Hearty Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon Recipe – Family Favorite

Crisp bacon sizzles and dances with tender cabbage in this irresistible fried cabbage with onions and bacon recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

The humble ingredients meld together in a symphony of savory flavors.

Caramelized onions add a sweet depth to each hearty bite.

Smoky bacon pieces provide a delightful crunch that elevates this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The skillet becomes a canvas of golden-brown deliciousness as the cabbage softens and absorbs all the rich, meaty essence.

Salt and pepper weave their magic, creating a balanced and deeply satisfying meal.

You’ll want to serve this classic side dish that turns even the most mundane dinner into a celebration of rustic home cooking.

Bacon-Laced Fried Cabbage for Comfort Lovers

• Whip up this hearty side dish in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps.
• Bacon grease infuses deep, rich flavor into the cabbage, creating a mouthwatering combination that elevates a basic vegetable.
• Transform an inexpensive head of cabbage into a delicious side dish that adds excitement to any meal without breaking the bank.
• Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that brings together bacon, onions, and cabbage in a delightful culinary harmony.

Flavorful Finds For a Hearty Cabbage Skillet

• Cabbage: A hearty and nutritious vegetable that provides a crunchy texture and mild flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: A flavorful meat that adds richness and a smoky taste to the cabbage.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the overall dish.

• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the taste of the cabbage.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Offer additional layers of seasoning and boost the overall taste profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Bacon Grease: The rendered fat from bacon that serves as a flavorful cooking medium for the vegetables.

The Right Pan For Frying Up Cabbage

• Large Skillet or Deep-Sided Pot: Essential for cooking bacon, onions, and cabbage with enough space to stir and simmer.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking without scratching the pan.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, cutting cabbage, and crumbling bacon.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and crumbling bacon.
• Measuring Spoons: Used for adding precise amounts of seasonings like garlic and onion powder.

Steps to Crispy, Savory Cabbage Goodness

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon

Grab your bacon and cook it in a skillet until crispy.

Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Keep the delicious bacon fat in the pan for the next steps.

Step 2: Soften Onions

Swirl the bacon grease around the skillet and toss in chopped onions.

Let them dance and caramelize until they become translucent and golden around the edges.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pan and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds.

The kitchen will start filling with an incredible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Transform Cabbage

Lower the heat and add shredded cabbage to the skillet.

Gently stir to coat the cabbage with all those wonderful bacon-infused flavors.

Cover the pan and let the cabbage steam and soften, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Enhance Flavors

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the cabbage continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Finish and Feast

Crumble the crispy bacon over the top of the cabbage.

Give it one final gentle toss and serve hot.

Watch as everyone digs into this comforting, flavor-packed side dish.

Tips For Perfectly Balanced Cabbage & Bacon

• Cook bacon until golden and crispy for maximum flavor and texture, ensuring it crumbles easily when added back to the dish.
• Use reserved bacon fat sparingly to prevent the cabbage from becoming too greasy, balancing richness and lightness.
• Cut cabbage into uniform, thin strips to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Add garlic powder and onion powder gradually, tasting as you go to achieve a balanced, not overwhelming, flavor profile.
• Simmer cabbage on medium-low heat to maintain its tender texture and prevent burning, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Fun Additions for Fried Cabbage Fans

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a plant-based protein option that maintains a similar smoky flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Choice: Swap onions with leeks or shallots to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping a rich, savory taste.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to introduce a zesty kick that complements the cabbage's natural sweetness.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Incorporate oregano, thyme, and a splash of white wine to transform the dish with Mediterranean herb influences.

Serving Up Cabbage With Southern Style

• Cozy Comfort Plate: Pair this hearty cabbage dish with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic, satisfying meal that warms the soul.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork chops to create a protein-rich dinner that feels like a Southern comfort feast.
• Rustic Breakfast Twist: Top the fried cabbage with a sunny-side-up egg for a delicious morning meal that brings extra flavor and nutrition to your breakfast plate.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Wrap the cabbage in a warm tortilla with some shredded cheese for a quick, portable lunch option that transforms the side dish into a tasty main course.

Storing Fried Cabbage For Next-Day Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm in microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes. Drizzle a little olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Freeze in freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of bacon?

Yes, you can substitute with turkey bacon, pancetta, or even ham for a different flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s essence.

• Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?

Absolutely! Fried cabbage is naturally low in carbohydrates and makes an excellent side dish for keto and low-carb eating plans.

• How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too mushy?

Cook on medium-low heat and stir occasionally. Don’t overcook – cabbage should be tender but still have a slight crunch.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a similar depth of flavor. Use olive oil instead of bacon grease for sautéing.

Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty German Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon delights home cooks with its simple, rustic charm. Rich pork flavor and caramelized vegetables create a satisfying side dish you’ll crave alongside roasted meats or hearty bread.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 head cabbage, chopped
• 5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 onion, chopped

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Fat:

• Reserved bacon grease

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, reserving the rendered fat.
2. Using the same skillet with bacon fat, sauté onions on medium heat until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and quickly stir for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, preventing burning.
4. Lower heat to medium-low and add shredded cabbage, gently tossing to coat with onion and garlic mixture. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until cabbage wilts and becomes tender.
5. Season the cabbage mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to develop deeper flavors and ensure even seasoning.
6. Crumble reserved bacon and sprinkle over the cabbage just before serving, creating a crunchy and savory garnish that adds texture and rich flavor to the dish.

Notes

• Select high-quality thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness.
• Drain excess bacon grease if you prefer a lighter dish, keeping just enough for sautéing.
• Slice cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to prevent over-salting since bacon provides natural saltiness.
• For vegetarian option, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a rich, smoky profile.
• Cut cabbage into similar-sized pieces to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain crunchy.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for superior heat distribution and deeper caramelization of vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg