Name: Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 6 pieces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard (or Dijon mustard); ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 head cabbage, sliced and chopped; kosher salt, to taste; freshly ground black pepper, to taste

If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s bursting with savory goodness and simple to whip up, you’re going to love this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe. It’s got that perfect mix of smoky, tangy, and tender textures that makes every bite so satisfying.

A large silver frying pan filled with cooked cabbage pieces layered unevenly in pale green and light yellow colors, mixed with browned small chunks of bacon scattered throughout. The cabbage looks soft with some edges lightly browned, and bits of onion are visible, adding a golden color. A silver slotted spoon rests inside the pan, shiny and sticking slightly into the cabbage mix. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’ve made this fried cabbage dish more times than I can count because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to master and delivers incredible flavor, every time.

Super Flavorful: The crispy bacon combined with smoky paprika and tangy mustard makes this cabbage anything but boring.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a weeknight winner when you need something fast.
Versatile Side: Goes perfectly alongside everything from roast chicken to barbecue ribs.
Comforting & Low Lactose: A Southern-inspired dish that’s gentle on digestion but full of taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this recipe, look for fresh, crisp cabbage and good-quality bacon because they lay the foundation for flavor. Using stone ground mustard adds a nice grainy texture and a little tang that brightens everything up.

Flat lay of fresh green cabbage head chopped into wedges, six uncooked strips of streaky bacon cut into pieces, one small yellow onion peeled and diced, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with grainy stone ground mustard, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black peppercorns, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bacon: Provides that irresistible crispy, smoky base that flavors the whole dish.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until soft.
Garlic: Gives a fragrant punch without overpowering the cabbage.
Stone Ground Mustard: Brings a bold tang and texture that complements the cabbage perfectly.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor profile and adds color.
Cabbage: The star—tender, caramelized, and buttery soft after frying.
Kosher Salt: Balances and enhances the natural flavors.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat and aroma.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is how versatile it is—easy to customize to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to tweak the spices or swap ingredients to make it truly yours!

Vegetarian Twist: I love making this cabbage dish meatless by skipping the bacon and cooking the onions and garlic in olive oil instead. It still delivers plenty of flavor and keeps it light.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes really amps up the heat for those who like a bit of a burn. It brings a new depth that complements the smoky paprika perfectly.
Mustard Swap: Sometimes, I use Dijon mustard instead of stone ground mustard for a smoother, creamier texture. Either works wonderfully, so go with your preference or whatever you have on hand.
Seasonal Spin: Trying savoy cabbage instead of green cabbage adds a lovely textured crunch and subtle sweetness, making it a seasonal delight in the colder months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe

A close-up image shows a spoon lifting cooked cabbage mixed with browned bacon pieces from a pan. The cabbage layers are light green and slightly translucent with some browned edges, giving a soft texture look. The crispy bacon pieces are dark red-brown and scattered evenly among the cabbage. The background has a blurred view of more cabbage and bacon in the pan, all on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Start by heating a large pan over medium heat and adding the bacon pieces cut into 1-inch chunks. Cook them until they’re satisfyingly crispy—this usually takes around 7-10 minutes. The sizzling sound and smell will let you know you’re on the right track. Once done, scoop the bacon out with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of that gorgeous bacon grease in the pan; it’s packed with flavor and will be the base for everything else.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion Until Tender

Next, toss in the diced small onion. Let it cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to turn translucent and soft—not browned or burned. This step brings a subtle sweetness and builds the flavor foundation for the cabbage.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice It Up

Stir in the minced garlic, followed by 2 tablespoons of stone ground mustard, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook everything together for about 1 minute until you can really smell the garlic and spices melding in. This step wakes up the dish and adds that hint of smoky warmth that makes it special.

Step 4: Sauté the Cabbage Low and Slow

Now, pile in the sliced and chopped head of cabbage on top of your onion and spice mix. Using a big spoon or tongs, stir and sauté everything together for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to help the cabbage cook evenly. You’re looking for a buttery soft texture with a slight caramelization—this is where all those delicious flavors really develop.

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Crispy Bacon

Finally, toss the crisp bacon pieces back into the pan with the cooked cabbage. Stir everything to combine and let it cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve it hot, and enjoy this irresistibly savory side dish that’s bursting with texture and warmth.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures. These tips can help you get the perfect caramelization and smoky bite every time!

Perfect Bacon Crispiness: I find cooking the bacon slowly over medium heat gives that crispy texture without burning it. It also renders just enough fat to flavor the cabbage perfectly.
Onion Timing Matters: Sautéing the diced onion until translucent before adding garlic really unlocks sweetness and depth — don't rush this step!
Cabbage Caramelization: Be patient as you cook the cabbage for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow sauté helps develop that buttery softness and slight caramelized edges that's irresistible.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leaving enough space in your pan helps the cabbage brown properly instead of steaming — this little detail makes all the difference.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe

A metal pan on a white marbled surface is filled with cooked chopped cabbage forming the bottom layer, showing soft, pale green and light yellow pieces with a slightly oily texture. On top, there is a middle layer of darker brown cooked small bacon pieces clustered in the center. Silver tongs rest on the pan with their tips touching the bacon and cabbage, indicating the act of mixing. The pan and food have warm tones with a mix of glossy and matte textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully. For added texture, toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts make a lovely crunchy contrast.

Side Dishes

This savory side dish pairs wonderfully with classics like mashed potatoes or creamy grits. It also complements grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty meatloaf. For a lighter pairing, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, be aware that the cabbage’s texture may become softer upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the cabbage tender and bacon crispy. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the cabbage soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of mustard instead of stone ground mustard?

Absolutely! Dijon mustard works great if you prefer a smoother texture, and it will still provide that lovely tangy flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing. While you won’t get the smoky bacon flavor, adding a pinch of smoked paprika helps retain that smoky essence.

How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy?

Avoid overcrowding the pan so the cabbage can sauté and caramelize instead of steaming. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and let it get a little golden for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the cabbage and bacon ahead and reheat gently before serving. However, I recommend tossing the cooked bacon in last minute to keep it crispy for your guests.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is one of those comforting southern-style sides that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Its blend of smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and just the right amount of tang makes it a perfect companion for so many meals. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, it might just become your go-to side dish!