On busy school nights, this was the dish that magically appeared on the table next to roasted chicken or pork chops. It was simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Even now, every time I make Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onions, I feel like I’m passing down a tiny piece of that warmth to my own family.
This recipe has become my go-to when I need something quick, budget-friendly, and unbelievably flavorful. Whether you’re looking for an easy fried cabbage recipe for dinner, a comforting holiday side dish, or a cheesy cabbage side dish to feed a crowd, this dish fits beautifully into any meal.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why this humble skillet recipe has stood the test of time in kitchens everywhere.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium head green cabbagecored and sliced (about 6–7 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter if needed
- ½ teaspoon salt more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakesoptional
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegaroptional, for brightness
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add the sliced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced cabbage to the pan. If the skillet seems dry, add the olive oil or butter.
- Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Stir the bacon back into the pan and drizzle with apple cider vinegar if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add the sliced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced cabbage to the pan. If the skillet seems dry, add the olive oil or butter.
- Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Stir the bacon back into the pan and drizzle with apple cider vinegar if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.