Here’s a classic, down-home Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic 🥓🥬—simple, savory, and seriously comforting.
🥬 Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion & Garlic
⏱ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 25–30 minutes
- Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional:
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the bacon
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; leave 2–3 tbsp bacon fat in the pan
2️⃣ Sauté onion & garlic
- Add onion to the bacon fat
- Cook until soft and lightly caramelized (5–7 minutes)
- Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant
3️⃣ Add cabbage
- Add sliced cabbage in batches
- Toss well to coat in bacon fat
- Season with salt and pepper
4️⃣ Cook until tender
- Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, 15–20 minutes
- Cabbage should be tender with lightly browned edges
5️⃣ Finish
- Stir bacon back in
- Add vinegar if using (brightens flavor)
- Adjust seasoning
- Sprinkle paprika or red pepper flakes if desired
🌟 Tips for Best Flavor
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan—batches help browning
✔ Let cabbage sit before stirring to develop caramelization
✔ Taste before adding salt (bacon adds plenty)
🔄 Variations
- Southern-style: Add a splash of chicken broth while cooking
- Keto-friendly: Skip onions or reduce amount
- With sausage: Add sliced smoked sausage with bacon
- Extra garlic lovers: Roast garlic first and stir in at the end
🍽 Serving Ideas
- With fried or baked chicken
- Alongside pork chops or meatloaf
- As a topping for pierogies or mashed potatoes
If you want, I can also share:
- Slow cooker version
- Old-fashioned Southern cabbage
- Low-carb meal ideas
- Ways to reduce cabbage smell while cooking
Just say the word 😊
