Name: Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon 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 craving a side dish that's bursting with smoky, tangy flavor and irresistible texture, you’re going to adore this Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of crispy bacon bits, tender cabbage, and just the right touch of spice that makes every bite delightful.

A close-up view of a large silver pan filled with cooked chopped cabbage mixed with small crispy brown pieces, likely bacon, and bits of sautéed light brown onions. The cabbage pieces are light green and pale yellow with slightly wilted edges. A silver slotted spoon rests in the pan on the right side, showing some food bits stuck to it. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting. 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 Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making this fried cabbage with bacon for years, and honestly, it’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something cozy, flavorful, and easy. It’s incredibly satisfying, especially if you love that crispy, savory edge bacon adds.

Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute plans.
Flavor-packed: The stone ground mustard and smoked paprika give the cabbage a wonderful zing that pairs beautifully with smoky bacon.
Great texture: Buttery soft cabbage with crispy bacon bits makes every bite a delicious contrast.
Versatile side dish: Works perfectly alongside anything from roasted chicken to grilled sausages.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, I always go fresh and simple. Keep an eye out for a firm, fresh cabbage and good-quality bacon — it makes all the difference! Plus, the mustard and smoked paprika blend brings a depth that truly elevates this humble veggie.

Flat lay of six raw bacon slices cut into pieces, one small peeled and diced onion, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse stone ground mustard, a small white ceramic bowl with smoked paprika powder, one fresh green cabbage head sliced and chopped, small white ceramic bowls with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically 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: Provides that crispy, smoky flavor and savory fat that infuses the cabbage as it cooks.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a tender bite that balances the salty bacon beautifully.
Garlic: A classic flavor booster that gives the dish warmth and aroma.
Stone ground mustard (or Dijon mustard): Adds a tangy, slightly grainy texture that wakes up the cabbage.
Smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smokiness and mild heat that complements the bacon perfectly.
Cabbage: The star of the show — it softens up just right and caramelizes for sweetness.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance every flavor in the dish.

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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

What I love most about this Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe is how easily it adapts to your mood and pantry. Whether you want to turn up the smoky flavors or lighten it up, this dish welcomes a personal touch and makes every meal feel special.

Vegetarian Variation: When I swap out the bacon for a tablespoon of olive oil and add a splash of smoked paprika, I still get that lovely depth of flavor without the meat. It’s just as comforting—and perfect for meatless Mondays!
Milder Mustard Twist: Using Dijon mustard instead of stone ground mustard gives a smoother, gentler mustard note. I often do this if I’m serving it to folks who prefer less tang, and it never disappoints.
Seasonal Add-Ins: In cooler months, I like to toss in a handful of chopped kale or even some diced apples for a subtle sweetness. It turns this side dish into something just a bit more festive and bright.

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

A close-up view of cooked cabbage mixed with small pieces of browned bacon in a metal pan. The dish has layers of chopped light green cabbage with soft, slightly translucent texture and crispy, dark reddish-brown bacon bits scattered evenly on top and throughout. The pan beneath the food is blurred but shows more cabbage and bacon. The lighting highlights the shiny, slightly oily surface of the cabbage and the crisp edges of the bacon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by heating your pan over medium heat. Add the 6 pieces of bacon chopped into 1-inch pieces and cook them slowly until they’re perfectly crispy—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll want to listen for that satisfying sizzle and watch the bacon turn a golden brown. When they’re done, scoop the bacon out carefully and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave around 2 tablespoons of that glorious bacon grease in the pan—it’s going to be the flavorful base for the cabbage.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion Until Soft and Aromatic

Next, toss in the diced small onion. Let it cook gently in the bacon grease for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’re aiming for a translucent and tender texture here—this is when the onion releases its natural sweetness and starts filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent browning too quickly; you want a soft, subtle sweetness rather than caramelization at this point.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Season Those Flavors

Now stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves along with 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard (or Dijon if you prefer something milder) and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle in kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir so the spices coat the onion and garlic evenly, waking up your senses with a tangy, smoky burst. This step is key to building the signature flavor of this dish.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage to Buttery Soft Perfection

Pile the sliced and chopped head of cabbage right on top of the onion and garlic mixture. Use a large spoon or tongs to stir and sauté everything together gently for 12 to 15 minutes. The cabbage should start to soften, become buttery tender, and develop slight caramelization—those edges turning golden are pure magic. This is where patience pays off: keep stirring occasionally to promote even cooking and avoid burning.

Step 5: Bring It All Together With Crispy Bacon

Finally, return the crispy bacon pieces to the pan and fold them into the cabbage mixture. Cook everything together for another minute to let the flavors meld and warm the bacon through again. And that’s it—serve it warm, immediately, and prepare for compliments on how this simple side dish tastes like a cozy hug on a plate!

Top Tip

Mastering this Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe is all about balance and technique. These tips will help you get that perfect soft, caramelized cabbage with crispy bacon every time!

Rendering Bacon Perfectly: Cook your bacon slowly over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until crispy—this not only gives you that satisfying crunch but also renders enough fat to flavor your cabbage beautifully.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large pan or skillet to sauté the cabbage so it cooks evenly and caramelizes rather than steams. I learned this the hard way when cramped cabbage turned soggy instead of buttery soft.
Layer Your Flavors: Add garlic, stone ground mustard, and smoked paprika early, right after the onions, so the flavors meld and get nicely mellowed during the 12 to 15 minutes of sautéing.
Save the Bacon Grease: Leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan is key. It infuses everything with smoky richness that you simply can’t replicate with oil alone.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

A round silver pan filled with cooked cabbage leaves that are light yellow and soft, with some brown spots showing they are cooked well, forming the bottom layer. On top of the cabbage, there is a pile of small, crispy, reddish-brown bacon pieces in the center. Metal tongs with black tips rest inside the pan, touching the cabbage and bacon, with one side slightly stained with the cabbage color. The whole pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh burst of color and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish and cut through the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe pairs wonderfully with Southern classics like fried chicken, grilled pork chops, or black-eyed peas. For a lighter meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy meals throughout the week.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled fried cabbage in freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 1 month for the best taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat for best results, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps retain the cabbage’s buttery softness and bacon's crispiness better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of mustard?

Yes! Stone ground mustard gives this recipe a nice texture and bold flavor, but Dijon mustard is a great milder alternative if you prefer a softer mustard taste.

How do I know when the cabbage is done?

The cabbage is ready when it’s buttery soft and slightly caramelized. This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes of sautéing. It should be tender but not mushy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use a tablespoon of olive oil instead of bacon grease to sauté the onion and cabbage. This still makes a flavorful side dish.

What’s the best pan to use for frying cabbage?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan works best to ensure even cooking without overcrowding. Non-stick or cast iron pans both yield great results.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe is one of those satisfying, soul-warming dishes that everyone should have in their cooking arsenal. It balances smoky, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped in tender, caramelized cabbage. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, it always delivers comfort food vibes in the best way. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite side dish!