Fried Cabbage Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Side! 🥬
Fried cabbage is a classic comfort dish that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal ingredients. This easy recipe features tender cabbage sautéed with onions, garlic, and a touch of seasoning for a savory and slightly caramelized taste. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, it’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy cabbage!

⏳ Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
🍨 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir to coat with the bacon grease and butter. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and starts to caramelize. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Baked Cream Cheese Chicken.
Step 4: Season and Add Bacon
Season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well, then mix in the cooked bacon.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cabbage is tender and golden brown, remove from heat and serve immediately.

🔥 Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage
- 🥓 Swap bacon for smoked sausage for a different flavor.
- 🧈 Add more butter for a richer taste.
- 🌶️ For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes.
- 🥬 Use green or purple cabbage for variety!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is incredibly easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and pairs well with many meals. It’s a budget-friendly, nutritious, and satisfying way to enjoy cabbage.
🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
❄️ Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Chop the cabbage and onions in advance for easy cooking.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
🍽️ Conclusion
Fried cabbage is a simple yet flavorful dish that makes a perfect side for any meal. Whether you serve it with a main course like Old-Fashioned Goulash or enjoy it on its own, it’s sure to be a hit. Try this quick and delicious recipe today! 😊

FRIED CABBAGE
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir to coat with the bacon grease and butter. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and starts to caramelize. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Baked Cream Cheese Chicken.
- Season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well, then mix in the cooked bacon.
- Once the cabbage is tender and golden brown, remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Chop the cabbage and onions in advance for easy cooking.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.