🥬 Would Anyone Eat This? Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
(Spoiler: YES. They would. And they’d go back for seconds. 🔥)
This hearty Southern-inspired dish is soul food comfort on a plate — savory, smoky, garlicky, and ultra-satisfying. It turns humble cabbage into something totally crave-worthy with crispy bacon, caramelized onion, and punchy garlic. Here’s the full guide:
📝 Full Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion & Garlic
🧂 Ingredients:
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 large head of cabbage (cored and sliced into thin ribbons)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or a splash of hot sauce for kick
🔥 Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Do not drain the bacon fat — that’s flavor gold.
- Sauté the Onion & Garlic:
- In the same skillet with bacon grease, add sliced onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it!).
- Add the Cabbage:
- Toss in the sliced cabbage. Stir well to coat in the bacon fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook uncovered, stirring often, for 10–15 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and lightly caramelized.
- Finish & Serve:
- Crumble the reserved bacon and stir it into the cabbage.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce if desired.
- Serve hot as a side or main dish.
🍽️ Servings:
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
🧠 Notes & Tips:
- Don’t skimp on the fat. The bacon grease is essential for flavor — it’s what makes this dish sing.
- Use green cabbage for classic flavor and texture, but feel free to mix in red cabbage or savoy for variety.
- Make it a meal: Add sliced sausage, diced potatoes, or even a fried egg on top to turn this into a one-pan dinner.
- Vinegar Brightness: A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end balances the richness.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – approx. 1 cup):
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–220 kcal |
| Fat | 14–18g |
| Protein | 6–8g |
| Carbs | 8–10g |
| Fiber | 3–4g |
| Sodium | ~400mg (varies by bacon & salt use) |
Note: Use turkey bacon or reduce added salt for a lighter version.
🌿 Health Benefits
- 🥬 Cabbage is a cruciferous powerhouse – rich in vitamins C & K, antioxidants, and fiber.
- 🧄 Garlic & onion support heart health and immune function.
- 🥓 Bacon provides protein and flavor, but feel free to use less or sub turkey bacon for a leaner dish.
- 🧠 Low-carb & keto-friendly – great for those cutting carbs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze fried cabbage?
A: Technically, yes, but texture may suffer. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: You can! Use olive oil or butter in place of bacon fat, and add smoked paprika for that smoky vibe.
Q: Why does my cabbage get soggy?
A: Overcooking or covering the pan can cause it to steam. Keep the lid off and stir occasionally to sauté, not steam.
Q: Is it spicy?
A: Not by default, but adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce gives it a great kick.
🤤 Final Thoughts:
So… Would anyone eat this Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic?
HECK YES. It’s easy, cheap, filling, and packed with flavor. Perfect as a side with pork chops, roast chicken, or even on its own.
Want me to turn this into a printable PDF recipe card or give you a meal prep variation?