There’s something so nostalgic about a big skillet of sizzling fried cabbage with bacon — it’s humble, hearty, and irresistibly delicious. This simple Southern-style dish transforms a few basic ingredients into pure comfort food magic.
The secret? Smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and a touch of seasoning that makes everything come together beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of Sunday dinners, cozy kitchens, and recipes passed down through generations.
Whether you serve it as a side dish or make it a main course with a hunk of cornbread, this recipe is pure comfort in a bowl.
🍽️ About This Recipe
| Category | Comfort Food / Side Dish |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 |
🧄 Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 5 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
(Optional additions: a pinch of sugar, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or a few red pepper flakes for heat!)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove any wilted outer leaves. Trim out the core, then chop into large 1-inch pieces for hearty texture.
2. Cook the Bacon and Onion
In a large 4-quart skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon and onion together over medium heat until the bacon is crisp and the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon and onion to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about ½ cup of bacon drippings in the pan — that’s where all the flavor lives!
3. Brown the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage directly into the hot bacon drippings. Let it cook without stirring for about 3 minutes — this helps it caramelize and develop that golden-brown flavor.
4. Add Seasonings and Steam
Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour in a splash of water (about ¼ cup) to help it steam slightly, then cover and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavorful.
5. Finish and Serve
Crumble the cooked bacon back into the pan, toss everything together, and serve hot.
This dish is best enjoyed warm, right out of the skillet — smoky, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Add spice: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Go smoky: A few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika can intensify the flavor.
- Sweet touch: Add 1 teaspoon of sugar while cooking for a Southern-style sweetness.
- Make it hearty: Toss in sliced sausage, ham, or diced potatoes for a one-pan meal.
- Low-carb tip: This dish is naturally keto-friendly and low-carb — perfect for comfort without the carbs.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Pair your fried cabbage with:
- Pan-fried cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
- Roast chicken or pork chops
- Mashed potatoes for a hearty Southern plate
Or enjoy it all by itself as a warm, rustic comfort dish — perfect on a cold night.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Simple ingredients, big flavor
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Budget-friendly and satisfying
✅ Adaptable — add your own twist!
✨ Final Thoughts
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon recipe is the definition of comfort food done right. It’s savory, smoky, and full of down-home goodness — the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table.
Feel free to add your personal touch — a little of this, a little of that — and make it your comfort food. After all, that’s what makes recipes like this truly special. 💚
