Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

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Fried cabbage is a standard side dish in Southern cooking, or a great meal when served on its own. Learn how to make fried cabbage here.

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Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

There’s something amazing about the combination of cabbage in bacon grease. The cabbage wilts down and becomes very tender, and crisp bacon bits give a little bite of texture. This Southern Fried Cabbage recipe has the perfect amount of salt, pepper and a hint of sugar to perfectly complement the dish.

I’m not sure where this recipe originated, but I found it in Granny’s notebook where it had been cut out of a newspaper and paper-clipped to a page. I have several go-to cabbage recipes including Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, Creamed Cabbage and Sweet and Sour Coleslaw, but this is the first time I had found this classic fried bacon and cabbage as a true recipe.

One of the best parts of this recipe is that the leftovers taste even better. Make some extra for your lunch the next day!

Fried Cabbage without Oil

You don’t need to put oil in your pan for this fried cabbage recipe since you are using bacon.

As bacon slowly cooks in the skillet, the bacon fat renders out into the pan, and then the bacon pieces get crispy. The bacon grease is the oil in this recipe; no other oil needs to be added.

Use that delicious, flavor-packed bacon grease as the base of this fried cabbage without oil recipe.

You might actually have too much bacon grease in the pan. If so, do as Grandma did, and save it in a dish in the refrigerator for later. You can use it to flavor up so many recipes.

The bacon gives so much more flavor than you would have using vegetable oil or olive oil. Bacon grease is what makes this taste like you remember it tasting from Mom or Grandma.

Skillet Fried Cabbage with Bacon Ingredients

What do I need to make fried cabbage?

Green cabbage, chopped

Bacon, diced

Onion, chopped or sliced

Granulated Sugar

Salt

Black Pepper

Water

How do you make fried cabbage and bacon?

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Fry bacon chunks in a large skillet until crisp; remove bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  2. Chop cabbage and onions, and add with salt, pepper and sugar to the bacon drippings; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Lower heat to medium low, and add water and bacon.
  4. Cover the pan-fried cabbage with a lid; cook, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
  5. For a tangy twist,stirin a dash of vinegar orapple cider vinegarat the end.

Storage Instructions

Let leftover cabbage cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to a week. Rewarm in the microwave.

For the full recipe steps and ingredient amounts for how do I make fried cabbage with bacon grease, scroll to the bottom of this post.

Recipe FAQs

  • Use 4-6 slices of bacon for this recipe; it’s up to you!
  • If there’s an excessive amount of bacon grease, you can remove half before adding the cabbage. Save it for another recipe.
  • Use red or green cabbage, or try Savoy cabbage for an entirely different cabbage recipe.
  • If there’s water left over in the bottom of the pan after 20 minutes, raise the heat again and cook off the liquid with the lid off.
  • I like mine spicy, but if you don’t start with less black pepper! If you like it really spicy, sprinkle the cabbage with cayenne pepper while cooking.
  • Love a little heat? Try adding hot sauce to taste!
  • Corned beef, sausage, turkey bacon or bits of ham would be great substitutions for the bacon.
  • This German Red Cabbage Recipe is amazing too.

Recipe Variations

  • Use turkey bacon or vegan bacon if desired.
  • Add minced garlic or garlic powder for more flavor.
  • For a bit of heat, add a few red pepper flakes.

Southern Vegetable Recipes

Mom’s Cucumbers and Onions

Marinated Vegetable Salad

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Kentucky Summer Squash Casserole

Grandma’s Special Deviled Eggs

Old Fashioned Pea Salad

Fresh Broccoli Casserole

Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (16)

Print Recipe

Fried Cabbage with Bacon – Skillet Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bacon and Cabbage are the perfect combination, and Fried Cabbage with Bacon might be my favorite side dish. This fail-proof recipe tastes just like Mom's. Pair it with steak, chicken or pork, or maybe you'll just eat it all by itself. It's that good!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fried cabbage, fried cabbage and bacon, fried cabbage with bacon, fried cabbage with bacon grease, skillet fried cabbage with bacon, southern bacon fried cabbage

Servings: 8

Calories: 83kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 1 head green cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 4-6 slices bacon, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, sliced thin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, fry bacon until crisp; remove bacon to paper towels to drain. (If there's an excessive amount of bacon grease, you can pour off half if desired).

    Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (17)

  • To the bacon grease, add cabbage, onion, sugar, salt and pepper; saute over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.

    Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (18)

  • Add water and bacon; cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.

    Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (19)

  • Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally or until cabbage is very tender.

    Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (20)

  • If there's water left in the bottom of the pan after 20 minutes, remove lid and increase heat until remaining liquid is cooked off.

