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.
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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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
Absolutely! Dijon mustard works great if you prefer a smoother texture, and it will still provide that lovely tangy flavor.
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.
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.
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!
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Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This easy fried cabbage recipe is a delicious and flavorful side dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of smoky paprika, all tossed with tender, caramelized cabbage and a touch of stone ground mustard for a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the sliced bacon pieces. Cook until the bacon is crispy, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan for cooking the vegetables.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, stone ground mustard, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to combine and the garlic to become fragrant.
- Cook Cabbage: Place the sliced and chopped cabbage into the pan on top of the onion mixture. Use a large spoon or tongs to continually stir and sauté everything together for 12 to 15 minutes. Cook until the cabbage is buttery soft and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally to promote even cooking.
- Combine Bacon and Serve: Return the cooked bacon pieces to the pan, toss everything together to combine the flavors, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Serve hot as a savory side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon grease.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Stone ground mustard can be substituted with Dijon mustard for a smoother texture.
- Use green cabbage, but you can also try savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow the cabbage to caramelize properly.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste based on dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg


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