The Ultimate Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage: A Flavorful 40-Minute Side Dish
Discover how to create the most irresistible fried cabbage, a classic Southern-inspired side dish that’s packed with flavor and comes together in just about 40 minutes. This recipe elevates simple pan-fried cabbage by combining it with the savory crunch of bacon, the sweet depth of caramelized onions, and a perfectly balanced blend of seasonings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight accompaniment or a comforting addition to a holiday feast, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more.
Why This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is a Must-Try
This fried cabbage recipe is a symphony of textures and flavors that truly works its magic in every bite. It features perfectly cooked, yet still crisp cabbage, which retains a delightful bite rather than becoming overly soft or mushy. The dish is elevated by the rich, salty, and full-bodied notes of crispy bacon, providing a wonderful textural contrast. Sweet, deeply caramelized onions add a layer of complex sweetness that beautifully balances the savory elements. Finally, a touch of heat from black pepper, red pepper flakes, and authentic Creole seasoning ties everything together, creating a profoundly satisfying flavor profile.
While fried cabbage is a traditional side for hearty meals like corned beef, its versatility knows no bounds. This delicious side dish seamlessly complements a wide array of main courses, from roasted chicken to pan-seared fish. Its robust flavors make it a standalone star, capable of transforming any meal into a more wholesome and exciting experience. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared thoughtfully, can yield extraordinary results.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fried Cabbage
All precise measurements, a complete list of ingredients, and detailed instructions are readily available in the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this article. However, before you dive into the cooking process, let’s explore the key components that make this fried cabbage recipe truly exceptional.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing how to make smart substitutions can greatly enhance your cooking experience and results.
BACON – We opt for regular bacon in this recipe for its unparalleled savory flavor and the rich grease it renders, which is essential for cooking the cabbage and onions. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option or even vegan bacon for a plant-based version. For those who prefer to omit bacon entirely, the dish can still be incredibly flavorful. In this case, simply substitute 2-3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to cook the onions, then proceed with the rest of the steps. Remember to add additional salt to taste, as bacon contributes significant salinity.
CABBAGE – A firm, fresh head of green cabbage is ideal for this recipe. When selecting your cabbage, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has crisp, unwilted leaves. Some heads of cabbage can be quite large, so don’t feel obligated to fit the entire sliced head into your skillet at once. Focus on incorporating the softer, greener outer pieces first. Always be sure to omit the very thick, tough core and stem areas, as these can be bitter and take much longer to cook, resulting in an inconsistent texture.
ONIONS – Yellow onions are the traditional choice here, and their natural sweetness truly shines when caramelized. This slow cooking process transforms their sharp pungency into a deep, mellow flavor that forms a crucial base for the fried cabbage. Dicing them to an even size ensures they cook uniformly and melt into the dish.
SEASONINGS – The blend of seasonings is key to this dish’s robust taste. Creole seasoning (we highly recommend Tony Chachere’s) brings a complex, zesty, and slightly spicy kick. Freshly ground black pepper adds a sharp, aromatic note, while garlic salt provides a foundational savory depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes introduces a customizable level of heat; feel free to adjust this to your preference for more or less spice. For an added layer of flavor, consider including a touch of smoked paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the very end to brighten the flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Fried Cabbage
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Render the Bacon: Cook chopped bacon over medium heat in a sturdy cast iron or non-stick skillet. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even crisping. The goal is perfectly crisp bacon, which will add incredible texture and flavor.
- Reserve Bacon, Keep Grease: Once the bacon is cooked to your desired crispness, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. This allows the bacon to cool and become even crispier. Do not drain the rendered bacon grease from the pan – this flavorful fat is essential for cooking the onions and cabbage and infusing the dish with its signature taste.
- Caramelize the Onions: Add your diced yellow onion directly to the skillet with the hot bacon grease. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions soften significantly and become translucent, developing a beautiful light golden-brown color. This caramelization process typically takes around 10 minutes and is crucial for building the dish’s sweet, savory base.
- Sauté the Cabbage and Season: Add the sliced green cabbage to the skillet along with the creole seasoning, black pepper, garlic salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. If your skillet seems very full, don’t worry; the cabbage will cook down considerably. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes, stirring regularly, until the cabbage is crisp-tender. It should still have a slight bite but be thoroughly cooked through.
