Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon

Southern Comfort Food at Its Finest

There’s something deeply comforting about a big skillet of Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon — it’s the kind of simple, hearty dish that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and brings everyone running to the table.

This Southern-style side (or main dish, honestly!) combines crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and tender cabbage sautéed together until everything is perfectly golden and flavorful. It’s smoky, savory, and just a little bit sweet — the ultimate comfort food that turns humble ingredients into pure magic.

Whether you serve it with cornbread, roasted chicken, or a simple pot of rice, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 large head of green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 8 cups)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but highly recommended)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for brightness, optional)
Tip: Choose a fresh, firm cabbage with bright green leaves. The fresher the cabbage, the sweeter and more tender it’ll be after frying.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

Add the chopped bacon and cook until it turns golden brown and crispy — about 6–8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Leave about 2–3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet; this will be the base of all that amazing flavor.

Pro Tip: Don’t throw away that bacon grease! It adds a rich, smoky depth that butter alone can’t match.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced onions. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to caramelize around the edges.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds — just until fragrant.

Optional: For a richer flavor, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of butter here.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet in batches (it may seem like a lot at first, but it will cook down quickly). Stir well to coat the cabbage in the bacon fat and onion mixture.

Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if you want a little spice.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt and soften.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Tender

Remove the lid and continue to cook uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. You want the edges of the cabbage to caramelize slightly for that perfect “fried” flavor.

If the cabbage starts sticking, you can add a splash of water or a bit more bacon grease to loosen things up.

Optional: Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra richness and gloss.

Step 5: Add Bacon and Finish

Once the cabbage is tender and beautifully golden, stir the cooked bacon back into the pan.

If you’d like a touch of acidity to balance the richness, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and toss well.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — a little extra salt or black pepper goes a long way.

Serve warm, straight from the skillet!

Serving Suggestions

This Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon is versatile — it works beautifully as a side or even a main dish.

Here are some delicious pairings:

With cornbread and pinto beans for a true Southern meal.
Alongside roasted or grilled meats like pork chops, sausage, or chicken.
Over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty comfort bowl.
With eggs for a flavorful breakfast skillet.
It’s even better the next day — the flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze fried cabbage for up to 2 months — just let it cool completely first.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Tip: Add a small pat of butter or drizzle of bacon grease when reheating to refresh the flavors.

Variations

Southern Style: Add diced smoked sausage or ham for a full meal.
Low-Carb Twist: Skip the onions and add extra garlic and peppers.
Vegan Version: Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of bacon fat and top with smoked paprika for flavor.
Sweet & Savory: Add a teaspoon of brown sugar while frying the onions to highlight the cabbage’s natural sweetness.
Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.

Pro Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage

Use a big skillet: Cabbage needs space to fry and caramelize instead of steaming.
Don’t overcook: You want the cabbage tender but still a little crisp at the edges.
Add salt gradually: Cabbage shrinks as it cooks — wait until the end to finish seasoning.
Mix up the texture: Leave some cabbage pieces slightly browned for extra flavor.
Balance the flavors: A small splash of vinegar at the end makes the dish pop!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this without bacon?
A: Yes! Substitute 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil and add a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor.

Q: What type of cabbage works best?
A: Green cabbage is traditional, but you can use Savoy or even red cabbage for color variation.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely — bell peppers, carrots, or diced potatoes are delicious additions.

Q: How do I prevent soggy cabbage?
A: Use a large pan and avoid covering for too long. The key is letting some moisture evaporate so it fries instead of steams.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
Ready in under 30 minutes.
Packed with flavor from bacon, onions, and spices.
A perfect mix of crispy, smoky, and tender textures.
Comforting enough for dinner, yet easy enough for a weeknight side.

Final Thoughts

Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something absolutely mouthwatering.

With its smoky bacon flavor, soft-sweet onions, and perfectly caramelized cabbage, this dish is the definition of home-style comfort. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable — a must-have recipe for anyone who loves Southern classics or easy one-pan meals.

Serve it straight from the skillet, and watch it disappear in minutes — because when cabbage meets bacon, good things happen.