Fried cabbage with bacon is a simple yet delicious side dish that packs a punch of flavor with minimal ingredients. This comforting and hearty dish pairs the mild, slightly sweet taste of cabbage with the savory, crispy goodness of bacon, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether served as a side to your favorite main course or enjoyed as a light meal on its own, fried cabbage with bacon is sure to satisfy your cravings.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Bacon is cooked until crispy, releasing its rich, smoky flavor, which then infuses the cabbage as it’s sautéed. The cabbage wilts down, absorbing the bacon drippings and transforming into a tender, flavorful side. A touch of onion or garlic can be added for extra depth, while seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika provide the perfect finishing touches. The bacon adds a delightful crunch and saltiness, balancing the softness of the cabbage.
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main courses. It complements meats like pork, chicken, and sausage, and can be served alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or even on top of cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal. The combination of flavors makes fried cabbage with bacon an ideal accompaniment to comfort food or a hearty dinner.
What makes fried cabbage with bacon even more appealing is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cabbage or bacon, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Whether you’re new to cabbage or a longtime fan, this fried cabbage with bacon is a must-try recipe that brings a comforting, flavorful side to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon cut into small pieces
- 1 head cabbage chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease. Add chopped cabbage, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking until cabbage is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the cabbage. Serve warm.
This recipe is so simple but oh so delicious! The bacon adds just the right amount of flavor. My family loved it!
I can’t believe how easy this was! My picky kids cleaned their plates! Thanks for sharing!
Easy recipe but what if I don’t have bacon? Can I use ham instead? Asking for a friend.
This was super delicious! I added some garlic and it took it to the next level. Definitely making this again!
Interesting! I always thought fried cabbage was a country dish. Nice to see it here.
Good recipe but I added some garlic. Made it 100% better!
This was so good—crispy bacon + tender cabbage is the perfect combo. I cooked mine closer to 12 minutes and it turned out great.
YUM!! Just what I was looking for, thank you! My family loved it!
Bacon n cabbage? YUM! My kids loved it too, can’t believe they ate their veggies.
This recipe is so simple and delicious! The bacon makes everything better!
I dunno, seems a bit plain. Cabbage and bacon? Kind of odd combo, don’t you think?
Totally agree! Bacon really does make everything taste better. I love how easy this recipe is too!
Fried cabbage is good, but I liked my grandma’s recipe better. Not enough bacon flavor! 😩
Yum—this is exactly the comfort food I needed. The bacon grease really makes the cabbage taste way richer. I added a tiny splash of vinegar at the end and it popped!
This recipe is amazing! The bacon adds such a great flavor to the cabbage. Will definitely make again!
So good. 😍 I added some red pepper flakes for a kick! Perfect side dish.
Looks easy but I dunno about the cabbage. Isn’t it kinda mushy?
That sounds delicious! I’ve never thought of adding red pepper flakes. I’ll try it next time!
Yummyyyyy! My kids loved it, and that’s saying something. 😍
5 stars! So easy and fast! I added some garlic and red pepper flakes.
I tried this, and honestly, it was just okay. Needed something more… like maybe some garlic or onions?
I totally agree! Garlic or onions would really amp up the flavor! It’s a good start but could be better for sure.
Tried it but my cabbage was mushy…maybe I cooked it too long?
I wasn’t sure about the combination, but it turned out pretty good! Little salty for me though.
This made my kitchen smell amazing. I’m not even a cabbage person and I went back for seconds. 10/10 for flavor, low effort.
I thought it would be bland, but the flavors came together nicely! Will make again!
Just made this for lunch, and it’s GOOOOD!!! 😋
Not a fan… too much grease for my taste. Maybe less bacon next time?
Seems easy enough but I hate cabbage. Anyone else try it with kale?
Eh, it was okay. Cabbage is cabbage, you know? Not sure why people rave about it.
I totally disagree! Fried cabbage with bacon is the best! It’s all about how you cook it. You gotta try it again with more spices!
I mean, cabbage is whatever. But bacon makes anything better, right? It was fine but nothing fancy.
Not my favorite, cabbage was too mushy. Might just stick with frozen veggies next time.
Flavor is solid, but I should’ve chopped the cabbage smaller. Mine stayed a bit chewy. Still tasty though.
Too much grease! It sittin’ heavy in my stomach. Next time I’ll bake the bacon, I think.
lol this is just glorified cabbage. You sure it’s worth the bacon? Seems overhyped.
