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; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 head cabbage, sliced and chopped; kosher salt, to taste; freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Nothing beats the warm, comforting flavors of a Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe on a cozy weeknight. This dish delivers just the right balance of smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and a gentle kick from smoked paprika and stone ground mustard — trust me, it’s a game changer!

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

I’ve made this fried cabbage recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether it’s a simple weeknight side or part of a Southern-inspired feast, the crispy bacon combined with sautéed cabbage is just so satisfying.

Easy to make: Requires just one pan and less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Flavor-packed: Bacon, mustard, and smoked paprika create layers of deliciousness.
Comfort food classic: Tender cabbage with a slight caramelized edge that feels like a warm hug.
Versatile: Perfect alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a vegetarian-friendly dish (with a few tweaks).

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for ingredients is a breeze on this one! You mostly need simple staples, but the key is balancing crisp bacon with fresh, crunchy cabbage and the right spices to elevate the whole dish.

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 for that irresistible crispy, smoky flavor that infuses the whole dish.
Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base that softens nicely when sautéed.
Garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic punch without overpowering the other flavors.
Stone ground mustard: Offers a subtle tang and texture that deepens the flavor profile.
Smoked paprika: Gives just the right hint of smokiness and a mild kick.
Cabbage: The main vegetable, tender and slightly caramelized after frying for amazing texture.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.

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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

One of the best parts about this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to spice it up, keep it vegetarian, or add a seasonal twist, there’s a version for everyone!

Spicy Kick: I love tossing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes right when I add the smoked paprika for an exciting little heat boost that keeps things interesting.
Vegetarian Option: If you’re skipping bacon, try substituting smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke to preserve that smoky, savory flavor—trust me, it’s still deliciously satisfying.
Mustard Swap: Once, I didn’t have stone ground mustard on hand, so I used Dijon mustard instead. It gave the dish a smoother, tangy flair without losing any depth.
Seasonal Twist: Adding some chopped apples or a splash of apple cider vinegar is a charming way to brighten the cabbage in fall and bring subtle sweetness and acidity.
Leftovers: This fried cabbage reheats beautifully on the stovetop and tastes just as good the next day—perfect for meal prep or a quick side at dinner.

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: Fry the Bacon Until Perfectly Crispy

Start by heating a large pan over medium heat, then toss in your cut bacon pieces. Let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the bacon turns golden and crispy—this usually takes about 7-8 minutes depending on your stove. Once done, scoop the bacon out and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease in the pan; that’s where the magic begins for the vegetables!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion to Sweet, Translucent Perfection

Next, add the diced onion to the reserved bacon grease. Cook and stir for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels tender to the touch and smells sweet and fragrant—this base adds depth to every bite of your fried cabbage.

Step 3: Build the Flavor with Garlic and Seasonings

Now stir in the minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of stone ground mustard, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika along with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a good mix so those bold flavors meld and intensify, releasing wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage Until Butter-Soft and Caramelized

Place your sliced and chopped cabbage right on top of the onion mixture in the pan. Use a large spoon or tongs to gently stir and sauté everything together for 12 to 15 minutes. Patience here is key: you want the cabbage to soften completely and develop a subtle caramelized edge—that buttery, slightly sweet texture is what makes this dish so comforting.

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Crispy Bacon

Finally, toss the crispy bacon back into the pan with the cabbage. Give it a good stir to combine all those wonderful textures and flavors. Serve immediately, and get ready to enjoy a warm, flavorful Southern side dish that truly shines thanks to that crispy, smoky bacon and tangy mustard punch.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is all about balancing texture and flavor. These tips come from my kitchen experiments and will help you create a side dish that's irresistibly delicious every time.

Don’t rush the caramelization: Cooking the cabbage slowly over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes lets it become buttery soft and develop that lovely slightly caramelized flavor that makes this dish stand out.
Save some bacon grease: Leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan adds a rich, smoky base for sautéing the onions and cabbage; it’s the secret to deep flavor.
Use stone ground mustard: It gives a subtle tang and texture that brightens the cabbage without overpowering it. If you don’t have it, Dijon mustard works well too.
Season carefully: Since the bacon adds saltiness, taste as you go to avoid oversalting. Freshly ground black pepper complements the smokiness beautifully.

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

Enhance your Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and a fresh note. A wedge of lemon on the side offers a bright contrast if you want to add a zesty touch before eating.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like fried chicken, roasted pork, or grilled sausages. For a comforting Southern-style meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread to soak up all those flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cabbage tender and the bacon crispy enough to reheat nicely.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftovers, for best texture, freeze only if necessary. Place cooled cabbage in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat to preserve the cabbage’s buttery softness and to crisp the bacon bits back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cabbage soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use green cabbage instead of regular cabbage?

Absolutely! Green cabbage works perfectly in this recipe. Just slice and chop it as directed, then cook until tender and caramelized.

What can I substitute for stone ground mustard?

If you don’t have stone ground mustard on hand, Dijon mustard is a great substitute. It still adds tang and depth, just with a smoother texture.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor. You can sauté the onion and garlic in oil or butter instead of bacon grease.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can chop all your ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Cook the dish fresh for best flavor, but leftovers can be stored and reheated within 3 days.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is a simple yet sensational way to elevate a humble vegetable into a soulful Southern side dish. The harmony of smoky bacon, aromatic onion, and tangy mustard creates a comforting plate you’ll want to make time and time again. I hope this guide helps you enjoy every buttery, caramelized bite — happy cooking!