Fried Cabbage and Bacon
This easy fried cabbage and bacon recipe combines crispy bacon, cabbage, onions, garlic, and apples in one skillet for a hearty, flavorful meal or side dish.
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 383kcal
Equipment
- Skillet
- Chef's Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 lbs thick-cut bacon cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 head cabbage about 8 cups, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 large apple thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- salt and peppe to taste, if required
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, core and thinly slice the apple, and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.1 lbs thick-cut bacon
- Drain the grease: Carefully drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet. Or leave it all for a richer dish.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.1 medium yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic
- Cook the apples: Add the sliced apples to the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.1 large apple
- Cook the cabbage: Add the cabbage and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to coat it in the bacon grease. Cover the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring once or twice. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is softened but still has a slight crunch.1 head cabbage
- Finish the dish: Return the bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste for salt and add more if required, add pepper if desired. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until everything is heated through.salt and peppe to taste, if required
- Serve: Enjoy immediately as a hearty main dish or serve alongside smoked sausage, Polish sausage, and crusty bread. A few dashes of hot sauce are also nice.
Notes
- Bacon grease: Leave more in the skillet for a richer dish, or drain most of it for a lighter version.
- Apples: Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith all work well. Pears are another delicious option.
- Cabbage: Green, Savoy, or red cabbage can all be used.
Make ahead: This recipe reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep. - Serving ideas: Great on its own or with smoked sausage, Polish sausage, roast pork, or crusty bread.
- My favorite: I almost always add a few dashes of Tabasco just before serving. The vinegar and heat balance the richness of the bacon perfectly.
Nutrition
Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 529mg | Potassium: 482mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 197IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg
