If you’re craving a comforting side that’s packed with flavor and texture, this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe might just become your new go-to. It’s smoky, slightly sweet, and loaded with that irresistible crisp bacon goodness that elevates everyday cabbage into something special.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Whenever I make this fried cabbage, it reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners and easy weeknight meals. The combination of crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and that hint of smoky mustard just makes everything sing.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that come together quickly without fuss.
- Flavor-Packed: The stone ground mustard and smoked paprika add unexpected depth.
- Textural Contrast: Crispy bacon combined with tender, caramelized cabbage is pure magic.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adjust seasonings or swap ingredients to suit your tastes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you start, make sure to grab a fresh head of cabbage and good-quality bacon—those will make all the difference here. I like using stone ground mustard for its texture and tang, but you can swap in Dijon if that’s what you have on hand.
- Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture and renders flavorful fat to cook the rest of the dish.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and a soft base when sautéed.
- Garlic: Brings an aromatic punch that complements the cabbage perfectly.
- Stone Ground Mustard: Offers a tactile, robust flavor and a subtle tanginess.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a gentle smoky warmth without overpowering.
- Cabbage: The star of the dish, browns beautifully and softens while absorbing all those tasty flavors.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
Make It Your Way
This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Adding your own personal twists can make this comforting side dish even more special and suited to your mealtime favorites.
- Vegetarian Variation: I’ve made this dish without bacon by simply using olive oil or vegan butter instead of bacon grease. It still delivers a lovely savory depth and is perfect when you want to keep things meat-free.
- Mild Smokiness: If you’re sensitive to smoky flavors, try reducing the smoked paprika to ⅛ teaspoon or skipping it altogether. This adjustment keeps the dish flavorful without overpowering the cabbage’s natural sweetness.
- While the stone ground mustard adds a lovely texture and kick, I’ve swapped it out for Dijon mustard on occasions when I wanted a smoother, more subtle mustard note. Both work beautifully.
- Extra Richness: For an indulgent touch, stirring in a pat of butter at the very end amps up the richness. It’s a simple way to make this humble side feel extra special.
- Seasonal Twist: When I make this in cooler months, I like tossing in some chopped apples or a handful of toasted walnuts at the end for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon
Start by heating a large pan over medium heat. Add the 6 pieces of bacon cut into 1-inch pieces, and let them cook until beautifully crispy. This usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes, but keep an eye on the color and texture—you want them golden and crunch-perfect. When done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess grease, keeping the flavor intense but the texture just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan for Sauté
Remove some of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind to carry all that smoky, savory goodness. This leftover fat is the perfect base for cooking your onions and garlic, infusing the whole dish with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion until Tender
Add the diced small onion to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally as the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. This step lays the aromatic foundation for your crispy bacon fried cabbage.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices
Now stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything well so those flavors meld together nicely. You’ll start to smell the warming mix of spices that promise a tasty dish ahead.
Step 5: Cook the Cabbage to Perfection
Place the sliced and chopped head of cabbage on top of the onion mixture. Using a large spoon or tongs, stir and sauté everything together for about 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as the cabbage softens and takes on a slight caramelized color — buttery soft, tender, and packed with flavor. This step really brings the dish to life.
Step 6: Fold in the Crispy Bacon
Finally, toss the crispy bacon pieces back into the pan with the cooked cabbage. Stir thoroughly to combine so every bite bursts with smoky crunchiness and rich savoriness. Heat through for another minute or two, and you’re ready to serve this satisfying side dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage to a serving dish and enjoy it alongside your favorite mains. It’s an easy, comforting side that pairs wonderfully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled steaks or even a simple vegetarian meal. Bon appétit!
Top Tip
Mastering this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures. These tips will help you get the perfect tender, caramelized cabbage with crispy bacon every single time.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give your cabbage enough space to sauté properly. Crowding traps steam and prevents caramelization, which is key for that rich, buttery softness.
- Reserve Bacon Grease: Leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan infuses the cabbage and onions with smoky, savory goodness — don’t ditch it all!
- Use Stone Ground Mustard: I love how stone ground mustard adds a textured kick and depth to the dish. But if you're after something smoother, Dijon mustard works well too.
- Watch the Salt: Since bacon can be salty, season your cabbage gradually. It’s easy to oversalt otherwise.
How to Serve Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the smoky richness wonderfully. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce works great, too.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe pairs beautifully with southern classics like fried chicken, pork chops, or grilled sausages. It also complements roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes perfectly. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, serve alongside grilled fish or baked tofu for a hearty but balanced plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining that delicious smoky flavor and tender texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though some texture changes may occur in the cabbage. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispy bacon and warm the cabbage evenly. You can also microwave it covered for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If needed, add a small pat of butter to freshen up the flavors and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of bacon grease to sauté the onions and cabbage. You'll still get great flavor with the stone ground mustard and smoked paprika.
Stone ground mustard is preferred for its texture and robust flavor, but if you want a smoother consistency, Dijon mustard is an excellent substitute.
Avoid overcrowding the pan and give the cabbage time to sauté undisturbed for a few minutes at a time. This helps the moisture evaporate, letting the cabbage caramelize rather than steam.
Yes! If you prefer less smokiness, reduce the smoked paprika to ⅛ teaspoon or omit it altogether. The bacon also contributes a good amount of smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is one of those comforting side dishes that effortlessly brings warmth and flavor to the table. Whether you’re serving up a family dinner or adding a hearty touch to weeknight meals, it’s simple to make and highly satisfying. I hope you enjoy the smoky, buttery goodness just as much as I do—happy cooking!
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Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
This easy fried cabbage recipe is a flavorful and comforting side dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of smoky mustard seasoning. Perfectly caramelized and tender, this dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 head cabbage, sliced and chopped
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced bacon pieces and cook until they are crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Prepare Pan: Remove some of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind for flavor.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, stone ground mustard, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Cook Cabbage: Place the sliced and chopped cabbage on top of the onion mixture. Use a large spoon or tongs to stir and sauté everything together for about 12 to 15 minutes. The cabbage should become buttery soft and slightly caramelized.
- Combine Bacon: Toss the reserved crispy bacon pieces back into the pan with the cabbage. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Once combined and heated through, transfer the fried cabbage to a serving dish and enjoy as a hearty side.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of bacon grease.
- If you prefer less smoky flavor, reduce the smoked paprika to ⅛ teaspoon or omit entirely.
- Stone ground mustard adds texture and robust flavor, but Dijon mustard can be used as a smoother alternative.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using salted bacon to prevent oversalting.
- For added richness, finish with a pat of butter stirred in at the end.
- This dish reheats well in a skillet or microwave for quick leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
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