Fried Cabbage with Bacon – The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish

 Fried Cabbage with Bacon – The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish

When it comes to comfort food with bold flavor and effortless prep, few dishes rival Fried Cabbage with Bacon. This Southern-inspired classic takes humble cabbage and elevates it with the smoky richness of crispy bacon, creating a side dish that's as flavorful as it is filling. Whether you're serving it with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day, this savory skillet wonder is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Simple, hearty, and undeniably satisfying, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients — all while delivering maximum flavor. Let’s dive into this one-pan masterpiece that will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

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🛒 Ingredients & Why They Matter

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the savory, smoky flavor of this fried cabbage dish:

6 slices of thick-cut bacon

Adds a rich, smoky flavor and crisp texture while providing the base fat for sautéing the cabbage.

1 medium green cabbage (about 2 pounds), chopped

The star of the show! When sautéed, cabbage becomes sweet and tender, soaking up the bacon drippings for next-level flavor.

1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to balance the dish.

2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic punch that enhances every bite.

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Elevates the smokiness and adds a gentle warmth — highly recommended if you want more complexity.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness and brightens the overall flavor.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden — about 8–10 minutes.

Pro Tip: Stir occasionally and cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

Once cooked, remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

To the reserved bacon fat, add the sliced onion. Cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Cook the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat it in the bacon drippings and mix evenly with the onions and garlic.

Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the cabbage — you want a slight bite to maintain texture and flavor.

4. Add Bacon & Finish

Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the skillet.

Drizzle in the apple cider vinegar (if using), stir, and taste for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed.

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❤️ Why This Recipe Is Loved

One-pan simplicity: Less cleanup, more flavor.

Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients without compromising on taste.

Versatile: Pairs with a wide range of proteins, from sausage to steak.

Family-approved: Even picky eaters come back for seconds.

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🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture and more rendered fat.

Don’t rush the cabbage — let it brown slightly for added depth and natural sweetness.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Substitute with red cabbage for a vibrant color twist (note: cooking time may vary slightly).

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious pairings:

With grilled sausages or bratwurst for a rustic German-inspired dinner.

Next to roasted chicken and mashed potatoes for a hearty family meal.

With corned beef and Irish soda bread for a perfect St. Patrick’s Day plate.

Topped with a fried egg for a delicious low-carb breakfast or brunch.

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✅ Conclusion: Simple, Satisfying, and So Delicious

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a true testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something absolutely unforgettable. With its rich smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and savory garlic-onion base, this dish is comfort food at its best. It’s fast, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s packed with flavor — making it the perfect go-to side for any meal, any season.

Whether you're cooking for a holiday gathering or just looking for an easy weeknight win, this fried cabbage recipe will never let you down.

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📌 Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with fellow food lovers — because once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

#FriedCabbage #BaconLovers #EasySideDish #ComfortFood #OnePanMeal #LowCa

rbRecipes #SouthernCooking

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