Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works beautifully in this recipe and adds a gorgeous color. Just note that red cabbage takes slightly longer to cook than green, so you might need to add a few extra minutes to your cooking time.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

With a minor modification, yes! Simply omit the brown sugar or replace it with a keto-friendly sweetener. Cabbage is naturally low in carbs, and the bacon adds perfect keto-friendly fats.

My family doesn't like bacon. Can I still make this dish?

Definitely! Check the notes section for a vegetarian option using butter instead of bacon. You could also use olive oil and add a bit of smoked salt or extra smoked paprika to mimic some of that bacon flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

Yes, but I'd recommend slightly undercooking the cabbage initially, then reheating and finishing the cooking just before serving. This prevents the cabbage from becoming too soft when reheated.

Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe

Name: Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 thick-cut bacon slices, diced; 1/3 cup diced yellow onion; 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded or roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

This deliciously savory Easy Fried Cabbage transforms an ordinary vegetable into something extraordinary with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. The combination of crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and a perfect blend of seasonings creates a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Surprisingly Delicious: Cabbage completely transforms when fried with bacon and spices, becoming tender and flavorful rather than bland and boring.
Budget-Friendly: Cabbage is one of the most economical vegetables available, making this a wallet-friendly side dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Quick and Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering side dish that pairs with practically anything.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon: The star of the show that adds smoky flavor and delicious fat that transforms the cabbage. The thick-cut variety gives more substantial bacon bits throughout the dish.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet aromatic base that mellows as it cooks, creating depth of flavor.
Green cabbage: The humble hero that soaks up all the delicious bacon flavor. When cooked properly, it becomes tender with a slight chew.
Brown sugar: Optional but recommended – it balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness that enhances the natural flavors of the cabbage.
Salt and black pepper: The classic seasoning duo that enhances all the other flavors.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the bacon beautifully.

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.

Variations

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions for a dish with some heat.

More Veggies

Toss in some diced bell peppers, carrots, or even some minced garlic for additional flavor and nutrition.

Sausage Swap

Replace the bacon with smoked sausage or kielbasa for a heartier, main-dish version.

Asian-Inspired

Skip the bacon and use sesame oil instead, then add some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian flavor profile.

How to Make Easy Fried Cabbage

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large, heavy skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spatula and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep that liquid gold (bacon grease) in the pan – it’s the secret to amazing flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add the diced yellow onion to the hot bacon grease and cook until they begin to turn translucent, about 5 minutes. They’ll soak up all that wonderful bacon flavor while developing their own sweetness.

Step 3: Add Cabbage and Seasonings

Add your roughly chopped or shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onions. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let everything cook together, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of texture, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine everything. The warm cabbage will pick up those final bacon flavors, creating the perfect bite. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Bacon: Cook it slowly over medium heat to render out all the fat and get it perfectly crispy without burning.
Cut Cabbage Consistently: Try to keep your cabbage pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcook: Cabbage is best when it still has a slight bite to it. Overcooking can make it mushy and release that strong cabbage smell.
Taste as You Go: The saltiness of bacon varies, so taste before adding all the salt called for in the recipe.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This fried cabbage makes an excellent side dish for grilled or roasted meats like pork chops, chicken, or even a hearty steak. It’s particularly wonderful with smoked sausage or ham for a true comfort food experience.

Holiday Addition

Add this to your holiday spread alongside mashed potatoes and turkey for a side dish that might just steal the show.

Simple Supper

For a light meal, serve a generous portion with a fried egg on top and some crusty bread on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, though the texture will soften somewhat.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. A microwave works too, but you’ll lose some of the textural contrast.

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing as cabbage can become watery when thawed, but in a pinch, you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works beautifully in this recipe and adds a gorgeous color. Just note that red cabbage takes slightly longer to cook than green, so you might need to add a few extra minutes to your cooking time.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?

With a minor modification, yes! Simply omit the brown sugar or replace it with a keto-friendly sweetener. Cabbage is naturally low in carbs, and the bacon adds perfect keto-friendly fats.
My family doesn’t like bacon. Can I still make this dish?

Definitely! Check the notes section for a vegetarian option using butter instead of bacon. You could also use olive oil and add a bit of smoked salt or extra smoked paprika to mimic some of that bacon flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

Yes, but I’d recommend slightly undercooking the cabbage initially, then reheating and finishing the cooking just before serving. This prevents the cabbage from becoming too soft when reheated.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fried Cabbage recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy dish that even the most dedicated veggie-avoiders will enjoy. It’s quick enough for weeknights but flavorful enough for special occasions, striking that perfect balance between comfort food and something that feels just a bit special. Give this recipe a try – I’m betting it’ll earn a permanent spot in your regular rotation!