Introduction
There are certain comfort food recipes that bring the whole family running to the table, and Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Garlic & Onion is one of them. Imagine the smoky aroma of sizzling bacon, the sweetness of sautéed onions, and the savory bite of garlic—all coating tender cabbage in a skillet. This dish is rustic, hearty, and full of flavor, the kind of recipe that feels both humble and indulgent at the same time.
In many homes, fried cabbage is considered a weeknight staple. It comes together quickly, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and yet tastes like something that’s been slow-cooked all day. When you add crispy bacon into the mix, it transforms into a full meal in itself or a rich side dish that pairs with anything from roasted chicken to buttery mashed potatoes.
This recipe for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Garlic & Onion is a celebration of balance—salty, smoky, slightly sweet, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a family, or preparing a dish to bring to a potluck, this one always earns rave reviews. Let’s dive in and see how easy it is to make this Southern-inspired favorite right in your own kitchen.
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Ingredients
For the main dish:
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6 slices crispy bacon
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1 large head of cabbage, shredded
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large onion, cubed
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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1 carrot (optional, sliced or shredded for extra sweetness and color)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Begin by placing the strips of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow them to cook slowly until they turn golden and crispy. The rendered bacon fat is the secret flavor booster of this recipe, so don’t discard it. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan, place it on paper towels to drain excess grease, and chop into small bits.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the minced garlic and cubed onion. Stir frequently over medium heat until they become soft, translucent, and aromatic. This is where the flavor base of the dish really begins.
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Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Now it’s time to bring in the cabbage. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring it into the garlic and onion mixture. Don’t worry if the skillet seems crowded—cabbage shrinks down as it cooks. Let it sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and caramelize around the edges.
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Step 4: Season Generously
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. These seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of the cabbage while adding layers of depth. If you’re adding carrots, toss them in now.
Step 5: Reintroduce the Bacon
Return the chopped bacon to the skillet and stir everything together. For extra tenderness, pour in about ½ cup of water or chicken broth, cover the skillet, and let it steam for 3–5 minutes. This ensures the cabbage is soft while still retaining a little bite.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the lid, allow any excess liquid to cook off, and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
Tips & Variations
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Vegetarian twist: Skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter. Add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
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Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Add protein: Toss in sliced kielbasa, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even pan-seared shrimp for a one-pan meal.
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Caramelization magic: For deeper flavor, let the cabbage sit undisturbed in the skillet for 2–3 minutes before stirring to get those golden-brown edges.
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Make it creamy: A splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream stirred in at the end gives this dish a rich, velvety twist.
Storage
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve texture.
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Freezer: Not recommended, as cabbage tends to lose its crunch after thawing.
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Meal prep tip: Chop the cabbage, onion, and garlic ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days, so you can make this recipe quickly on busy nights.
Time & Yield
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Servings: 4–6
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Custom Time (Cooling/Resting): 5 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Tools Used
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Large skillet or cast-iron pan
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Cutting board and chef’s knife
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring spoons
FAQs about Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Garlic & Onion
1. Can I make Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Garlic & Onion ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat in a skillet before serving. Just don’t overcook the cabbage during the first cooking so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.
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2. What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is the classic choice, but Savoy or even red cabbage can work if you want a colorful twist.
3. Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Absolutely! While pork bacon gives a richer flavor, turkey bacon keeps the dish lighter and still adds smokiness.
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4. What can I serve Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Garlic & Onion alongside?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a slice of cornbread. You can also serve it as a side to hearty soups like Creamy Mushroom Soup or keep it light with a fresh Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad.
Final Thoughts
Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Garlic & Onion is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. With its balance of smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and flavorful garlic and onions, it’s a dish that satisfies both as a side and as a main course.
The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is—dress it up with spices, keep it simple and classic, or even transform it into a full meal with added protein. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home, no matter how you prepare it.
If you’re craving more inspiration, don’t miss exploring Delish’s fried cabbage recipes for creative variations and ideas to keep this classic fresh and exciting.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Garlic & Onion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove, drain, and crumble into small pieces.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, add garlic and onion. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Add water or broth, cover, and let steam for 3–5 minutes.
- Return the chopped bacon to the skillet and mix well.
- Continue cooking until liquid evaporates and cabbage is tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
