Big flavor meets simple comfort in this fried cabbage with bacon recipe using just a handful of ingredients.

fried cabbage in a bowl with a spoon

Holly’s Recipe Highlights

  • Flavor: Cabbage, onion, and garlic are cooked in bacon grease, along with a touch of apple cider vinegar, for smoky, tangy, and savory goodness in every bite.
  • Budget Tip: Cabbage has always been my go-to budget-friendly ingredient, stretching meals without ever skimping on flavor.
  • Skill Level: This easy, no-fuss recipe is perfect for any skill level. I’ve been making it for years because it’s always reliably delicious.
  • Serving suggestions:  I love serving this alongside grilled or roasted meats, like pan-seared pork chops or salmon, for an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.
labelled ingredients for fried cabbage with bacon

Pantry Staple Ingredients

  • Cabbage & Onions: Use a firm head of green cabbage. Yellow or white cooking onions are pleasantly pungent and are the best choice for this dish.
  • Bacon: Any variety of cured pork, beef, or turkey bacon will give this dish its signature smoky taste. Add in or substitute chorizo, leftover ham, or sausage if you prefer.
  • Garlic & Seasonings: Use fresh chopped or crushed garlic cloves for the best flavor, or garlic powder if that’s all you have. Add herbal notes with a garlic herb blend, a touch of heat with southwest seasoning, or deepen the flavor with smoked paprika.
adding cabbage to pan to make Fried Cabbage with Bacon

How to Make Fried Cabbage With Bacon

  1. Fry bacon and set aside, reserving some of the drippings (full recipe below).
  2. In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic.
  3. Add cabbage to the pan, cover, and cook.
  4. Stir in cider vinegar and bacon.

Holly’s Tips for Perfect Texture

  • Chop cabbage into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • To save time, use a bag of preshredded cabbage. The cooking time may need to be reduced.
  • Keep the lid handy. Covering the cabbage while it cooks will help steam and moisten it. If the cabbage seems a little dry while cooking, add a splash of broth.
  • Fry the cabbage and onion a bit longer to caramelize the edges. Uncover the pan near the end to help cabbage become extra brown.
plating Fried Cabbage with Bacon

How to Store and Reheat

  • Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Skillet cabbage freezes well. Store in a freezer container or freezer bags for 8-9 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave (short bursts until it is warmed through).
  • Leftovers are great served with morning eggs or tossed into low-carb bowls.

Cozy Low Carb Sides

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fried cabbage in a bowl with a spoon
5 from 6 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This fried cabbage with bacon recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Holly

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 cups cabbage chopped in 1" pieces
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • In a 12" skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and set on a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add onion to the pan. Cook until onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  • Add cabbage, cover and cook stirring occasionally until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Stir in apple cider vinegar and add bacon back to pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Chop cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking.  
  • Leftovers may be kept in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 4 days.
  • Fried cabbage with bacon can be stored in the freezer, in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 8-9 months. Thaw before reheating.
  • Leftovers can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. 
5 from 6 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American

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About the author

At Easy Low Carb® we believe that every meal should be full of big bold flavor! From amazing main dishes and simple sides to the best party snacks, reducing carbs doesn’t mean giving up your favorites!
See more posts by Holly

5 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Tried this recipe last night. My husband LOVED it and the kids liked it too. Win! Win! We didn’t have much for left overs, but my husband did scam those this morning for breakfast and said it was still amazing. We had it with burgers and I thought is was a good pairing.