This Southern-Style Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon is a timeless comfort food, celebrated for its savory depth, tender texture, and the irresistible smoky aroma that fills the kitchen. It transforms simple, humble cabbage into a wonderfully flavorful side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. The secret to its rich taste lies in rendering crispy bacon, then using that flavorful bacon fat to sauté the cabbage until it becomes tender-crisp and imbued with a deeply savory, slightly sweet essence. The addition of aromatic onions and garlic further enhances the flavor profile, creating a comforting and incredibly satisfying dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Each bite offers a delightful combination of soft, sweet cabbage and crunchy, salty bacon, making it a beloved staple in many Southern households and beyond.
What makes this Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon so appealing is its remarkable simplicity and versatility. It requires minimal ingredients, most of which are kitchen staples, yet yields a dish bursting with complex flavors. The cooking process is straightforward: crispy bacon provides the foundation, followed by sautéing the cabbage until it reaches perfect tenderness – soft but still with a slight bite. The natural sweetness of the cabbage emerges as it cooks, beautifully balanced by the smoky bacon and savory aromatics. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables, particularly for those who might typically shy away from cabbage, as the rich flavors make it incredibly palatable. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, a holiday spread, or a potluck, as it’s easy to scale up and holds well. The inviting aroma that permeates your home as it cooks is just a prelude to the warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying experience of enjoying this classic Southern side.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced (about 8-10 slices)
- 1 large head green cabbage (about 2-2.5 lbs), outer leaves removed, cored, and chopped or shredded into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a touch of tang and brightness)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (adjust based on bacon’s saltiness)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
- Place the diced thick-cut bacon in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it is crispy and has rendered its fat. This usually takes about 8-12 minutes.
- Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon bits from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet. You should have about 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat. If you have significantly more, you can pour some off, leaving enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté the Onion:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chopped yellow onion to the hot bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. Avoid browning the onion too much at this stage, as you want it to become sweet.
- Add Garlic and Cabbage:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the softened onions. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chopped or shredded cabbage to the skillet. It will seem like a lot of cabbage at first, but it will cook down significantly.
- Stir the cabbage to coat it with the bacon fat, onion, and garlic mixture.
- Simmer and Tenderize:
- Pour the 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth (or water) over the cabbage. This liquid will help steam the cabbage and create a tender, flavorful base.
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remember to adjust salt later, as bacon is salty. If using, add a pinch of red pepper flakes now.
- Stir everything together, then cover the skillet with a lid.
- Let the cabbage simmer for 15-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened to your desired tenderness. Some prefer it tender-crisp, while others like it very soft and melting. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become.
- Finish and Season:
- Once the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness, remove the lid. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate, if desired.
- Stir in the optional 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. This adds a lovely brightness and balances the richness.
- Taste the cabbage and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or a bit more vinegar depending on your preference.
- Combine with Bacon and Serve:
- Just before serving, stir most of the reserved crispy bacon bits into the sautéed cabbage. Save a small amount for garnish if you like.
- Transfer the Southern-Style Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon to a serving dish.
- Garnish with the remaining crispy bacon bits and optional fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large skillet or Dutch oven so the cabbage has room to cook evenly. If your pan is too small, the cabbage will steam rather than sauté. You might need to add cabbage in batches, letting it wilt down before adding more.
- Bacon Fat is Key: The rendered bacon fat is essential for the flavor of this dish. Don’t skip it!
- Adjust Tenderness: Cook the cabbage to your preference. For a firmer, crisper texture, cook for less time. For a very soft, “melt-in-your-mouth” consistency, cook longer.
- Seasoning to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. The saltiness of bacon can vary, so be cautious with added salt.
- Variations:
- Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a nice kick at the end.
- Sweetness: A tiny pinch of sugar can be added with the salt and pepper if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, especially if your cabbage is less sweet.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Southern-Style Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon!