If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting dish that packs bold flavors with a bit of crunch and a whole lot of savory goodness, this Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This Southern-inspired classic transforms humble cabbage into a luscious, flavorful side that pairs beautifully with almost any meal. Crispy bacon bits mingle with tender, sweet cabbage and caramelized onions, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Whether you’re a cabbage lover or someone looking to add a delicious veggie option to your dinner table, this recipe delivers irresistible taste and soul-warming charm every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma without overpowering the star of the show—the cabbage itself.
- Bacon (4 ounces, about 5 thick-cut strips): Provides smoky, crispy goodness that flavors the whole dish.
- Small sweet onion (1, finely diced): Adds a gentle sweetness and soft texture to balance the savory bacon.
- Garlic (2 cloves, finely minced): Brings a fragrant punch that enhances every bite.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, salted): Helps caramelize the cabbage and onions while adding richness.
- Green cabbage (1 head, roughly 2 ½ to 3 lbs.): The hearty vegetable base, sliced thin for tender, flavorful bites.
- Salt (¾ to 1 teaspoon, to taste): Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cabbage
Begin by removing the stem end of your cabbage, placing it cut-side down on your board. Cut the cabbage into halves and then quarters, trimming out the tough core at an angle. Slice the quarters into thin strips about a quarter-inch thick and around three inches long. This size helps the cabbage cook evenly and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Cut the Bacon
Take your thick-cut bacon strips and slice them down the middle lengthwise, then chop into small bite-sized pieces. This ensures each piece crisps up nicely and distributes flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon bits into a large stainless-steel skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook them for 7 to 8 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden. This step is crucial because the rendered bacon fat will be your cooking medium and flavor base.
Step 4: Remove Bacon and Cook Onion
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leaving the bacon grease in the pan, add your diced onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until it becomes tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it.
Step 5: Add Cabbage and Butter
Drop in the butter along with half the sliced cabbage. Toss everything so the cabbage gets coated with the buttery onion mixture. After a few minutes, stir in the remaining cabbage, seasoning it with salt and black pepper. Keep cooking on medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cabbage softens but still retains a little bite. For a touch of caramelization and extra depth, raise the heat to medium-high in the final few minutes.
Step 6: Stir in Bacon and Serve
Once the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, return the bacon pieces to the skillet to warm them up. Give everything a good toss, then serve your Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe right away. Add extra salt and pepper if you like, and watch how quickly this irresistible dish disappears!
How to Serve Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top. A little sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick to contrast the sweetness of the cabbage and onions perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe shines as a hearty side alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or a juicy steak. It’s also fantastic with cornbread or mashed potatoes, making any meal feel like home-cooked comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the fried cabbage in a rustic cast iron skillet for a cozy, family-style vibe. Alternatively, pile it high on a warm plate with your main dish arranged around it for a bright, inviting presentation that shows off the vibrant green and golden hues of the sautéed cabbage and bacon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes excellent reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the cooked cabbage and bacon. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the cabbage might soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method keeps the cabbage tender without turning it mushy. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe vegetarian?
While the bacon is a major flavor booster, you can swap it out for smoked paprika or smoked salt and sauté the cabbage in butter or olive oil for a vegetarian-friendly version. The smoky element can be mimicked, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
What type of cabbage works best in this recipe?
Green cabbage is classic and ideal here due to its balance of sweetness and firmness. You could also try savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture or napa cabbage for a lighter, more delicate version.
Is it necessary to use butter along with bacon fat?
Yes, adding butter enriches the flavor and helps achieve a silky mouthfeel while cooking the cabbage and onions. The combination of bacon fat and butter gives the dish a perfect blend of savory and creamy notes.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Diced carrots or bell peppers can add color and sweetness. Just add them after cooking the onions to allow the flavors to meld without overpowering the cabbage.
How do I know when the cabbage is perfectly cooked?
The cabbage should be tender but still retain a slight crunch—not mushy. Cooking it for about 10 to 12 minutes while stirring allows it to soften evenly. A little caramelization on the edges is a delicious sign you’re right on track.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe is pure comfort on a plate and a wonderful way to enjoy a simple vegetable with big personality. Its warm, smoky, and slightly sweet profile makes it a versatile side that’ll quickly become a dinner staple you return to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it out and discover just how effortlessly satisfying frying up cabbage with bacon can be!
Print
Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon recipe is a flavorful, comforting side dish perfect for any meal. Tender cabbage is sautéed with crispy bacon, sweet onions, garlic, and a touch of butter to create a savory combination with a hint of caramelization. Ready in just 30 minutes, it serves six and makes a hearty addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 4 ounces bacon (about 5 thick-cut strips)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 head green cabbage (roughly 2 ½ to 3 lbs.)
Seasoning
- ¾–1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep cabbage: Remove the stem end from the cabbage. Place it cut-side down on a cutting board and cut it in half, then into quarters. Remove the core by cutting at an angle in the middle of each quarter. Thinly slice the cabbage quarters into pieces roughly ¼ inch thick and about 3 inches long.
- Cut bacon: Slice the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. For thick-cut strips, slice lengthwise down the middle before cutting into smaller pieces.
- Cook bacon: Add the bacon pieces to a large stainless-steel skillet over medium heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is cooked through and crispy.
- Remove bacon from pan: Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Cook onion: In the reserved bacon grease, sauté the diced onion over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds and cook until fragrant.
- Add cabbage: Add the butter and half of the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Toss well to combine with onions and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes. Add the remaining cabbage along with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a slight caramelization, increase heat to medium-high during the last few minutes.
- Add bacon and serve: Once the cabbage is tender, return the bacon to the skillet and warm through. Serve immediately with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use thick-cut bacon as it renders more fat and crisps nicely.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially since bacon adds saltiness.
- To caramelize cabbage without burning, stir frequently and monitor heat in the final minutes.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or microwave but are best enjoyed fresh.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a hearty side for vegan meals if bacon is omitted.
