Description
A delicious Southern-style dish featuring fried cabbage with crispy bacon, onions, and garlic, perfect as a side or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water, if needed
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, cut it into quarters, remove the core, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and drain thoroughly.
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 6–8 minutes until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
- Cook the onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage in batches if necessary. Toss well to coat with the bacon grease, onions, and garlic.
- Season: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the butter and toss everything together.
- Cook until tender: Cover the skillet and cook for 5 minutes to help the cabbage soften. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender with lightly browned edges. Add a little chicken broth or water if the pan becomes too dry.
- Add the bacon: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and mix well.
- Finish with vinegar: Drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cabbage and toss to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook the cabbage in batches if necessary.
- Leave some bacon grease in the pan for authentic smoky flavor.
- Avoid overcooking if you prefer cabbage with a little bite.
- For deeper caramelization, cook uncovered during the final few minutes.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance the richness.
- For a heartier version, add sliced smoked sausage or diced ham.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg