Fried cabbage with bacon can be a hearty side or a wholesome main dish!
This fried cabbage recipe is a simple, comforting classic loaded with crispy cabbage that soaks up the smoky flavors of the bacon.
It’s an easy and delicious one skillet dish that tastes great with roasted potatoes!
Best Fried Cabbage Recipe
- Five ingredients, three steps, and one skillet get this dish from the stovetop to the tabletop in minutes!
- Perfect for busy mid-week meals, southern fried cabbage tastes even better the next day for school or workday lunches!
- Big families and big gatherings are no match for this budget-friendly, wholesome dish that everyone loves!
5 Ingredients Recipe
Cabbage – Green cabbage is the standard here, but any cabbage will do. A mix of green and red cabbage will make an extra colorful dish!
Bacon – Leftover bacon grease is perfect for cooking the cabbage and onions as it adds a smoky flavor. Pork bacon, turkey bacon, or even veggie bacon (a plant-based version of bacon) will add flavor while keeping the dish meat-free.
Variations – A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds new flavor to cabbage with bacon and a dollop of sour cream before serving will make it a creamier, richer dish! Caraway or fennel seeds complement the other seasonings and will add a more rustic flavor as well. Any other kind of pork like ham, ground Italian sausage, or sliced summer sausage can be used, and leftover ground beef or shredded chicken will also work. Why not add some noodles for a tasty meal!
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried cabbage with bacon can be a hearty side or a wholesome main dish!
- Cook bacon until crisp and remove pieces to drain on a paper towel.
- Saute onion until tender. Add cabbage and seasonings and cook until tender, as directed in the recipe card below.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips And Tricks
- Keep the cabbage extra crispy by using only a tablespoon of the bacon drippings. The key is to stir-fry the cabbage on high heat with a little oil.
- To make ahead, prepare bacon and fried cabbage separately and keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to reheat.
- Reheat the cabbage on the stovetop and the bacon in the microwave and combine them both before serving.
- Add leftovers to other cabbage dishes like this cabbage roll casserole recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Fried Cabbage with Bacon?
Bulk up fried cabbage with bacon by serving it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even on top of crispy Texas toast! Incorporate simple sides like a tangy, cherry tomato salad, or a cucumber radish salad. Add some easy dinner rolls and you’re all set!
More Easy Sides To Try
Have you tried this Fried Cabbage With Bacon recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Fried Cabbage With Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 8 cups chopped cabbage chopped in 1" pieces 1" pieces
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon, reserve drippings, and set aside.
- Add onion and 1 tablespoon of the reserved drippings and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add cabbage and garlic powder and cook on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in apple cider vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with bacon before serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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REPIN this Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe
I add bit if vinegar very tasty. I can eat this for days
So glad you enjoyed it Christene!
I don’t read in direction when to add garlic.
You add it in with the cabbage. Fixed, thank you Nancy!
Try adding a bit of lemon juice just before serving. Brightens the flavor and cuts the greasiness of the bacon. Just a teaspoon or so. My Polish granny taught me that trick.
Sounds great Heather!
Do you have to add sugar to it?
The sugar is a very small amount. I’ve only tried the recipe as written, but think that you can leave it out if you prefer. Enjoy Terri!
try it with egg noodles too it is awesome
Great idea!
Sounds great.