Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors actually continue to mingle, making it just as tasty, if not more so, the next day.

Is it necessary to use bacon, or can I substitute?

Not at all! Butter offers a fantastic substitute for bacon, resulting in a rich, vegetarian-friendly dish. For more plant-based options, use olive oil and add smoked paprika for depth.

Does the cabbage need to be shredded finely?

You get to choose. Roughly chopped cabbage provides a more rustic texture, while finely shredded cabbage cooks more quickly and soaks up the flavors from the pan. Either way, it’s delicious.

How do I avoid soggy cabbage?

The key is to sauté the cabbage just until it’s tender with a hint of crunch left. Cook it over medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the skillet—this helps it caramelize rather than steam.

Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 thick cut bacon slices, diced; 1/3 cup diced yellow onion; 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded or roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

This Easy Fried Cabbage recipe is the kind of weeknight dish you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and about 30 minutes of kitchen time, you’ll end up with a skillet full of irresistible comfort. The crispiness of bacon, the slight sweetness from brown sugar, all mingling with tender cabbage—each bite is pure cozy goodness. Trust me, this one’s perfect for those days when you crave something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Quick: You’re just half an hour away from a hot, homey meal—even when life is moving fast.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With a short shopping list, each item shines. The smoky bacon, sweet onion, and savory spices work magic together.
Simple Technique: No fussy steps. If you can chop and stir, you’re golden!
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Comfort food lovers, veggie fans, and picky eaters will all come back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon: Thick-cut is ideal for amazing texture and smoky flavor; the rendered fat doubles as your cooking oil.
Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic background to every forkful.
Green Cabbage: Shredded or roughly chopped; the star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and tenderness.
Brown Sugar (Optional): Accentuates the cabbage’s sweetness, balancing the savory elements. Skip for a less sweet result.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient—don’t be shy, season to taste.
Black Pepper: For that gentle bite and depth.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and beautiful color. Regular paprika works if you prefer a milder option.

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.

Variations

Vegetarian Delight: No bacon? No problem! Simply replace with 2-3 tablespoons of salted butter or your favorite plant-based alternative.
Spicier Version: Throw in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to crank up the heat.
Extra Veggies: Stir in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even a handful of frozen corn for more color and crunch.
Different Protein: Try diced smoked sausage, turkey bacon, or even leftover cooked ham for a tasty twist.
Lower Sugar: Omit or reduce the brown sugar for a more savory result.

How to Make Easy Fried Cabbage

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Begin by heating a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add your diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces turn perfectly crispy—usually about 10 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spatula to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Remember, don’t toss out that glorious bacon grease!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

To the same skillet and hot bacon fat, add diced yellow onion. Let it sauté, stirring every now and then, until it softens and turns translucent—about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Wilt the Cabbage

Toss in your chopped or shredded green cabbage. Along with the cabbage, sprinkle in brown sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything up so the spices and flavors coat the cabbage thoroughly.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Let the whole mixture cook, giving it a good stir now and then. The cabbage will steam, soften up, and turn a bit golden in 7-10 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Finally, add your crisp bacon back to the skillet, stir things together one last time to distribute the savoriness, and serve up the fried cabbage while it’s deliciously hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Thick-Cut Bacon: It holds up better during cooking and delivers hearty bites throughout the dish.
Don’t Rush the Cabbage: Allow the cabbage to cook until tender, but not mushy; aim for cabbage that still retains a little bite.
Maximize the Bacon Drippings: The bacon fat adds tons of flavor—if you’re swapping for butter, don’t skimp, and let it bubble before adding veggies.
Add Bacon at the End: This keeps the bacon crispy, adding texture to the final dish.

How to Serve

This fried cabbage is incredibly versatile and can be the star of the meal or a savory sidekick. Pile it up next to roasted potatoes, grilled chicken, or pork chops. Serve it hot straight from the skillet as a simple lunch with crusty bread. For something fun, try spooning it over steamed rice or tucking it inside a warm tortilla for a quick and cozy wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any extra fried cabbage in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to get even better the next day.

Freezing

Fried cabbage doesn’t freeze quite as well, since the texture can change on thawing; it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of cooking.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat or with a quick zap in the microwave until heated through. Add a small splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors actually continue to mingle, making it just as tasty, if not more so, the next day.
Is it necessary to use bacon, or can I substitute?

Not at all! Butter offers a fantastic substitute for bacon, resulting in a rich, vegetarian-friendly dish. For more plant-based options, use olive oil and add smoked paprika for depth.
Does the cabbage need to be shredded finely?

You get to choose. Roughly chopped cabbage provides a more rustic texture, while finely shredded cabbage cooks more quickly and soaks up the flavors from the pan. Either way, it’s delicious.
How do I avoid soggy cabbage?

The key is to sauté the cabbage just until it’s tender with a hint of crunch left. Cook it over medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the skillet—this helps it caramelize rather than steam.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fried Cabbage brings real comfort to the table without demanding much effort or time. It’s a recipe to play with—add your twist, swap in favorite ingredients, and enjoy the simple joy of home-cooked flavor. Go ahead, give it a try—your taste buds (and your weeknight schedule) will thank you!