There are some dishes that just embody comfort, simplicity, and incredible flavor, and Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is absolutely one of them. This humble, yet incredibly satisfying, side dish (or light meal!) is a Southern classic for good reason. It’s savory, a little smoky, perfectly tender, and packed with aromatic goodness. The magic truly happens when the crispy bacon renders its fat, creating a flavorful base for the sweet sautéed onions and pungent garlic, which then perfectly mingle with the tender-crisp cabbage. It’s a dish that warms the soul and satisfies the palate, all with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients, when cooked with a little care, can create something truly extraordinary. I love this fried cabbage because it’s incredibly versatile and surprisingly quick to make. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a flavorful vegetable side, but it’s also robust enough to stand on its own as a lighter meal.

The combination of textures – the tender cabbage, the crisp bacon, and the slightly softened onions – is incredibly appealing. And the flavor profile is just divine: the saltiness and smokiness of the bacon, the sweetness of the onion, the pungent kick of garlic, all against the subtle earthiness of the cabbage. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up a head of cabbage sitting in your fridge, transforming it into something everyone will rave about.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and comforting fried cabbage:

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 4-6 cups once chopped)
• 4-6 slices of bacon, chopped (thick-cut works great for more drippings)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Cabbage: Green cabbage is traditional, but you could use a mix of green and red cabbage for a pop of color.
• Bacon: Any type of bacon will work, but a good quality, smoky bacon will impart the most flavor. Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter option, but you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan since it won’t render as much fat.
• Onion: Yellow or white onions are perfect here. Red onion could work but might offer a stronger, more pungent flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor. Garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon), but fresh is superior.
• Seasoning: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle heat. A dash of apple cider vinegar at the very end can also brighten the flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: A sprinkle of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky notes from the bacon.

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Instructions

Getting this flavorful fried cabbage from your kitchen to your plate is wonderfully straightforward:

1. Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast-iron skillet is ideal for this) over medium heat. Cook until the bacon turns beautifully crispy and most of its fat has rendered out. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels (to drain excess grease). Crucially, leave the bacon drippings in the skillet. This is where a significant part of your flavor comes from!
2. Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the sliced onion. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic with the softened onions. Cook for just another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Toss in Cabbage and Season: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It might seem like a lot at first, but it will cook down significantly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine the cabbage with the onions, garlic, and bacon drippings.
5. Cook the Cabbage: Let the cabbage cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender-crisp or as tender as you prefer. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes. You want it softened but still with a little bite. If the pan seems dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth to help steam the cabbage and prevent sticking.
6. Combine and Serve: Finally, return the reserved crispy bacon to the skillet with the cooked cabbage. Stir everything together to combine the bacon throughout the dish. Serve this delicious Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic hot, either as a standalone light meal or as a fantastic side.

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Pro Tips

• Don’t Drain All the Drippings: The bacon fat is essential for flavor! If you have an excessive amount, you can remove a tablespoon or two, but leave enough to coat the pan and cook the vegetables.
• Cut Cabbage Evenly: Chop your cabbage into roughly similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Adjust Tenderness: Cook the cabbage to your preferred texture. Some like it softer, while others prefer a bit more crunch.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper as you go, tasting and adjusting. Bacon is salty, so be mindful of additional salt.
• Use a Large Skillet: Cabbage takes up a lot of space initially, so a large skillet is a must to allow for proper sautéing.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to many meals.

• Side Dish: It’s an excellent side for roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple grilled sausage.
• Southern Feast: Pair it with other Southern comfort classics. You might love it alongside my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor for a truly hearty meal.
• Light Meal: It’s satisfying enough to be a light meal on its own, especially with a side of cornbread.
• Breakfast/Brunch: Serve it alongside scrambled eggs and toast for a savory breakfast.
• Complementary Dishes: Consider serving it with other comforting dishes like my These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays or as a side to a bowl of This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish reheats surprisingly well, making it great for meal prep.

• Storage: Store any leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can add a tablespoon of water or broth if it seems dry. It can also be microwaved, though it may lose a little crispness.
• Best Flavor: The flavors tend to meld and deepen a bit on the second day, making leftovers arguably even more delicious!

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the simple, hearty flavors of this fried cabbage, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes from Chef Maniac:

• For another fantastic one-pan meal, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you’re a fan of build-your-own style meals perfect for a crowd, don’t miss This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd.
• And for more Southern-inspired comfort, you’ll adore This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.

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Final Thoughts

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a testament to the power of simple, honest ingredients. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need fancy techniques or a long list of obscure items to create something truly delicious and comforting. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with savory flavor, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Give it a try, and let this humble cabbage dish surprise you with its incredible taste!

What are your favorite simple, savory side dishes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.