This Bacon Fried Cabbage is a simple, comforting side dish with crispy bacon, tender cabbage, onions, garlic, and smoky spices. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks!
So, funny story—this Bacon Fried Cabbage actually came from a fridge cleanout moment. You know, one of those “hmm, what can I possibly make with this?” situations.
I’d just gotten back from a weekend away and was determined to not order takeout (again). I had half a head of cabbage hanging out in the crisper, looking kinda neglected, and a pack of bacon shoved behind the butter. That’s when it hit me—why not fry them together? Worst case, I’d end up with a pile of slightly smoky cabbage.
But let me tell you—it wasn’t just good. It was amazing. The bacon crisped up perfectly, the cabbage soaked in all that smoky richness, and the onions got all soft and sweet. Toss in some garlic and smoked paprika? Pure comfort food magic.
Since then, this dish has become a regular on our dinner table, especially on those chilly nights when you just need something warm, cozy, and uncomplicated.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe?
- Easy & Fast: One skillet, basic ingredients, done in under 30 minutes.
- Comfort Food Perfection: Smoky, savory, with just enough crunch—it hits all the right notes.
- Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and bacon? Cheap and delicious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously—make this once, and watch everyone go back for seconds.
- Versatile: Works as a cozy side, or even a main dish if you’re craving something hearty but simple.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down the simple ingredients behind this flavor bomb:
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for that perfect crispy bite. Plus, you’ll use the grease for cooking the cabbage—hello, flavor.
- Cabbage: It soaks up all the bacon-y goodness while still keeping a bit of bite.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the bacon.
- Garlic: Because no savory dish should be without it, right?
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential. Season as you go!
- Oregano & Smoked Paprika: The oregano adds a cozy herbal note while the smoked paprika gives the whole dish a just-right smoky finish.
- Green Onions: Totally optional, but they add a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony bite.
Pro Tip: If you’re using regular bacon (not thick-cut), you might want to hold back some of the grease—cabbage can get soggy if it’s swimming in oil.
How To Make Bacon Fried Cabbage?
I promise this recipe is as easy as it gets—and you only need one skillet.
Step 1. Crisp Up the Bacon:
Grab your biggest skillet (cast iron if you’ve got it). Heat it over medium and toss in the chopped bacon. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy, about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When the bacon’s perfectly golden, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels—but don’t drain all that grease. Keep about 2-3 tablespoons for the cabbage.
Step 2. Soften the Onions:
Add the sliced onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize.
Step 3. Add the Cabbage & Seasonings:
Time to bring in the cabbage! Add your chopped cabbage to the skillet along with the salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir so everything gets coated in that glorious bacon fat.
Step 4. Let It Cook:
Cook the cabbage for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. It should be tender but not mushy—you’re going for perfectly wilted with a slight crunch.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 5. Garlic & Bacon Come Back:
Stir in the minced garlic and toss the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes so all the flavors meld together.
Step 6. Serve It Up:
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed (because taste-testing is half the fun). Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal—cabbage gets weirdly mushy after freezing.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. It helps re-crisp the bacon a bit better than the microwave!
Variations and Substitutions:
Feel like experimenting? Try these fun variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini.
- Meat Swap: Try pancetta or smoked sausage for a different twist.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top before serving.
- Vegan Version: Swap the bacon for vegan bacon or smoked tofu.
What to Serve with Bacon Fried Cabbage?
This dish works beautifully on its own or as a cozy side. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Roast Chicken: The crispy skin and juicy chicken balance the smoky cabbage perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: Comfort food overload (in the best way possible).
- Cornbread: Sweet, buttery, and just right.
- Eggs: Breakfast for dinner? Toss a fried egg on top—it’s magical.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the bacon for vegan bacon or sauté the cabbage in olive oil with a splash of liquid smoke.
How do I keep cabbage from getting soggy?
Don’t overcook it! Stop when it’s tender but still has a little bite—about 12-15 minutes.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yep! Chop your cabbage and bacon earlier in the day and keep them in the fridge. Cook when you’re ready.
This Bacon Fried Cabbage isn’t just a side—it’s the kind of dish you make once and suddenly can’t stop thinking about. The crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and smoky spices just work together so perfectly.
So, what do you think? Planning to try this one soon? If you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop your twist in the comments—I’m always here for new ideas!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Bacon Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sliced bacon chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion finely sliced
- 1 medium head cabbage cored and chopped
- 1 tsp Kosher salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 5 cloves garlic minced
Garnish:
- Chopped green onion
Instructions
- In a frying pan over medium-high heat cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy. Take out the bacon from the pan. Place it on a plate.
- Keep around 2 to 3 tablespoons of bacon grease, in the pan. Get rid of any extra.
- Put the sliced onion into the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns soft.
- Add the chopped cabbage, Kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano and smoked paprika. Mix everything together. Cook for 15 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender but still has a slight crunch. Taste it. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Include minced garlic. Put the bacon into the pan then continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve immediately. If you like you can add some chopped onions as garnish. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
