Crispy Bacon and Cabbage Skillet: A Hearty Southern-Style Side Dish
Savory Bacon and Cabbage Side Dish
Bacon and cabbage is a mouthwatering combination that elevates a simple veggie into a hearty comfort food favorite.
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Fried cabbage with bacon creates a delicious combo of flavors for a hearty side. Cooking it low and slow makes it melt-in-your-mouth irresistible.
Bacon and Cabbage Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
How to Cook Bacon and Cabbage
- Fry the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add sliced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Wilt the cabbage: Add sliced cabbage to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to coat with bacon drippings. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender (about 45–50 minutes).
- Combine and finish: Uncover the pan, increase heat to medium, and add the cooked bacon back in. Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes to crisp up the cabbage slightly.
- Serve hot: Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with extra black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Variations & Pro Tips
- Smoky twist: Swap half of the bacon for smoked ham or use kielbasa slices.
- Veggie boost: Stir in shredded carrots or chopped bell peppers during step 3.
- Make it vegan: Replace bacon with coconut bacon or smoked tempeh, and use olive oil instead of drippings.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Calories: 194 kcal
- Carbs: 16 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg
- Sodium: 1435 mg
Enjoy this classic bacon and cabbage side dish, perfect for cozy dinners or as a standout addition to any holiday spread featuring bacon and cabbage.
Credit: Original Recipe on Allrecipes
Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
Ingredients
Method
- Fry the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add sliced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Wilt the cabbage: Add sliced cabbage to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to coat with bacon drippings. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender (about 45–50 minutes).
- Combine and finish: Uncover the pan, increase heat to medium, and add the cooked bacon back in. Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes to crisp up the cabbage slightly.
- Serve hot: Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with extra black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
