Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion & Garlic

Here’s a hearty, Southern-style Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic recipe — smoky, savory, and full of flavor:

🥓 Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion & Garlic

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped

• 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2–3 tbsp bacon drippings (reserved after frying bacon)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon

   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.

   • Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, set aside. Leave 2–3 tbsp bacon grease in the pan.

2. Sauté onion & garlic

   • Add sliced onion to the hot bacon grease and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.

   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the cabbage

   • Toss in chopped cabbage. Stir well so it’s coated with bacon grease.

   • Season with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

4. Cook until tender

   • Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but not mushy.

5. Finish with bacon

   • Stir crispy bacon back into the cabbage.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning.

🍴 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, or cornbread.

• Or enjoy it as a main dish over rice or with buttered noodles.