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 craving a side dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is absolutely where it's at. Tender cabbage sautéed with smoky, crispy bacon brings a Southern-inspired twist that’s hard to beat.

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 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

Honestly, every time I whip up this fried cabbage with bacon, it gets rave reviews at the dinner table. It’s simple, flavorful, and makes cabbage actually exciting to eat!

Super easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep and hands-on time.
Comfort food upgrade: Crispy bacon and smoky spices add amazing depth to tender sautéed cabbage.
Versatile side dish: Perfect alongside pork, chicken, or beef – or as a hearty base for veggies.
Flavor-packed without fuss: A few simple ingredients create a wonderfully savory, slightly smoky profile.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To get that perfect balance of smokiness, tang, and buttery softness, I rely on fresh, simple ingredients. Grab a crisp head of cabbage and some good-quality bacon, and you’re halfway there!

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: The star of the show, it crisps up and leaves just enough rendered fat to flavor the cabbage.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness when sautéed, balancing the smoky bacon perfectly.
Garlic: Just a few cloves bring a fragrant punch to the pan.
Stone ground mustard: Provides a gentle tang and texture that cuts through the richness nicely.
Smoked paprika: Enhances that smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Cabbage: The main vegetable—choose a fresh, firm head for tender, buttery results.
Kosher salt: Vital for bringing out all the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of sharpness and warming spice.

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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 easily you can tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want it smokier, milder, or even vegetarian, there’s a way to make it just right for your table.

Swap the mustard: I’ve tried using Dijon mustard instead of stone ground to mellow out the bite — it’s fantastic if you want a softer tang.
Switch up the paprika: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine and still adds a lovely color and flavor.
Go vegetarian: Omit the bacon and cook the onions in olive oil or vegan butter instead. I love adding smoked salt in place of bacon for that savory depth.
Seasonal add-ins: For a fall twist, toss in some diced apples or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the dish.
Make it spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing gives a nice subtle kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage 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 a large pan over medium heat and adding the bacon pieces. Cook them until they turn beautifully crispy and golden brown — this usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. The sizzling sound and that mouthwatering aroma let you know you’re on the right track. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Be sure to leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan; that fat is pure flavor magic for the next steps. Discard any extra grease to avoid an overly greasy dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions Until Translucent

Add the diced onion to the pan with the bacon grease and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll want to cook the onions until they are soft and translucent — this unlocks their natural sweetness, which balances the smoky bacon perfectly. Stir occasionally and watch as the flavors start to come together.

Step 3: Bring in Garlic and Spices

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with 2 tablespoons of stone ground mustard and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika. Don’t forget to season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything well so that the aromatic garlic and tangy mustard meld seamlessly with the onions and bacon fat. This step really amps up the depth and layers of flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage to Tender Perfection

Now it’s time to add your sliced and chopped cabbage. Pile it right on top of the onion-spice mixture, then use a large spoon or tongs to gently stir and sauté everything together. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the cabbage is buttery soft and starting to caramelize around the edges. You’ll see it shrink, soften, and absorb all those smoky, tangy flavors—this is when the dish really comes alive.

Step 5: Toss the Bacon Back In and Serve Warm

Finally, add the crispy bacon back into the pan, tossing it with the tender cabbage until evenly distributed. Give the pan one last stir and your Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage is ready to serve! It’s best enjoyed warm as a hearty side dish alongside your favorite pork, chicken, or beef mains.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe — ensuring perfect texture, flavor, and ease every time you make it.

Use Thinly Sliced Cabbage: Cutting the cabbage thin allows it to cook evenly and softens nicely without becoming mushy.
Reserve Bacon Grease: Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan after cooking bacon; it adds unbeatable flavor and helps the cabbage caramelize beautifully.
Low and Slow Sauté: Cooking the cabbage over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes gives it that tender, buttery-soft texture and slight caramelization that makes this recipe so special.
Don’t Skip the Mustard Stuff: The stone ground mustard (or Dijon) and smoked paprika elevate the dish with a subtle smoky depth — a hidden gem many overlook.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage 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

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the flavors wonderfully. For a little extra kick, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes pairs nicely with the smoky bacon notes.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe makes a fantastic side dish for Southern-style meals. Pair it with roasted pork chops, grilled chicken breasts, or pan-seared steak. It also complements comforting dishes like mashed potatoes or cornbread beautifully, rounding out the plate with hearty, savory balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy weekday meals or packed lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though the cabbage texture may soften further. To freeze, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the cabbage gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This helps maintain texture better than microwaving. If needed, add a splash of water or a bit more bacon grease to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon grease. The mustard and smoked paprika still provide lovely flavor, making a satisfying vegetarian side.

What kind of mustard works best?

Stone ground mustard adds nice texture and tang, but if you prefer a milder taste, Dijon mustard is a great substitute with smooth consistency.

Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?

Yes, regular paprika works just fine. While it won’t add the smoky touch, you’ll still get beautiful color and mild flavor.

How do I know when the cabbage is done cooking?

After sautéing for 12 to 15 minutes over medium heat, the cabbage should feel buttery soft and be slightly caramelized. It will have reduced significantly in volume and taste sweet and tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly comforting about this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe — a humble dish that packs smoky, savory flavor with simple ingredients. Whether served alongside your favorite protein or enjoyed on its own, it’s quick, nourishing, and full of heart. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make it often and savor every buttery, crunchy bite!