- Combine and Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Now, stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the cooked cabbage and onions. This ensures the bacon retains its crunch and evenly distributes its savory flavor throughout the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch of color and a subtle kick, garnish the fried cabbage with another pinch of red pepper flakes and some freshly chopped parsley.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve your delicious bacon fried cabbage hot as a flavorful side dish. Its fresh, warm flavors are best enjoyed right after cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage
To properly store leftovers, first allow the fried cabbage to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the bacon. Instead, substitute 2-3 tablespoons of a neutral oil (like olive oil or avocado oil) or unsalted butter for cooking the onions. You’ll miss the smoky flavor of bacon, but the caramelized onions and Creole seasoning will still provide plenty of depth. You might also consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor without the meat.
A large cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for making fried cabbage. Cast iron excels at retaining and distributing heat evenly, which is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy bacon and caramelized onions, as well as a slight char on the cabbage for added flavor. A heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet can also work effectively, but cast iron truly delivers superior results.
Expert Tips for an Even Better Fried Cabbage
- Stir Gently at First: When you first add the large volume of sliced cabbage to the pan, it will likely mound high. Stir it gently and patiently; as it begins to cook down and soften, it will become much easier to manage. Make sure to scoop all the way to the bottom of the skillet to incorporate the onions and bacon grease for maximum flavor distribution.
- Consider Fresh Garlic: For an aromatic boost, add 1-2 cloves of fresh minced garlic to the skillet during the last two minutes of cooking the onions. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it, before adding the cabbage.
- Vinegar for Brightness: A splash (about 1-2 teaspoons) of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar stirred in at the very end, just before serving, can brighten all the flavors and cut through the richness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a very large batch, consider cooking the cabbage in two separate batches to ensure it sautés rather than steams. Overcrowding can lead to watery, less flavorful cabbage.
- Pre-prep for Speed: You can chop the bacon and dice the onion in advance to save time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Serving Suggestions for Bacon Fried Cabbage
This savory fried cabbage dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. It’s a natural complement to classic comfort foods like crispy fried chicken, juicy pork chops, or a succulent roast beef. For a taste of tradition, serve it alongside corned beef, ideally with a side of creamy colcannon potatoes for a truly authentic Irish-American meal. Beyond these classics, it also makes a fantastic accompaniment to pan-seared fish or even as a flavorful component in a hearty brunch spread. Its robust character can elevate any simple protein into a complete and satisfying meal.
More Delicious Vegetable Side Dish Recipes to Explore
If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate flavorful vegetables into your meals, here are some other fantastic side dish recipes you might enjoy:
- Perfectly Roasted Asparagus
- Easy Pan Roasted Broccoli
- Crispy Roast Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Balsamic Carrots
- Classic Fried Green Tomatoes
- Spicy Fried Cabbage (for an extra kick!)
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Fried Cabbage
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ½ lb bacon cut into pieces
- ½ large yellow onion diced, about 1 1/2 cups
- 1 head green cabbage sliced, about 6-8 cups
- ¼ tsp Creole seasoning we use Tony Chacer’s Creole seasoning
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- red pepper flakes to taste
- chopped parsley for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Large skillet
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Cutting board
Before You Begin
- Stir the cabbage gently when you first add it to the pan as it will probably mound above the top of the cooking skillet. As it begins to cook, it will break down and be easier to stir. Scoop all the way to the bottom of the skillet when stirring to get the onions and bacon grease transferred up to the top. The cabbage will caramelize a bit on the bottom of the pan, too, if you’re using a cast-iron skillet.
- You can add fresh minced garlic if you’d like – add it during the last two minutes of cooking the onions and saute until fragrant.
- You can substitute or add in smoked paprika with the creole/cajun seasoning.
- If omitting the bacon, substitute 2-3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and begin by cooking the onions in the butter; then proceed with the remaining steps. Add additional salt to taste.
Instructions
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Cook chopped bacon over medium heat in a cast iron or non-stick skillet (about 10 minutes).
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Remove the crisp bacon from pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Do not drain grease from the pan.
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Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent (about 10 minutes)
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Add sliced cabbage, creole seasoning, pepper, garlic salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet and saute for about 5-8 minutes, until the cabbage is crisp tender.
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Remove from heat and stir the cooked bacon back into the cabbage.
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Garnish with another pinch of red pepper flakes and some chopped parsley.
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Serve immediately.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on September 19, 2021. Updated and re-optimized for a better culinary experience.