Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions

This easy Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is salty, smoky, tangy, and sweet. It is a very popular side to make for the Irish holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, but I love to make it year round. It is so simple & tasty!

This southern fried cabbage is a delicious and hearty side dish, like my Balsamic Glaze Brussel Sprouts or Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad.

I also love this Smoked Sausage and Fried Cabbage recipe for a heartier dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients – You likely have most of these ingredients already in your refrigerator and pantry.
Loaded with bacon – This recipe is heavy on the bacon. Frying the vegetables in the bacon fat gives them a rich smoky flavor.
Sweet & tangy – The honey brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and contrasts the apple cider vinegar nicely.
Crisp cabbage – The cabbage is only cooked for about 10 minutes so it does not become mushy and maintains a nice texture.
Easy side dish – This recipe is the perfect accompaniment to any protein.
Great for St. Patrick’s Day – This dish is very popular to make for St. Patty’s Day.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Overhead image of ingredients needed to make fried cabbage with bacon & onion.

Honey: Substitute brown sugar or granulated sugar.
Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions

Quick Overview

Fry the bacon.
Sauté the onions.
Fry the cabbage and serve hot.

Step by Step Instructions

A 6 photo collage showing the assembly of fried cabbage with bacon & onion.

Step 1: In a large dutch oven or skillet on medium low heat, fry the bacon until the fat has rendered and it is crispy.

Step 2: Remove the bacon and set aside. Do not discard the grease.

Step 3: Turn the heat to medium and add the onions, honey, and about 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.

Step 4: Sauté for about 15 minutes or until brown.

Step 5: Add the cabbage and stir in the remaining salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 6: Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened to your liking. Stir in the garlic, vinegar, and bacon. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Be sure to not drain the bacon grease. This will be used to fry the onions and cabbage.

The onion should have a deep golden brown color.

Recipe Serving Suggestions

Here are some of my favorite proteins to serve fried cabbage with:

Expert Tips & Variations

Don’t drain the bacon grease. There is no additional oil in this recipe because everything is fried in the bacon drippings.
Brown the onions. The onion should develop lots of color. This adds so much flavor to the dish.
Use smoked paprika. Plain paprika lacks flavor. Smoked paprika will enhance the smokiness of the bacon.
Do not overcook the cabbage. I find the texture is much better when the cabbage is still a little crispy. If you prefer it softer, continue cooking until it reaches desired tenderness.

Up close image of fried cabbage with bacon & onion.

Recipe FAQs

Is fried cabbage good for you?

Yes, it is a great source of fiber.

How do you cut cabbage for frying?

I prefer to chop it into large squares instead of slicing it. Start by quartering the head. Remove the core from each quarter. Place the quarter cut side down. Make about 1 inch cuts in both directions to form squares.

Should you blanch cabbage before frying?

No. It will be overcooked and mushy. There is no need to blanch it.

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Pan of finished caramelized onions with a spoon resting in the center.

Side Dish

Caramelized Onions for Burgers

Overhead photo of browned sliced mushrooms in a small bowl on a striped cloth.

Side Dish

Sautéed Mushrooms for Burgers

Cooking Resources

Best Cheeses To Use For Macaroni & Cheese (for Melting & Flavor)

Side Dish

What To Serve With Minestrone Soup (15 Sides for Lunch or Dinner)

If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and/or comment! I always appreciate your feedback. Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram.