🥓 Crispy Bacon + Tender Cabbage

Crispy Bacon + Tender Cabbage is a simple, hearty dish made with golden bacon, tender cabbage, onions, and flavorful seasonings. The cabbage cooks in the delicious bacon drippings, giving every bite a rich, savory flavor while the bacon adds a satisfying crispy texture.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, grilled steak, or simply a fried egg for an easy meal.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 large head green cabbage, about 2 pounds
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter, optional
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, optional

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage.

Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the tough core.

Slice the cabbage into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Rinse and drain thoroughly.

2. Cook the Bacon

Place a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped bacon and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Continue cooking until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer about half of the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.

Leave the remaining bacon and approximately 2–3 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.

3. Cook the Onion

Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and lightly golden.

If the pan seems dry, add a small amount of butter.

4. Add the Garlic

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds.

Stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.

5. Add the Cabbage

Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet.

It may look like there is too much cabbage at first, but it will quickly shrink as it cooks.

Toss the cabbage with the bacon, onions, and garlic until well combined.

6. Season

Sprinkle over the:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes

Add the Worcestershire sauce if using.

Pour in the chicken broth or water.

Stir everything together.

7. Cook Until Tender

Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes.

Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.

For cabbage that is tender but still slightly crisp, cook closer to 10 minutes.

For very soft, melt-in-your-mouth cabbage, cook for approximately 15–20 minutes.

8. Add the Vinegar

Remove the lid and stir in the apple cider vinegar.

The small amount of acidity helps balance the richness of the bacon and brings out the flavor of the cabbage.

Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes.

Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

9. Finish With Crispy Bacon

Turn off the heat.

Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the cabbage.

For the best texture, add the reserved bacon right before serving so it stays crunchy.

⭐ Tips for the Best Bacon and Cabbage

Use thick-cut bacon. It provides plenty of crispy pieces and flavorful drippings.

Don’t throw away all the bacon grease. The cabbage absorbs the savory flavor while cooking.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is small, add the cabbage in batches.

Don’t overcook the cabbage if you like texture. Ten to fifteen minutes is usually enough for tender cabbage with some bite.

Add vinegar at the end. It brightens the dish without overpowering the bacon flavor.

Reserve some bacon for topping. Mixing all the bacon into the cabbage can make it lose its crispiness.

🌶️ Flavor Variations

Spicy Bacon Cabbage

Add ½–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Southern-Style Bacon Cabbage

Add a little extra black pepper and smoked paprika. Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

Garlic Butter Cabbage

Add an extra tablespoon of butter near the end of cooking and increase the garlic to 4 cloves.

Cheesy Bacon Cabbage

After cooking, sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the hot cabbage. Cover for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.

Keto Bacon Cabbage

The basic recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates. Use a keto-friendly chicken broth and check the ingredients of Worcestershire sauce if strict carb counting is important.

🍳 Make It a Complete Meal

Turn this side dish into a filling meal by adding:

• Fried eggs
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Cooked sausage
• Ground beef
• Leftover roast pork
• Diced chicken
• Shredded cheddar cheese

For a quick dinner, simply stir cooked sausage into the cabbage during the final few minutes of cooking.

🍽️ What to Serve With Bacon Cabbage

This dish pairs especially well with:

• Roasted chicken
• Grilled steak
• Pork chops
• Meatloaf
• Fried chicken
• Roasted pork
• Sausage
• Grilled chicken
• Cornbread
• Mashed potatoes

🧊 Storage

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.

If possible, reserve extra crispy bacon separately and add it after reheating.

❄️ Freezing

Cooked cabbage can be frozen, although the texture may become softer after thawing.

Allow it to cool completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the bacon, broth, and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage?

Yes. Red cabbage works well, although it has a slightly different flavor and will give the dish a beautiful purple color.

Can I make this without onions?

Absolutely. Simply leave them out and add a little extra garlic or your favorite seasoning.

Why is my cabbage watery?

Cabbage naturally releases water as it cooks. If there is too much liquid, remove the lid and cook uncovered for several minutes until the excess liquid evaporates.

How do I keep the bacon crispy?

Cook some of the bacon separately and sprinkle it over the cabbage immediately before serving.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes, although turkey bacon usually produces less fat than pork bacon. You may need to add a little butter or cooking oil when sautéing the cabbage.

Final Tip

For the perfect combination of textures, cook the cabbage until tender but don’t overcook it, and save some crispy bacon for the very end. The result is savory, buttery, slightly tangy cabbage with crunchy bacon in every bite.