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

If you're looking for a side dish that's comforting, packed with flavor, and downright addictive, this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Trust me, once you try this combination of crispy bacon and tender, caramelized cabbage, you'll never want to go back to plain steamed greens.

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 absolutely adore how simple ingredients come together to create something so comforting and flavorful. This crispy bacon fried cabbage brings smoky bacon goodness, a hint of tangy mustard, and just the right touch of warmth from smoked paprika—all in one skillet.

Easy to Make: This dish comes together in just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Comforting: Crispy bacon bits add rich smokiness that turns humble cabbage into a star side.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled sausages.
Great Leftovers: It reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When making this fried cabbage, choosing fresh, crunchy cabbage and quality bacon really makes a difference. Also, I like using stone ground mustard for that lovely texture, but Dijon works if you prefer something smoother.

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

Bacon: The secret to that crispy, smoky flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed until translucent.
Garlic: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that's hard to resist.
Stone Ground Mustard: Provides a tangy kick and a delightful grainy texture.
Smoked Paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky undertone that complements the bacon perfectly.
Cabbage: The star of the show—when caramelized, it becomes tender with a mild sweetness.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance 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 great thing about this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and pantry staples. Whether you want to tone down the bacon or give it an extra zing, there’s room to make it truly your own.

Vegetarian Friendly: Swap out the bacon for olive oil or vegan butter and sauté until you get those delicious caramelized edges. I tried this version on a busy weeknight, and honestly, it was just as satisfying without the meat.
Extra Smoky Flavor: Adding an extra pinch of smoked paprika takes this dish to a whole new level of smoky goodness. I like to sprinkle it in gradually and taste as I go—it’s a game changer!
Mustard Variations: If you prefer a smoother texture, Dijon mustard works beautifully instead of stone ground. I’ll often use a mix of both for a nice balance of flavor and texture.
Seasonal Touch: Try tossing in some diced apples or shredded carrots a few minutes before the cabbage finishes cooking for a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the bacon’s saltiness.

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 to Perfection

I start by heating a large pan over medium heat and adding the 1-inch pieces of bacon. The goal here is to get them nice and crispy to give the dish that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, I transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease. Be sure to leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan—that’s where the magic starts!

Step 2: Sauté Onions Until Sweet and Tender

Into the same pan with that flavorful bacon grease, I add the diced onion. Sautéing it for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant brings a lovely sweetness that balances the smoky bacon. Keep an eye on the heat so the onions soften gently without browning too quickly.

Step 3: Stir in Garlic and Spices for a Flavor Boost

Next up, I stir in the minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of stone ground mustard, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika. I also add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This combination wakes up the pan with a tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy aroma. Mixing everything well here ensures those bold flavors coat every bit of cabbage later.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage Slowly Until Buttery Soft

Now for the main event—adding the sliced and chopped head of cabbage right on top of the onion and spice mixture. I use a large spoon or tongs to gently mix and sauté everything together for about 12 to 15 minutes. This slow cooking softens the cabbage to a buttery texture and lets it caramelize slightly, giving you those rich, golden edges. Stir it occasionally to get even cooking without losing those crisp bits.

Step 5: Toss in Crispy Bacon and Serve Warm

Finally, I add the crispy bacon pieces back to the pan and give everything a good toss to combine. I heat it through just briefly to meld the flavors before serving it hot. This finishing touch brings together salads of textures and tastes—the crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and the smoky-spiced base that makes this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe so comforting and addictive.

Top Tip

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

Use Rendered Bacon Grease: Keeping about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan adds incredible depth and smokiness to the cabbage — don’t skim it all off!
Cook Low and Slow: Sauté the cabbage over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes. This slow cooking allows it to soften while developing lovely caramelization without burning.
Season at the Right Time: Add the stone ground mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper right after the onions and garlic. This gives the spices time to bloom and infuse the dish.
Don’t Skip the Bacon Texture: Toss crispy bacon in at the very end so it stays crunchy and contrasts beautifully with the buttery cabbage.

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

Sprinkle freshly chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a fresh burst of color and mild zing. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens all the rich flavors. For an extra indulgent touch, a light drizzle of browned butter works wonders.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe shines as a Southern-style side dish alongside pulled pork, fried chicken, or grilled sausages. It’s also fantastic with roasted potatoes or buttery cornbread to round out a comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its flavor and moisture without becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage as well. Place cooled cabbage in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the cabbage gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to regain that lovely crispness of the bacon and prevent sogginess. Avoid microwaving for best texture — a quick skillet reheat keeps the cabbage buttery soft with a delicious caramelized edge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon grease to sauté the onions and cabbage. You’ll still get a flavorful, tender fried cabbage with a slightly different twist.

What type of mustard works best in this recipe?

Stone ground mustard adds a lovely texture and tang, complementing the smoky bacon perfectly. If you prefer a smoother consistency, Dijon mustard is a fine substitute.

How do I know when the cabbage is done?

Cook the cabbage for 12 to 15 minutes until it becomes buttery soft with slight caramelization. It should be tender but not mushy — you want some texture to balance the crisp bacon.

Can I use green cabbage instead of the suggested cabbage?

Yes, green cabbage works wonderfully in this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe. Just slice and chop it the same way and cook as directed.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and the zing from stone ground mustard makes it a memorable side dish to keep in your regular rotation. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—feel free to tweak the seasonings and share it with loved ones for a taste of delicious Southern-inspired comfort. Happy cooking!