If you love a side dish packed with flavor and that perfect balance of crispy and tender, you’re going to adore this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe. It’s quick, comforting, and brings a touch of tangy mustard and smoky paprika to your plate.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t get enough of how simple this fried cabbage comes together, and the way the bacon adds that irresistible crunch and depth of flavor. Cooking this in a sturdy pan means you get those beautifully caramelized edges every time!
- Quick to make: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-packed: The smoky paprika and stone ground mustard give it a unique, tangy twist.
- Comforting side: Buttery soft cabbage paired with crispy bacon is pure soul food.
- Versatile: Goes well with everything from grilled chicken to hearty stews.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you dive into cooking, let’s talk ingredients. Choosing fresh, quality components will make all the difference in this simple, rustic dish.
- Bacon: It’s the star here, lending crispiness and smoky, savory flavor that elevates the cabbage.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and helps build a rich flavor base alongside the bacon.
- Garlic: Gives a warm, aromatic punch that complements the other savory ingredients.
- Stone ground mustard: Brings a tangy, slightly spicy kick; if you don’t have it, Dijon mustard works great too.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the smokiness without overpowering, tying the flavors together beautifully.
- Cabbage: The heart of the dish – sliced and chopped to cook down into tender, buttery goodness.
- Kosher salt: Necessary to season and bring out the natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds that final layer of subtle heat and complexity.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to tweak it to match your taste buds or what you have on hand—there’s plenty of room for creativity in this simple, comforting dish!
- Vegetarian Variation: I’ve made this recipe without bacon by skipping it altogether and adding smoked paprika plus a drizzle of olive oil. It mimics that smoky depth beautifully, giving you all the warmth and flavor without the meat.
- Mustard Swap: If you don’t have stone ground mustard, Dijon mustard is a fantastic substitute. It keeps that tangy punch that balances the richness of the bacon and cabbage.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika. It adds a subtle warmth that complements the savory notes perfectly.
- Seasonal Twist: Toss in some thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers with the cabbage for extra color and crunch. It’s a fun way to brighten up the dish, especially in spring or summer.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Start by heating a large pan over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces cut into 1-inch strips. Let them cook patiently until they turn golden and crispy—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You'll hear that satisfying sizzle and smell the aroma filling your kitchen. Once crispy, scoop the bacon out with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain the excess grease. Be sure to leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan; this flavorful fat is the base for the rest of your dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions Until Soft and Translucent
Using the same pan with your reserved bacon grease, add the diced small onion. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onion to soften and turn translucent, releasing its natural sweetness but not browning. This gentle sauté forms a nice flavorful bed for your cabbage.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Mustard & Spices
Now it’s time to build layers of flavor. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds to a minute. Then add 2 tablespoons of stone ground mustard (or Dijon if you prefer), ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything well so those sharp and smoky notes get evenly incorporated before adding the star ingredient: cabbage.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage Until Tender and Caramelized
Add the sliced and chopped head of cabbage right on top of the onion mixture. Use a large spoon or tongs to stir and fold the cabbage into the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cabbage turns buttery soft, with edges slightly caramelized and golden. The smell at this stage is pure comfort food heaven!
Step 5: Toss Bacon Back In and Serve Warm
Finally, return those crispy bacon pieces to the pan and toss everything together gently to combine. Warm it through for just a minute, then remove from heat. Serve this flavorful, satisfying side dish warm as the perfect accompaniment to your favorite main courses.
Top Tip
Mastering the Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures. Here are some tips that make the dish shine every time I make it at home.
- Perfect Bacon Crispiness: I like to cook the bacon slowly over medium heat until just crispy. This renders plenty of flavorful fat, which helps caramelize the cabbage beautifully without burning the bacon bits.
- Don’t Rush the Cabbage: I learned that cooking the cabbage for the full 12 to 15 minutes until it’s buttery soft and slightly caramelized really brings out its natural sweetness. Rushing this step left it bitter or too crunchy in my early attempts.
- Use a Heavy Pan: A cast iron skillet or a sturdy sauté pan really makes a difference. It helps distribute heat evenly for that perfect caramelization and keeps the mustard and smoked paprika melded into the cabbage and onions.
- Watch the Salt: Since bacon adds saltiness, I usually add kosher salt sparingly and adjust at the end. This prevents the dish from becoming overly salty.
How to Serve Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh burst by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top right before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brightens the dish, balancing the richness of bacon and the earthiness of cabbage.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe pairs perfectly with hearty mains like fried chicken, grilled pork chops, or meatloaf. It’s also a lovely partner for creamy mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an easy option for quick weekday meals.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal because the texture can change, you can freeze leftover fried cabbage in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some crispness, or microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Avoid high heat reheating which can dry it out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add extra smoked paprika along with a splash of olive oil to give a smoky, rich flavor that mimics the bacon’s essence.
Stone ground mustard is ideal for its texture and bold flavor, but Dijon mustard is a great substitute if you don’t have stone ground mustard on hand.
Cook the cabbage until it’s buttery soft and has a slight caramelized color, usually 12 to 15 minutes of sautéing on medium heat. It should taste tender, not crunchy.
Yes! Green cabbage is the classic choice, but you can also use Savoy or Napa cabbage. Just adjust cooking time slightly as some varieties soften quicker than others.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe—it’s simple, soulful, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a weekday side or a weekend feast staple, this dish brings warmth and a touch of southern charm to your table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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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 touch of stone ground mustard for a tangy kick. The cabbage is cooked until buttery soft and slightly caramelized, making it a perfect complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard (or Dijon 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 and add the bacon pieces. Cook until they are crispy, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Remove some of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons for flavor.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, stone ground mustard, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Cook Cabbage: Place the sliced and chopped cabbage on top of the onion mixture in the pan. Use a large spoon or tongs to stir and sauté the cabbage along with the other ingredients for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender, buttery soft, and slightly caramelized.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked bacon pieces to the pan and toss everything together. Heat through briefly, then remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and a splash of olive oil to mimic smoky flavor.
- If stone ground mustard is unavailable, Dijon mustard is a great substitute.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Use a sturdy pan or cast iron skillet for best results in sautéing and caramelizing the cabbage.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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