Name: Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 1 head cabbage, sliced and chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 6 pieces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard (or Dijon mustard); ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; kosher salt, to taste; freshly ground black pepper, to taste

When it comes to comfort food with a bit of a crispy twist, nothing beats this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect alongside just about any meal you have in mind.

A large silver frying pan filled with cooked cabbage pieces layered unevenly in pale green and light yellow colors, mixed with browned small chunks of bacon scattered throughout. The cabbage looks soft with some edges lightly browned, and bits of onion are visible, adding a golden color. A silver slotted spoon rests inside the pan, shiny and sticking slightly into the cabbage mix. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve always loved cabbage for its subtle sweetness, but paired with crispy bacon and that tangy mustard kick? It’s downright addictive. This recipe turns a humble vegetable into a star side dish that everyone asks for again and again.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples you likely already have.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: Crispy bacon, smoky paprika, and tangy mustard blend beautifully.
Versatile Side: Complements meats, poultry, or can shine even as a vegetarian dish with a tweak.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this crispy bacon fried cabbage, choosing fresh produce and good-quality bacon makes all the difference. Look for a firm, fresh head of cabbage and thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.

Flat lay of fresh green cabbage head chopped into wedges, six uncooked strips of streaky bacon cut into pieces, one small yellow onion peeled and diced, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with grainy stone ground mustard, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black peppercorns, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cabbage: The star of the show—its natural sweetness deepens as it caramelizes.
Onion: Adds a gentle pungency and sweetness when sautéed.
Garlic: Gives a fragrant, savory boost that complements bacon perfectly.
Bacon: Provides that crispy, smoky richness that elevates the whole dish.
Stone ground mustard: Offers a tangy bite with a lovely textured kick, but you can substitute Dijon if you prefer smoother mustard.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and depth.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.

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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.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins or swap ingredients to make it truly your own.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve made this without bacon by simply omitting it and sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil instead of bacon grease. The flavor is still rich and comforting—plus, it’s an easy vegan twist!
Mustard Switch-Up: Sometimes I swap stone ground mustard for Dijon for a smoother, less textured mustard punch. It blends beautifully with the cabbage and adds a subtle tang.
Seasonal Flair: Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving lends a bright lift that balances the richness of bacon and buttery cabbage—perfect for spring or fall meals.
Extra Flavor Boost: Try stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. It wakes up the dish without overpowering the smoky, savory notes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe

A close-up image shows a spoon lifting cooked cabbage mixed with browned bacon pieces from a pan. The cabbage layers are light green and slightly translucent with some browned edges, giving a soft texture look. The crispy bacon pieces are dark red-brown and scattered evenly among the cabbage. The background has a blurred view of more cabbage and bacon in the pan, all on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by heating a large pan over medium heat and adding the bacon pieces. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they get wonderfully crispy and golden. You’ll want to watch closely here—the sizzling sound and irresistible aroma are tell-tale signs your bacon is on point. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease. Be sure to leave about 2 tablespoons of that smoky bacon grease in the pan—this little bit of fat is pure flavor magic for your veggies!

Step 2: Soften the Onion

Next, toss in the diced onion. Sauté it for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to see the onion become translucent and tender, a sign that it’s releasing its natural sweetness that will perfectly complement the cabbage later. This step builds a flavorful base that you don’t want to skip.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Now, stir in the minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of stone ground mustard, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, a pinch of kosher salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Cook everything together for about a minute until you can smell the fragrant, savory spices blossom. This burst of flavor sets the stage for the cabbage and ties the dish together.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage to Perfection

Place the chopped cabbage right on top of the onion-spice mixture in the pan. Using a large spoon or tongs, stir and sauté everything together for 12 to 15 minutes. The goal here is to let the cabbage soften until it’s buttery and slightly caramelized, which means deliciously sweet notes and a tender texture. Keep the heat moderate and stir occasionally to avoid sticking and to ensure every bite gets that perfect golden touch.

Step 5: Bring It All Together and Serve

Finally, toss the crispy bacon back into the pan and mix it all up so every morsel is coated in that savory, mustardy goodness. Give it another minute to warm the bacon through, and you’re ready to serve! This side dish shines hot from the stove alongside your favorite mains, bringing smoky, tangy comfort to the table.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures. These tips will help you get that perfect balance of crispy bacon bits and tender, caramelized cabbage every time.

Choose the Right Bacon: Go for thick-cut bacon if you want big, crispy pieces that stand out against the softness of the cabbage. They hold up better during cooking and add great texture.
Don’t Rush the Cabbage: Cooking the cabbage low and slow for 12 to 15 minutes lets it soften beautifully and develop subtle caramelization, which really amplifies the flavor.
Mustard Matters: Stone ground mustard adds a lovely tang and texture that Dijon can’t quite replicate, so if you want to stay true to the spirit of this recipe, try to use it.
Save the Bacon Grease: Leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan creates the perfect savory base for sautéing the onions and cabbage and infuses the entire dish with smoky goodness.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe

A metal pan on a white marbled surface is filled with cooked chopped cabbage forming the bottom layer, showing soft, pale green and light yellow pieces with a slightly oily texture. On top, there is a middle layer of darker brown cooked small bacon pieces clustered in the center. Silver tongs rest on the pan with their tips touching the bacon and cabbage, indicating the act of mixing. The pan and food have warm tones with a mix of glossy and matte textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage, try adding freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat kick, while a drizzle of apple cider vinegar brightens the smoky richness of the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This fried cabbage recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern mains like fried chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a hearty meatloaf. For a lighter combo, serve alongside roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa salad to balance the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let your Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It makes a quick, flavorful side for busy weeknights.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that cabbage's texture may soften slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the cabbage in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve its texture and to crisp up any bacon that may have softened. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that lovely contrast between crisp bacon and tender cabbage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon grease. You can also add smoked paprika to maintain that smoky flavor profile in the dish.

What type of mustard works best?

Stone ground mustard is ideal because of its texture and tang, lending a nice complexity to the dish. However, Dijon mustard is a great substitute if you prefer a smoother consistency.

How do I know when the cabbage is cooked enough?

After 12 to 15 minutes of sautéing, the cabbage should be buttery soft and slightly caramelized. It should have a tender bite but shouldn’t be mushy—stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Diced carrots or bell peppers can add color and sweetness. Just add them with the onions so they have enough time to cook down before the cabbage goes in.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a well-executed Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe. It’s a humble dish that brings warmth and a burst of smoky, tangy flavor to the table, making it a favorite side across many households. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe’s simple steps and thoughtful layering of ingredients will never fail to impress. So roll up your sleeves, get that bacon sizzling, and enjoy every buttery, caramelized bite!