Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic 🥬🥓 Southern Flavor in Every Bite
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic recipe is a down-home dish that delivers big on flavor with simple ingredients. Crispy bacon, sweet onions, aromatic garlic, and tender cabbage come together in one skillet for a savory side that pairs perfectly with any hearty meal. It’s a Southern staple for good reason—every bite is packed with flavor, texture, and nostalgia.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s everything I want in a comfort dish: warm, satisfying, and full of umami. The crispy bacon adds smoky richness, while the cabbage becomes silky and slightly caramelized as it cooks. Garlic and onion round it out with depth and sweetness. Best of all, it all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 4–6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Keep the drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the Onion: Add sliced onions to the hot drippings. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the Cabbage: Toss in the chopped cabbage. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to coat everything in the bacon fat and aromatics.
- Simmer & Soften: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and just starting to brown.
- Finish & Serve: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the bacon fat: It’s what infuses the cabbage with rich, smoky flavor.
- Slice the cabbage evenly to ensure it cooks at the same rate.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Turn it into a main dish: Add sliced sausage or serve over rice.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish pairs perfectly with other hearty Southern and comfort-food favorites like:
- Easy Turkey Wings for a full soul food spread
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage for a cozy one-two punch
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a comfort-meets-fiesta pairing
- Baked Brie Appetizer for a classy contrast
- Walking Taco Bar when serving a casual, build-your-own dinner
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts.
- Freeze: Not recommended—cabbage can become mushy when thawed.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more comforting, bold-flavored dishes? Check out:
- Easy Turkey Wings – slow-cooked and succulent
- Tomato Skillet with Okra – quick and packed with flavor
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – ideal for big family dinners
Final Thoughts
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is more than a side—it’s a flavorful celebration of simple ingredients done right. From weeknight meals to family dinners, this dish delivers that warm, cozy feeling every time.
✨ Love this recipe? Let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment or tag @chefmaniacrecipes on Instagram to share your skillet masterpiece.
Leave a Reply