Eh, it was ok. I didn’t have any bacon so used ham… not the same y’know. But still edible.
Using ham instead of bacon? That’s a bold choice! But I get it, sometimes you gotta work with what you have. 🤷♂️
I can’t believe ppl like cabbage🤮. Not my thing. I give this 1 star only because I had to.
Eh, it’s okay. I expected more wow factor. The flavor is good, but it felt kinda one-note. Next time I’ll throw in onions or a splash of vinegar.
This was amazing! So simple but so tasty. The bacon really makes it pop!
I think the bacon is too much. Cabbage should be the star, not just a sidekick!
I totally agree! Cabbage deserves more love. Bacon can be a bit overpowering!
This is goood! I’m making it again for dinner. 😋
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about cooking cabbage with just oil + salt/pepper. But it surprised me—pretty good, though I would add garlic.
Totally get the skepticism—cabbage can taste kinda flat if it’s under-seasoned. But the bacon grease makes it way better than just oil. Garlic would be 🔥 though.
Honestly, I don’t see what the fuss is about. Tasted alright, but nothing special. 🤷♂️
I just didn’t think it’d be this good. Cabbage with bacon??? Who knew! Going into my regular meals now.
Way way too simple. I mean, just fryin’ stuff? Kinda boring. Where’s the seasoning or sauces?
The instructions are simple, which I love, but I overcooked my cabbage—next time I’ll pull it closer to 8-10 minutes.
I didn’t have olive oil, used butter instead. Tasted richer, maybe a little too rich, but my husband devoured it.
Pretty good, but I wish it had more seasoning ideas. Like, where’s the onion or smoked paprika? Bacon is great, but it needs more going on.
I liked it, but next time I’ll reduce the salt. My cabbage felt a little too salty with the bacon too. Still a great base recipe though.
I didn’t have olive oil so I used butter—still tasted amazing. The cabbage got nice and soft without being mushy.
Just made this and it was too salty for me. Maybe less salt next time?
What? Too salty? I didn’t have that problem at all, maybe you used more salt than the recipe says? Gotta follow it!
Yeah, I agree! Less salt could make it better! Sometimes recipes are a bit off. Thanks for the tip!
This was kinda bland until I added extra pepper and a tiny splash of vinegar at the end. Then it popped.
I was skeptical about “fried” cabbage, but it actually browns a little and tastes way more flavorful than plain boiled cabbage. Would add a pinch of garlic next time.
5 stars for the name alone 😄 Seriously though, the skillet smell was amazing. Super quick, minimal ingredients, and it tastes like you tried—when you really didn’t.
Haha love this 😄 That’s exactly the vibe we were going for—cozy skillet smell, simple stuff, and somehow it tastes way “effortful” even though it’s quick. Thanks for the 5 stars!
Super comforting. I added a pinch of garlic powder and it tasted like something I’d order from a diner.
I don’t eat bacon, thought it was weird. Can I use tofu instead? Asking for my vegan friends.
Tofu could work, but it won’t taste the same as bacon. Maybe try adding some soy sauce for flavor?
I’m more of a “no bacon” person, but my husband loved this. I swapped in smoked paprika and a little olive oil and it was still flavorful. Might work for non-meat days too.
I tried this and my kids actually ate the cabbage! Miracle recipe right here!
Made this tonight—so good. The bacon grease really seasons the cabbage and the 10–12 minutes is spot on for tender-crisp.
I was skeptical at first. Cabbage with bacon? But wow, it actually works! Good job!
Don’t you think this is kinda unhealthy? Bacon every day? No thanks.
You forgot to mention how to cut the cabbage! I mean, what’s a chop? Just rip it apart?
I don’t get the hype. Bacon is good, sure, but cabbage is still cabbage. 2/5 at first bite, 3/5 after salt.
I used turkey bacon instead. Still delicious! Everyone loved it.
Good comfort food, but I might reduce the salt next time. My cabbage was a little too salty with the bacon.
Same here! My cabbage came out kinda salty, and I followed the recipe exactly. Next time I’ll cut the salt in half for sure.
Totally agree—bacon can be salty enough on its own. I’ve started using less salt or even skipping it until I taste at the end.
Kinda bland for me unless you add extra pepper. Also I accidentally chopped the cabbage too thick so it took longer than 12 minutes.
I followed the steps, but I think my skillet was too crowded. The cabbage steamed instead of frying for a bit, so it took longer. Fixable!