Name: Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 medium green cabbage (cored and chopped); 4 slices bacon (chopped); 1 small yellow onion (sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

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If comfort food had a secret superhero, it would be this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe. With barely five simple ingredients and a moment or two of hands-on cooking, you’re rewarded with a skillet full of golden, buttery-soft cabbage and just enough bacon to keep things irresistible. Sweet caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and tender cabbage—every forkful is hearty but never heavy, perfect as a quick weeknight side or the main event with your favorite sausage. The Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe doesn’t just taste amazing—it turns everyday ingredients into a bowlful of Southern magic you’ll want to share (or honestly, keep all to yourself).

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe lies in just a handful of humble, flavor-packed ingredients. Each one brings something special—from smokiness and crunch to color and that perfect silky texture—so don’t skip out!

Green cabbage: Heart of the dish, it wilts down sweet and tender with a gentle bite.
Bacon: Adds smoky richness and those crispy bits everyone fights over.
Yellow onion: Sliced thin, it caramelizes in the bacon drippings and adds subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Two cloves, just enough for that garlicky warmth without overpowering.
Salt: A half teaspoon pulls out the cabbage’s sweet side and deepens every flavor.
Black pepper: Brings a gently spicy backbone, balancing bacon richness perfectly.
Smoked paprika (optional): A hint gives extra color and a whisper of smoky depth if you want it.
Apple cider vinegar (optional): Brightens up the whole skillet with a splash of tang at the end.

How to Make Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

First, grab your biggest, heaviest skillet and toss in the chopped bacon. Cook it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns beautifully crisp and golden. Once it hits that perfect level of crunch, scoop the bacon pieces out with a slotted spoon and set them on a paper towel to cool. But whatever you do, don’t drain that bacon grease! That’s liquid gold for what’s coming next.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the thinly sliced yellow onion straight into the gleaming skillet, right in all that savory bacon fat. Stir and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onions to soften and pick up a bit of caramel color at the edges—this is where that gentle hint of sweetness sneaks in.

Step 3: Bloom the Garlic

Sprinkle in your minced garlic. Stir it around with the onion for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s done when the kitchen suddenly smells twice as inviting. Be careful not to let the garlic brown—it should just release its aroma and mellow into the mix.

Step 4: Add and Season the Cabbage

Next up, pile the chopped cabbage into the skillet. Toss everything so the cabbage gets coated with those bacon juices, then sprinkle in your salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Give it all a good stir so every piece gets seasoned and starts to warm through.

Step 5: Cover and Cook

Cover the skillet and let the cabbage cook for 10 to 12 minutes, lifting the lid to stir every few minutes. The cabbage will wilt, become deeply flavorful, and start to caramelize where it touches the pan. You’re aiming for “tender with a touch of browning”—not mushy, just right.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

When the cabbage is just the way you like it, stir in the crispy cooked bacon and, if you like, a splash of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar wakes up all those savory flavors with its gentle tang, but it’s purely optional. Heap the Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe onto plates and serve it piping hot.

How to Serve Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe

Garnishes

While this dish shines on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions just before serving brings a fresh pop of color and a final layer of brightness. Add a little extra black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika if you want to fancy things up—even a quick pinch of red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

Side Dishes

The Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe is endlessly versatile. Pair it with grilled sausages or seared pork chops for a robust Southern supper, or keep things simple with some roasted potatoes or a thick slice of cornbread. It’s just as lovely tucked alongside roast chicken, or even spooned over creamy grits for a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Creative Ways to Present

For something a bit unexpected, try scooping the cabbage into a bowl and topping with a soft-fried egg—the runny yolk makes a luscious sauce. You can also use it as a hearty bed under grilled meats, or tuck it into a wrap or sandwich for the ultimate comfort food lunch. Don’t be afraid to serve this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe family style, straight from the skillet, for maximum rustic charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe stores beautifully! Just spoon any extras into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to four days without losing its satisfyingly savory punch.

Freezing

If you end up with more than you can finish, let the cabbage cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen fried cabbage keeps well for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to their cozy best, warm the Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. You can also reheat gently in the microwave, stirring halfway through, but the skillet method keeps everything closest to freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Just leave out the bacon and sauté everything in olive oil or butter. You can amp up the flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of soy sauce for a touch of umami.

What type Side Dish

Classic green cabbage is the star here for its mild sweetness and ability to soften perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try savoy or Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture, but green cabbage keeps it traditional.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced Brussels sprouts with the cabbage for extra color and flavor.

Is the vinegar necessary?

Not at all, but a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving adds a wonderful brightness that really compliments the bacon and cabbage. If you prefer your Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe more mellow, you can easily skip it.

How can I make it less greasy?

If you’d like a lighter version, drain off all but one tablespoon of bacon fat before adding the onions, or swap the bacon completely for a drizzle of olive oil. It will still be deliciously savory and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless and totally irresistible about the Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe—it brings people together, brightens up the dinner table, and makes even everyday dinners feel special. If you’ve never tried making it at home, trust me: you’re in for a simple, crowd-pleasing treat. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it’s the first pan you empty at your next family meal!

Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe is a flavorful and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The combination of crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and savory seasonings creates a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 medium green cabbage (cored and chopped)
4 slices bacon (chopped)
1 small yellow onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage, coating it in the bacon grease. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly browned.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the cooked bacon and apple cider vinegar if desired. Serve hot.