Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe - Mom On Timeout

This delicious Fried Cabbage recipe is a quick and easy comfort food side dish that is ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes. Made with bacon, onion and garlic for the most delicious fried cabbage you’ve ever tried!

Love easy side dishes? Make sure to try my Creamed Peas and Coleslaw recipes!

Fried Cabbage Recipe

There is nothing more important that having a list of go-to simple side dishes in your back pocket. I want quick. I want easy. And I definitely want delicious. This easy fried cabbage recipe delivers on all fronts and is a side dish that can be enjoyed with practically any main dish.

This recipe is really as simple as it sounds but so much more delicious than you’d expect. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the sweet crunch of cabbage beautifully. This fried cabbage with bacon is perfect for busy weeknights and a favorite for St. Patrick’s Day. I always say this is the one recipe that turns cabbage haters into cabbage lovers and I’m sure it’s going to become a favorite in your kitchen.

What Is Fried Cabbage?

Fried cabbage is a classic southern side dish that is essentially a cabbage stir fry made with cabbage, onion and bacon. It can be seasoned a variety of ways but I like to keep it simple with a little garlic, salt and pepper.

It’s quick and delicious and can be served with a variety of main dishes as well as cornbread or dinner rolls.

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What You’ll Need

There are only a few simple ingredients required for this easy recipe! As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• bacon – for this recipe, I like to use thick-cut bacon but you can use whatever bacon you like.
• onion – yellow or white onions are preferred. You can diced or thinly slice the onion.
• garlic – I love garlic so I used three cloves in this recipe. You can use less, more, or even omit entirely if you prefer. The garlic should be nicely minced.
• cabbage – one full head of cabbage is needed for this recipe. Make sure to core before chopping into bite-sized pieces. I like to use green cabbage but red cabbage can be used as well.
• light brown sugar – balances all the savory ingredients.
• apple cider vinegar – adds a little zip of flavor.
• salt (or seasoned salt) and black pepper – to taste. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
• butter – adds extra richness to the dish and is stirred in with cooked bacon just prior to serving. Can be omitted if you prefer.

If you prefer, you can use one teaspoon of garlic powder instead of the fresh garlic. Add with the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar.

How to Make Fried Cabbage

This quick and easy cabbage stir fry recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Here is a quick overview on how to make fried cabbage with bacon. As always, scroll to the end of this post to find the printable recipe.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is delicious as written but try these tasty variations:

• Try red cabbage instead of green or a mix of both.
• Replace the fresh garlic with one teaspoon (or less) of garlic powder.
• Add a little heat by stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne powder with the brown sugar.
• Love a super soft fried cabbage? Cook a bit longer for super tender and soft cabbage.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Let cool and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer: To freeze, let cool and then transfer to a freezer safe, ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easily! This recipe does make about 8 servings which is great for larger families or if you leftovers like we do. This recipe is easy to halve or double – just make sure to use a dutch oven or skillet that can accommodate the ingredients.

Sure can! Just leave the bacon out until ready to serve. Then, simply reheat the rest of the dish and then stir in the bacon.

Trish’s Tips and Tricks

• If you are buying pre-cut cabbage, you’ll need about 10 cups. Remember that you can use a mix of red and green cabbage if you like. Make sure to core your cabbage before chopping.
• You can use one teaspoon of garlic powder instead of the fresh garlic. Add with the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar.
• I prefer to use thick-cut bacon in this recipe but please use your favorite bacon. Applewood smoked is SO good.
• Cutting your bacon prior to cooking helps the bacon pieces to crisp up nicely.

More Side Dishes You’ll Love

We’re always looking for easy side dishes to serve alongside our favorite weeknight dinners. Here are a few of our favorites:

5 from 36 votes

Fried Cabbage Recipe

This delicious Fried Cabbage is a quick and easy comfort food side dish that is ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes. Made with bacon, onion and garlic for the most delicious fried cabbage recipe you've ever tried!

Ingredients

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon diced
• 1 small onion diced or thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cabbage cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt or seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

Instructions

• In a dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. Set aside.

  1 pound thick-cut bacon

• Remove all but 4 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet. If you don't have enough, add enough extra virgin olive oil to equal 4 tablespoons. Add the onions and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 7 to 8 minutes.

  1 small onion

• Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute, stirring continuously.

  3 cloves garlic

• Add the chopped cabbage, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, about 8 to 12 minutes.

  1 cabbage, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Add the bacon and butter and stir until the butter is melted and the bacon is evenly distributed.

  2 tablespoons salted butter

• Taste the fried cabbage and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Refrigerator: Let cool and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: To freeze, let cool and then transfer to a freezer safe, ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat.

• If you prefer, you can use one teaspoon of garlic powder instead of the fresh garlic. Add with the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar.
• The longer you cook, the softer the cabbage will be. 

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 567mg | Potassium: 336mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 221IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published March 10, 2022. Updated March 15, 2024.

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