𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐁𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐄 (𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐍, 𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐂)

Here’s a recipe for making Southern-style Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic—a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare.

🥬 FRIED CABBAGE (WITH BACON, ONION, AND GARLIC)

🍽️ Servings:

4–6 people

⏱️ Time:

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25–30 mins | Total: ~45 mins

🧾 Ingredients:

1 medium head of green cabbage (about 2–2.5 lbs), cored and chopped
6–8 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 large yellow onion, diced
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
2–3 tablespoons bacon grease (reserved from cooking bacon)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, adds brightness)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances flavors)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Dice onion.
Mince garlic.
Chop bacon into 1-inch pieces.

2. Cook the bacon:

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. Discard any excess.

3. Sauté onion and garlic:

In the same pan with bacon grease, add diced onion.
Cook over medium heat until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
Optional: Add smoked paprika and red pepper flakes at this stage for extra flavor.

4. Add the cabbage:

Add the chopped cabbage in batches, stirring to coat with the fat and onion mixture. It will shrink as it cooks.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook down the cabbage:

Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and starting to caramelize.
Optional: Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar in the last 5 minutes to balance flavors.

6. Finish and serve:

Once cabbage is tender and golden in spots, stir the crisped bacon back in.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot, as a main or a side dish.

🔁 Variations:

Vegan/vegetarian version: Use olive oil instead of bacon grease and add smoked salt or liquid smoke for flavor.
Add-ins: Sautéed kielbasa, smoked sausage, or cooked potatoes.
Spicier: Add hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.

🧊 Storage:

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: In a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.