Name: Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American Southern
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

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.

A large silver frying pan filled with cooked cabbage pieces layered unevenly in pale green and light yellow colors, mixed with browned small chunks of bacon scattered throughout. The cabbage looks soft with some edges lightly browned, and bits of onion are visible, adding a golden color. A silver slotted spoon rests inside the pan, shiny and sticking slightly into the cabbage mix. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe

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.

Flat lay of fresh green cabbage head chopped into wedges, six uncooked strips of streaky bacon cut into pieces, one small yellow onion peeled and diced, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with grainy stone ground mustard, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black peppercorns, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

A close-up image shows a spoon lifting cooked cabbage mixed with browned bacon pieces from a pan. The cabbage layers are light green and slightly translucent with some browned edges, giving a soft texture look. The crispy bacon pieces are dark red-brown and scattered evenly among the cabbage. The background has a blurred view of more cabbage and bacon in the pan, all on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

A metal pan on a white marbled surface is filled with cooked chopped cabbage forming the bottom layer, showing soft, pale green and light yellow pieces with a slightly oily texture. On top, there is a middle layer of darker brown cooked small bacon pieces clustered in the center. Silver tongs rest on the pan with their tips touching the bacon and cabbage, indicating the act of mixing. The pan and food have warm tones with a mix of glossy and matte textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

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.

What type of mustard works best?

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.

How do I know when the cabbage is done?

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.

Can I use a different kind of cabbage?

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!