If you’ve ever wondered how to transform humble cabbage and bacon into a mouthwatering side or even a main dish, the Crispy Bacon and Sautéed Cabbage Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. This dish masterfully balances the savory crunch of crispy bacon with tender, flavorful cabbage sautéed alongside sweet onions and a hint of smoked paprika for an irresistible comfort classic everyone will love. It’s surprisingly simple yet full of character, making it a go-to recipe for weeknights or whenever you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crispy Bacon and Sautéed Cabbage Recipe are straightforward but essential, each playing its own part to build layers of texture and flavor that sing in harmony.
- 6 strips bacon: Choose streaky bacon for the perfect balance of fat and meat that crisps up beautifully.
- 1 medium cabbage, cored and chopped: Fresh cabbage brings a mild sweetness and satisfying bulk to the dish.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Introduces a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the flavors.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural goodness.
How to Make Crispy Bacon and Sautéed Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Fry the Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Start by cutting the bacon into smaller pieces, using kitchen shears for ease and precision—it’s my secret to quick prep! Fry the bacon in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches that perfect crispy crunch, usually about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the crispy texture and rendered fat are key flavor components. Once done, remove the bacon but keep roughly two tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan to cook the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Adding the chopped onion to the bacon fat, sauté for about three minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant. The onions add a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the smoky bacon. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and get an even golden color.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Next, stir in your chopped cabbage and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your texture preference. I love mine cooked until just tender but still with a slight bite. The cabbage will soak up the bacon fat and onion flavor while releasing its natural sweetness, transforming into a silky, luscious base for this dish.
Step 4: Season and Combine
In the final moments of cooking, sprinkle in the smoked paprika for a warm, smoky aroma. Toss the crispy bacon pieces back into the pan, stirring everything together to marry the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then your Crispy Bacon and Sautéed Cabbage Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crispy Bacon and Sautéed Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors, cutting through the richness of the bacon fat beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted pork chops, or even a simple fried egg on top for a wholesome meal. It’s also a fantastic companion to buttered bread or crusty rolls that soak up every last bit of those delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Crispy Bacon and Sautéed Cabbage Recipe over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl option. You can also roll it into a warm tortilla with some melted cheese for a satisfying wrap that’s perfect on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Cool it completely and pack into freezer-safe containers or bags, where it will keep for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispy bacon texture and warm the cabbage without making it soggy. Microwave works too, but the skillet method yields better texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use green or red cabbage instead of the typical cabbage?
Absolutely! Both green and red cabbage work wonderfully in this recipe, bringing slightly different flavors and colors, but the cooking process remains the same.
Is smoked paprika necessary for this dish?
Smoked paprika is optional but highly recommended; it adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the bacon’s flavor, making this Crispy Bacon and Sautéed Cabbage Recipe even more irresistible.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the cabbage and onions. Adding smoked paprika and some smoked salt can help capture that smoky essence.
How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy?
Cook the cabbage over medium heat without covering the pan, stirring occasionally. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and keeps the cabbage tender yet firm enough to enjoy.
What cuts of bacon work best here?
Streaky bacon, also known as side bacon, is ideal because it crisps up nicely and renders enough fat to cook the vegetables, infusing them with rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bacon and Sautéed Cabbage Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Give it a try and watch how just a handful of simple ingredients can create something truly special to share with those you love.
Print
Crispy Bacon and Sautéed Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring crispy bacon sautéed with tender cabbage and onions, seasoned with smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth. This simple skillet recipe makes a perfect side or light main dish that comes together quickly and offers comfort on any day.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon, cut into smaller pieces
- 1 medium cabbage, cored and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and cook bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat and fry the bacon pieces until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes depending on your preferred tenderness, until the cabbage is softened but still retains some texture.
- Season and combine: In the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the smoked paprika over the cabbage and stir it in. Return the crispy bacon pieces to the skillet, mix well, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using kitchen shears to cut bacon makes the process quicker and less messy.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a wonderful depth of smoky flavor.
- Adjust cooking time for cabbage softness to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- For a less salty dish, reduce added salt since bacon contributes saltiness.