Notes

  • Use 4-6 slices of bacon for this recipe; it’s up to you!
  • If there’s an excessive amount of bacon grease, you can remove half before adding the cabbage. Save it for another recipe.
  • Use red or green cabbage, or try Savoy cabbage for an entirely different cabbage recipe.
  • If there’s water left over in the bottom of the pan after 20 minutes, raise the heat again and cook off the liquid with the lid off.
  • I like mine spicy, but if you don’t start with less black pepper!
  • Love a little heat? Try adding hot sauce to taste!
  • This German Red Cabbage Recipe is amazing too.
  • Have extra cabbage? Try Creamy Cabbage or Cheesy Cabbage Casserole too!
  • Please note that the carb counts, calorie counts and nutritional information varies greatly depending on the products you use.The auto-calculation is an automated estimate and should not be used for specific dietary needs.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 111IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg

Linking up to Weekend Potluck.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep cabbage crisp when cooking? ›

**Steaming**: Steaming cabbage preserves most of its nutrients and helps maintain its texture. Steam the cabbage until it is tender but still slightly crisp, usually for about 5-7 minutes. 2. **Sautéing**: Sautéing cabbage in a little oil over medium heat cooks it quickly while retaining its nutrients and flavor.

What is bacon and cabbage made of? ›

Bacon and cabbage (Irish: bagún agus cabáiste) is a dish traditionally associated with Ireland. The dish consists of sliced back bacon boiled with cabbage and potatoes. Smoked bacon is sometimes used. The dish is served with the bacon sliced, and with some of the boiling juices added.

What is the origin of fried cabbage? ›

Although sautéed or fried cabbage didn't originate in the South (it's actually an Irish dish), it's a staple in Southern households. With so many different ways to make fried cabbage, it's a delicious, savory, customizable side dish packed with flavor.

Can you fry cabbage after it's been frozen? ›

To cook frozen cabbage on the stovetop, heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan and then add the frozen cabbage. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Do you rinse cabbage before frying? ›

In addition to a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate's degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College. Before you cook that cabbage, studies suggest you wash it before beginning to cook it.

Why is my fried cabbage bitter? ›

One common reason is that the cabbage may have been overcooked. Overcooking cabbage releases sulfur compounds that can give it a bitter taste. Another possible reason is that the cabbage was not fresh. Old or spoiled cabbage can also taste bitter.

What is the history of bacon and cabbage? ›

The roots of Bacon and Cabbage trace back centuries, reflecting the simplicity and resourcefulness of the Irish people. Historically, pork was a staple meat due to the abundance of pigs in Ireland.

Is Fried Cabbage good for you? ›

Here are some benefits of consuming fried or boiled cabbage leaves as an Indian salad: Rich in Nutrients: Cabbage is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins (particularly vitamin K, vitamin C, and various B vitamins), minerals (including potassium and calcium), and dietary fiber.

What's the difference between Irish bacon and American bacon? ›

Irish bacon is traditionally made from the back of the pig as opposed to the pork belly commonly used in American bacon. In this sense it is more similar to Canadian bacon; both Canadian and Irish bacon are referred to as back bacon but the Irish variety has more fat and often cut into a round shape.

What nationality eats the most cabbage? ›

China produces nearly half of the world's cabbage while Russia consumes the most per person. The average Russian eats about 44 pounds of cabbage a year. That compares to the 8.6 pounds eaten by Americans. Raw cabbage is rich in vitamin C.

Why did KFC change to cabbage? ›

KFC says change is due to a lettuce shortage after floods destroyed crops in New South Wales and Queensland. The fried chicken chain KFC has been forced to make menu changes in its burgers and wraps in Australia as the country faces the consequences of floods that destroyed lettuce crops.

Why do Chinese eat cabbage? ›

Medicinal use of Chinese cabbage

Its benefits to health include regulating blood pressure, fighting anemia and fatigue, improving skin health, boosting the immune system, antibacterial effects, strengthening your eyes, aiding digestion, and a source of antioxidants to keep radicals out of your blood.

Can dogs eat cabbage? ›

All varieties of cabbage are not only tasty to your dog, they are also very healthy. Cabbage helps your dog's digestive system and is good for their skin. It can cause flatulence (gas) in dogs, so remember to feed cabbage in small amounts, and introduce it into their diet slowly.

What are the benefits of eating cabbage? ›

Cabbage, especially red cabbage, seems to raise levels of beta-carotene, lutein, and other heart-protective antioxidants. It also helps lower something called “oxidized” LDL, which is linked to hardening of the arteries. And since it eases inflammation, it can help prevent heart disease.

How long does fried cabbage last in the fridge? ›

Leftover fried cabbage will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Store in a tightly covered container to keep the cabbage fresh, and to prevent odors from seeping into other foods in the fridge. If you liked this fried cabbage dish, be sure to try more of our Southern cabbage recipes, like cabbage casserole.

How do you cook cabbage without making it soggy? ›

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain the cabbage's crispiness and nutrients. To steam cabbage, place it in a steamer basket over simmering water and cover with a lid. Steam until it's tender yet still slightly crunchy. If you plan to sauté or stir-fry cabbage, consider blanching it first.

How do you keep shredded cabbage crispy? ›

How to store cabbage after it is cut
  1. Either wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, in a large plastic bag, or in an air-tight container in your crisper. This will help to lock in your cabbage's natural moisture and reduce oxidation.
  2. Cut cabbage should be used in 2-3 days.
Apr 7, 2022

How do you keep cooked vegetables crisp? ›

Your vegetables are about to get even crispier with this simple tip. The next time you roast vegetables, add some cornstarch. Yes, cornstarch—that box in your pantry is the secret to a super-crispy exterior on veggies, from potatoes to cauliflower.

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