Bacon Fried Cabbage

Name: Bacon Fried Cabbage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound thick-cut bacon, small diced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 head of cabbage, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 Tablespoon packed light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon seasoned salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons salted butter

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A deliciously easy side dish, this southern Bacon Fried Cabbage is full of flavor, doesn’t require many ingredients and is the perfect comfort food!

A SOUTHERN BACON CABBAGE RECIPE

Are you a cabbage fan? I am, especially when it comes to this Bacon Fried Cabbage. Cabbage is such a humble vegetable that many cultures, especially Eastern European cultures, use it as a staple side dish and use it in a variety of ways. I have always loved fried cabbage and we have been making this recipe for generations and my family loves it! With a slightly sweet and salty flavor, it really is irresistible! If you are looking for for a delicious cabbage side dish, then you absolutely must make this Bacon Fried Cabbage recipe!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What do you serve with fried cabbage and bacon?

We usually serve it with some type of meat like corned beef, pot roast or meatloaf!

Can I leave out the brown sugar?

Of course. I add just a touch of brown sugar because I think it really complements the flavor of the cabbage but you can certainly leave it out.

How much cabbage will I need for fried cabbage?

This will equate to about 10 cups diced cabbage or one medium sized head.

What kind of cabbage is best to use for fried cabbage with bacon?

Just your standard green cabbage is used for this recipe but you can also use red cabbage for this recipe and it is still amazing.

Does the cabbage stay crunchy after it’s fried?

There is a little bit of crunch in the cabbage. If you prefer a soft and more wilted cabbage, just cook it for longer and test the texture as you go.

Can I make this bacon fried cabbage more spicy?

If you want to add a little spice to the sweet and salty flavors, try adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes!

How do I store leftover fried cabbage?

This will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen! To do this, place the cabbage in a freezer-safe container and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, place in the refrigerator overnight then reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

thick-cut bacon – you can use regular cut if that is all you have but I like the thick cut because it’s going to produce a bit more bacon grease which we want for this recipe.
onion and garlic – if you aren’t an onion or garlic fan, just leave them out. I think these add so much flavor to the final dish though. And please use fresh garlic for this one. If you must use the jarred stuff, then go ahead but you just get more bang for your buck using fresh.
green cabbage – I just core it and cut into chunks. You can shave it if you prefer that texture as well.
apple cider vinegar – I’ve been asked about using regular white vinegar and you could certainly use it but I really love the depth of flavor the apple cider brings.
light brown sugar – I know this sounds crazy to add sugar but please trust me on this. My granny swore by adding a pinch of sugar to her fried cabbage and it really makes a huge difference but does not make it sweet.
seasoned salt – you can just use regular ole salt and pepper if you prefer. Sometimes I’ll add a bit of cajun seasoning instead of seasoned salt.
pepper – if you can use a fresh cracked black pepper, even better!
salted butter – butter is flavor – don’t skip it!

Ingredients needed: thick-cut bacon, onion, garlic, cabbage, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, seasoned salt, pepper and salted butter.

HOW TO COOK FRIED CABBAGE AND BACON:

In a dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides, cook the bacon until crispy over medium heat for about 12-15 minutes. Drain bacon on a paper-towel lined plate. Reserve ¼ cup of the bacon fat in the pan. Add the onions and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

collage of two photos: Fried bacon draining on paper towels; Onions and garlic added to reserved bacon fat in dutch oven cooked.

Add the cabbage, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until tender, 10-15 minutes. Add the bacon back to the pan and the butter. Stir it in until the butter is melted and the bacon is distributed, taste, adjust seasoning if necessary and serve immediately.