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

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and has just the right amount of crispiness, this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s simple to make, yet so satisfying with that smoky bacon and buttery cabbage combo.

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 have to tell you, every time I make this crispy bacon fried cabbage, it disappears fast — and for good reason. It’s got the perfect balance of textures and flavors that feel both comforting and a little indulgent.

Quick to Make: From start to finish, it takes just 25 minutes to whip up, making it great for busy weeknights.
Full of Flavor: Smoky paprika and stone ground mustard give this dish a uniquely delicious twist.
Versatile Side: Pairs well with everything from grilled chicken to roasted pork.
Great Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy this bacon cabbage recipe the next day without losing any of that goodness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe, try to pick fresh, crisp cabbage and quality bacon, since they’re the stars of the dish. You’ll also want stone ground mustard for a subtle texture and tang, but Dijon works in a pinch.

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: Provides smoky, crispy richness and flavorful fat to cook the cabbage in.
Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base that softens beautifully when sautéed.
Garlic: Brings a bright and aromatic punch to the dish.
Stone Ground Mustard: Offers a slightly coarse texture and tangy depth.
Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering.
Cabbage: The main vegetable that becomes buttery soft and lightly caramelized.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.

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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

This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is wonderfully versatile—feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes or the occasion. Whether you love it spicy, milder, or packed with extra veggies, there’s room to make it truly your own.

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the smoked paprika for a lively kick. I love this variation when I want my side dish to have a bit more heat to contrast the smoky bacon.
Mustard Swap: If you don’t have stone ground mustard on hand, Dijon mustard works beautifully too. It lends a slightly creamier tang that still complements the cabbage perfectly.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra color and sweetness. It’s a great way to sneak in more nutrients without losing that classic fried cabbage flavor.
Lean Option: Trim excess bacon fat or use turkey bacon to reduce fat content but still keep a satisfying crispy texture and delicious smoky notes.
Seasonal Flair: During colder months, add a splash of apple cider vinegar near the end to brighten up the flavors and add a slight tangy warmth.

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. Add the 6 pieces of bacon cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook until they’re beautifully crispy—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle and see the fat render out, which will be key to flavoring the rest of the dish. Once done, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Don’t toss all the bacon grease—leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan; it’s liquid gold for sautéing the veggies!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion to Sweet Perfection

Next, add the diced small onion to the bacon grease in your pan. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, releasing subtle sweetness that will balance the smoky bacon perfectly. Keep stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly without browning too much.

Step 3: Time for Garlic and Spices

Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of stone ground mustard, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything well so those bold flavors meld beautifully with the softened onions. You’ll notice the aroma deepen, with the mustard adding a slight tang and the paprika lending a warm, smoky note.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage Low and Slow

Now, pile in the sliced and chopped head of cabbage. Use a large spoon or tongs to stir and fold the cabbage into the savory mixture. Sauté everything together for 12 to 15 minutes. The goal here is to coax out the cabbage’s natural sweetness until it’s buttery soft and just starting to caramelize at the edges. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking—but don’t rush this part. That tender, lightly browned finish is the heart of this dish’s irresistible charm.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Finally, toss the cooked bacon back into the pan. Mix everything thoroughly so the smoky, salty bacon pieces mingle with the tender cabbage and rich spices. Give it a quick heat-through for a minute or two, then it’s ready to serve. This is where all the layers of flavor come together, giving you that comforting and crispy bacon fried cabbage experience every time.

Top Tip

These handy tips can make your Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe turn out perfectly every time, elevating this simple dish into a standout Southern favorite.

Get the Bacon Just Right: Be patient when cooking the bacon—crispy but not burnt adds the perfect smoky crunch that complements the tender cabbage.
Slice the Cabbage Thin: >Through experience, I’ve found that thinly slicing the cabbage helps it caramelize beautifully and cook evenly within the 12 to 15-minute window.
Reserve the Bacon Grease: Leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan adds rich flavor and helps the onion and cabbage sauté to buttery softness without extra oil.
Don’t Rush the Sauté: >Stirring the cabbage gently and cooking it low and slow avoids a soggy mess and creates that delicious slight caramelization you want.

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

Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A few red pepper flakes on top can bring a subtle heat that warms up the smoky notes. For an extra tangy touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe pairs wonderfully with Southern staples like cornbread, fried chicken, or grilled sausage. It also works great alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery grits for a comforting, well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick weekday side dishes.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but be aware that cabbage texture will soften more after thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage in a skillet over medium heat to retain its texture and flavor. Alternatively, use a microwave, covering the dish to keep moisture in. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular yellow mustard instead of stone ground mustard?

Absolutely! While stone ground mustard adds a nice texture and depth, Dijon or even yellow mustard can be used as a substitute with great results.

How do I make the bacon extra crispy?

Cooking bacon slowly over medium heat and not overcrowding the pan helps it crisp up perfectly. Removing the bacon once crisp also prevents it from becoming soggy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe contains no gluten ingredients and is safe for gluten-free diets.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, carrots, or even kale for extra variety—just adjust sauté time as needed to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Fried Cabbage Recipe is one of my favorite quick and comforting side dishes. It’s simple, soulful, and packed with flavor that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe you'll come back to again and again. Happy cooking!