Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Updated Feb 18, 2026, Published Feb 29, 2020
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Simple Comfort with Big Flavor
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s equal parts cozy, savory, and effortless, fried cabbage with bacon is hard to beat. It’s one of those humble recipes that proves simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. With smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and just a touch of sweetness and tang, every bite feels comforting and satisfying.
Even better, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a reliable addition to a hearty meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dish
First, it’s wonderfully simple. With just a handful of ingredients and one skillet, you can have a warm, flavorful side on the table in under 30 minutes.
At the same time, the flavor is anything but basic. The richness of bacon infuses the cabbage as it cooks, while a hint of sweetness and acidity balances everything beautifully. As a result, you get a dish that tastes layered and comforting without requiring extra effort.
What Makes Fried Cabbage So Good
The magic of this recipe comes from cooking the cabbage in bacon drippings. As the cabbage softens, it absorbs all that smoky flavor, turning tender with lightly caramelized edges. Meanwhile, onions add natural sweetness and depth, creating a savory base that feels both rustic and satisfying.
A small touch of sugar enhances the cabbage’s natural sweetness, and a splash of vinegar brightens the entire dish, preventing it from feeling heavy.
Perfect for Everyday Meals
Because it pairs so well with a variety of mains, this dish fits seamlessly into your regular rotation. Serve it alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or sausages, and you instantly have a complete, comforting plate.
It’s also a great option when you want something budget-friendly yet still packed with flavor. Cabbage is affordable, hearty, and holds up beautifully during cooking, making it a dependable ingredient to keep on hand.
Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture
Cook the bacon until crisp so it adds both texture and smoky depth.
Avoid overcooking the cabbage — it should be tender but still slightly structured.
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning to balance savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Serve warm for the most comforting experience.
Easy Variations
You can easily customize this dish depending on your preferences. Add garlic for extra savoriness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat, or even a splash of broth for a softer texture.
If you’d like to make it a main dish, simply toss in smoked sausage or leftover roasted meat for a heartier option.
The Bottom Line
Fried cabbage with bacon is the definition of simple comfort food. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and packed with rich, savory flavor that feels like home cooking at its best.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a larger spread, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
Shrimp & Cucumber Leprechaun Bites
Gluten Free Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe
Slow-Roasted Salmon with Dill Horseradish Sauce
Gluten Free Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bacon
- 1 sweet onion, – diced
- 1 small head cabbage, – cored and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, – to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a deep skillet over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon from skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about ¼ cup drippings in the skillet.
- Add diced onions to the reserved hot bacon drippings in the pan. Cook over medium heat. Once onions are translucent, add the cabbage and cook for about 3 minutes. Add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to the pan and sauté until cabbage is softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Crumble bacon over cabbage and continue cooking until bacon is warmed, another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
