens, and the cabbage transforms into a delicious side dish.
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider serving the cabbage with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. The acidity from the lemon will brighten the dish and elevate the flavors even further.
Notes
- Tip 1: You can either shred the cabbage or cut it into cubes, but make sure that the pieces are not too small. Aim for 1.5-inch size.
- Tip 2: Avoid soft lead cabbage types such as Napa and savoy. Go for white or green cabbage instead.
- Tip 3: You can sauté a diced onion before adding the cabbage to the pot for extra flavor.
- Tip 4: If you like buttered cabbage just slightly firm, if you like it very tender then add 1 minute to the cooking time (5 minutes in total).


