When it comes to comfort food, there’s something undeniably satisfying about a dish that’s both simple and full of flavor. One such dish is fried cabbage with bacon. The crispy, salty goodness of bacon combined with the tender crunch of sautéed cabbage makes for a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds me of family dinners, where the smell of bacon frying would fill the house, signaling that something amazing was about to be served. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a side dish for a gathering, this fried cabbage with bacon recipe is a winner.
What is Fried Cabbage with Bacon?
Fried cabbage with bacon is a simple and savory dish that pairs the mild flavor of cabbage with the rich, salty taste of crispy bacon. The cabbage is sautéed in a pan until it’s tender but still retains a bit of its natural crunch, while the bacon adds a crispy texture and depth of flavor. This dish is typically seasoned with a few basic ingredients like garlic, onion, and pepper to enhance its natural flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to nearly any main dish.
While fried cabbage with bacon is often associated with Southern cuisine in the United States, it’s also popular in many other parts of the world. From Ireland to Germany, cabbage is a staple vegetable, and its versatility makes it a great base for a variety of dishes. But when you add bacon, it takes the dish to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This
There are so many reasons to love this fried cabbage with bacon recipe! First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Second, it’s versatile enough to be served as a side dish or even a main course when paired with a protein like grilled chicken or pork.
But perhaps the best part? It’s one of those dishes that everyone can agree on. The salty, crispy bacon contrasts beautifully with the tender cabbage, and the flavors meld together in a way that makes it almost impossible to stop eating. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
It’s also a fantastic choice for families. If you have picky eaters at home, the bacon and simple seasoning will likely win them over. And if you’re short on time, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 6 strips of bacon
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon. In a large skillet or frying pan, add the strips of bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. This will take about 5–7 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once it cools slightly, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pan, with the bacon grease still in the skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage to the pan, stirring it gently to coat it with the bacon grease, onions, and garlic. Cook the cabbage over medium heat for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts down and becomes tender but still retains a little crunch.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Bacon
Season the cabbage with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, if using. Then pour in the chicken broth to help the cabbage soften and infuse it with flavor. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the cabbage is tender and flavorful, stir in the crumbled bacon. Give everything a final toss and serve immediately.
What to Serve With
Fried cabbage with bacon pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Grilled meats: This dish complements grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak beautifully. The smoky bacon flavor in the cabbage adds depth to the richness of the meat.
- Potatoes: Serve this alongside mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even a baked potato for a hearty meal.
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to the cabbage and bacon, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Eggs: If you’re looking for a more breakfast-style dish, fried cabbage with bacon can be paired with scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top for a delicious brunch.
Top Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds extra texture and flavor to the dish. The crispy, chewy bacon pieces really stand out and give the cabbage a rich, savory flavor.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when you season the cabbage.
- Customize the cabbage: You can use other types of cabbage, such as napa or Savoy, for a slightly different texture or flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, go for napa cabbage.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover fried cabbage with bacon stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the texture may not be as crisp.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil or butter for sautéing. You can also add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to make the dish more hearty.
Can I freeze fried cabbage with bacon?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can freeze the cabbage before adding the bacon. Just cook the cabbage, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and then fry the bacon and combine it with the cabbage.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-shredded cabbage is a great shortcut. Just make sure to choose fresh cabbage to get the best texture and flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms for a more complex dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is definitely kid-friendly. The bacon and cabbage combination is generally a hit with children, and it’s easy to adjust the seasoning to suit their tastes.
Conclusion
Fried cabbage with bacon is a dish that’s not only full of flavor but also incredibly comforting. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make it a go-to recipe for busy home cooks, and its versatility ensures that it can complement nearly any meal. Best of all, it’s a dish that brings people together, much like the family dinners that inspired it.
So give this recipe a try it’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe
Kochutensilien
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan – For cooking the bacon and sautéing the cabbage.
- Knife and Cutting Board – To chop the cabbage, onion, and garlic.
- Tongs or Wooden Spoon – To stir the cabbage and bacon together.
Zutaten
- 6 strips of bacon
- 1 medium head of cabbage shredded
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
Anleitungen
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the bacon grease and sautéed onions. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender but still has some crunch.
- Season and Add Broth: Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (optional). Pour in the chicken broth, stir to combine, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the crumbled bacon. Toss everything together, then serve immediately.