Fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic is a classic Southern-style comfort dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful side or main course. This savory recipe combines crispy bacon, tender cabbage, caramelized onions, and aromatic garlic to create a rustic dish that’s both hearty and healthy.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you just need something satisfying and soul-warming. The balance of smoky bacon with the slightly sweet cabbage and pungent garlic gives this dish a bold taste that keeps you coming back for more. Whether served on its own, over mashed potatoes, or alongside grilled meats, this fried cabbage dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
• Begin by prepping all your ingredients: chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, slice the onion thinly, and mince the garlic.
• In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes golden brown and crispy. This should take about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan using a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 to 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. If you don’t have enough grease, add a little olive oil.
• To the hot bacon grease, add the sliced onion. Sauté over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until the onion begins to soften and turn translucent.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
• Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet in batches, allowing each addition to wilt slightly before adding more. Stir frequently to coat the cabbage in the bacon grease and to mix it evenly with the onion and garlic.
• Season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Continue to cook the cabbage over medium heat for about 10–15 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly browned on the edges. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
• Once the cabbage is fully cooked and flavorful, return the crispy bacon pieces to the skillet and toss everything together. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes to reheat the bacon and blend the flavors.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of sugar at this point if you prefer a slightly tangy or sweeter flavor.
• Remove the skillet from heat and serve the fried cabbage hot. It pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, grilled sausages, or cornbread.