🥬 Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
Description:
This down-home, Southern-style fried cabbage dish is cozy, savory, and packed with flavor. Crisp, smoky bacon pairs beautifully with caramelized onions, fragrant garlic, and tender cabbage. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect as a hearty side or even a full-on main dish.
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 4–6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- (Optional) Red pepper flakes for a little heat
- (Optional) Splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove it and set aside. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan (discard excess if needed). - Sauté Onion & Garlic
Add sliced onion to the bacon grease and cook until softened and slightly golden (about 4–5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. - Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage. Season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and starts to brown at the edges. - Add Bacon Back
Return the crispy bacon to the pan and mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning. Optional: add a dash of red pepper flakes or vinegar here. - Serve Hot
Serve warm as a hearty side dish or enjoy as a main meal with cornbread, rice, or potatoes.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves: 4 as a side, 2 as a main
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
✨ Tips & Notes:
- Want to go low-carb? This dish is keto-friendly and super filling on its own.
- For added richness, toss in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- You can swap in smoked sausage or ham if you don’t have bacon.
- A splash of vinegar helps brighten and balance the richness — apple cider vinegar is perfect.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving as a side, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 180–220 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Sodium: Varies based on bacon and added salt
Add more or less depending on bacon amount and any additions like butter or vinegar.
💪 Health Benefits:
- Cabbage: A cruciferous veggie rich in vitamin C, K, and antioxidants that support digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Garlic: Supports immune function and adds anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Onion: Offers prebiotic fiber and helps support heart health.
- Bacon (in moderation): Adds protein and flavor — balance with veggies makes it a win!
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It reheats well in a skillet or microwave. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Great alongside roasted potatoes, cornbread, grilled meats, or even on its own with a fried egg on top.
Q: Can I use red cabbage?
A: You can! It has a slightly different flavor and will bleed color, but it’s still delicious.
Q: How do I make it vegetarian?
A: Skip the bacon and sauté onions in butter or olive oil. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that savory depth.
Want a recipe card version or printable file? Or maybe a version with step-by-step images? Let me know!