Fried Cabbage Recipe (2024)

Published September 28, 2023.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This simple-to-prepare fried cabbage recipe is pan-roasted with crispy bacon and finished with fresh dill and butter for an unbelievably flavorful side dish. You won’t believe how simple this dish is and how good it tastes.

I try to ensure I eat as many vegetables as possible. However, I must admit that it can be tough to make them delicious, so I want to eat them. If you’re in the same boat, check out my tastyMexican Street CornorRoasted Asparagus.

Fried Cabbage

Fried cabbage is a simple side dish consisting of cabbage that is fried in fat and served. This is a very easy-to-make recipe that comes together in a matter of minutes. While this classic dish is a southern staple, its roots can be traced to Ireland, especially when bacon is being cooked and served with it.

There is a myriad of ways to enhance the flavor of fried cabbage by using herbs, spices, or pork. I urge you to get creative and find ways to customize this recipe to your and your family’s liking.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Cabbage – You will need a head of green cabbage. Savoy cabbage will also work in this recipe.
• Bacon – I used regular-cut uncured bacon.
• Onions – You will need both shallots and garlic for this fried cabbage. You can substitute the shallot for a red, white, yellow, or sweet onion.
• Stock – Chicken stock or vegetable stock will work.
• Herbs – Fresh dill is the perfect herb to use in this recipe. You can use the same amount of dry dill if that is all you have.
• Butter – I always use unsalted butter in my cooking and baking so that I control the salt content.

How to Make Fried Cabbage

Add the bacon to a large 6-quart rondeau or pan over medium heat and cook until the bacon is crisp and browned, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes while frequently stirring.

Remove the crispy bacon lardons and set them to the side.

Turn the heat to high and then add in the shredded cabbage and sauté for 4 to 6 minutes or until lightly browned. The cabbage should be tender but still have some crispness to it.

Scoot the cabbage to one side of the pan and then in the other, add in the shallots, garlic, and one tablespoon of butter and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant.

Mix everything together and then deglaze with the stock and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until it is mostly absorbed.

Finish by stirring in the crispy bacon lardons, fresh dill, butter, salt, and pepper.

Store or serve with an optional garnish of minced fresh dill.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: This is meant to be eaten within 30 minutes of making it. You can keep it warm over very low heat covered in a pan for up to 1 hour before serving. This may cause the cabbage to soften more.

How to Store: Cover and keep the fried cabbage in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This freezes well and is covered for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for one day or until thawed.

How to Reheat: Add two tablespoons of oil to a large frying pan over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Place in the desired amount of fried cabbage and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until warm. Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.

More Side Dish Recipes

• Italian Potatoes
• Boiled Green Beans
• Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
• Roasted Zucchini
• Glazed Carrots