Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic: A Hearty Southern Comfort Dish

Name: Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon, chopped; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large head cabbage, cored and sliced; 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ⅛ teaspoon paprika

If you’re looking for a savory, comforting dish that highlights the humble cabbage, look no further than Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic. This Southern-style dish offers a rich blend of flavors—crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and tender cabbage—creating a satisfying side or even a main dish when paired with some crusty bread or potatoes. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures that it’s a budget-friendly recipe without sacrificing flavor, making it a popular choice for family dinners and gatherings.

In this detailed guide, we’ll dive into how to make this delicious dish, as well as provide tips and FAQs to help you master the recipe. Let’s start by looking at what you’ll need.

Ingredients for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dish:

6 slices bacon, chopped: Provides that irresistible smoky flavor and the fat needed to sauté the vegetables.
1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor once caramelized.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a delightful garlicky kick into the cabbage.
1 large head cabbage, cored and sliced: The star of the show! Cabbage becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks.
1 tablespoon salt (or to taste): Enhances the flavors of the cabbage and seasonings.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor even more.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Pairs perfectly with the fresh garlic for extra garlicky goodness.
⅛ teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color to the dish.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step instructions to prepare Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic.

How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by placing the chopped bacon into a large stockpot. Cook it over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy. The bacon fat will render out and create the base for sautéing the other ingredients. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic

With the bacon drippings still in the pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and caramelized. The combination of bacon fat, onions, and garlic creates an aromatic base that adds layers of flavor to the cabbage.

3. Add the Cabbage

Next, add the sliced cabbage to the pot. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the bacon drippings, onions, and garlic. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the cabbage starts to soften. Cabbage may seem bulky at first, but as it cooks, it will reduce in volume.

4. Season and Simmer

Once the cabbage has softened, it’s time to season the dish. Sprinkle in the salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir everything together to distribute the seasonings evenly. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the cabbage simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering process ensures the cabbage becomes tender and fully infused with the bacon and seasonings.

5. Finish and Serve

After the cabbage is tender and cooked to your liking, stir the crispy bacon pieces back into the pot. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed—adding more salt or pepper to suit your taste. Serve the dish hot alongside your favorite protein or as a stand-alone meal. It’s a perfect side for Southern classics like fried chicken or meatloaf, or a great dish to enjoy with cornbread.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Cabbage Recipe

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

This recipe offers a delicious blend of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch, while the cabbage becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The caramelized onions and garlic infuse the dish with even more richness, making each bite deeply flavorful.

Simple and Budget-Friendly

With just a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, this dish is easy to prepare and light on your wallet. Cabbage is an affordable vegetable that’s often overlooked, but this recipe lets it shine in all its tender, flavorful glory.

Versatile Side Dish or Main Course

While this fried cabbage is traditionally served as a side dish, it’s hearty enough to be served as a main course. Pair it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even toss in some sausages or ham for a more filling meal.

Cooking Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage

Don’t Rush the Onion and Garlic

Caramelizing the onions and garlic is key to building flavor in this dish. Take your time and cook them until they’re soft and golden for the best results.

Use Fresh, Crisp Cabbage

For optimal texture and flavor, make sure your cabbage is fresh and firm. A head of cabbage that’s too soft or old won’t hold up as well during cooking.

Customize the Seasonings

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you prefer a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also increase the amount of paprika for a smokier flavor.

Cover for Tender Cabbage

Covering the pot while the cabbage simmers helps it cook more evenly and become tender without drying out. If you find the cabbage is sticking to the pot, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help it steam.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 180 kcal
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 22mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 5g

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern

FAQs about Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon. However, turkey bacon contains less fat, so you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot to ensure the onions and garlic sauté properly.

How long does fried cabbage last in the fridge?

Fried cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze fried cabbage?

Yes, you can freeze fried cabbage. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

What can I serve with fried cabbage?

Fried cabbage pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins, including pork chops, sausages, fried chicken, or meatloaf. It also complements mashed potatoes, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onions and garlic. You can also add smoked paprika for a hint of that smoky flavor from the bacon.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Fried cabbage is quite versatile. You can add diced bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and texture.

This delicious Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic recipe is a Southern classic that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, it’s sure to become a family favorite!