Fried cabbage is a flavorful side dish that comes together in just a few minutes! Cabbage and onions are slowly cooked in bacon fat then tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette and topped with crispy bacon bits. A Southern classic that's perfect for any occasion!

Bowl of fried cabbage and onions topped with crispy bacon pieces, garnished with chopped chives.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from me every week!

This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This sauteed cabbage recipe is my go-to side when I want something quick and easy but still packs a lot of flavor. It's a perfect match with sheet pan pork chops, roasted Cajun turkey, or baked salmon!

📖Why My Recipe Works

Caramelized Onion- The onions and cabbage are slowly caramelized in bacon drippings, giving them a lot of flavor.
Hot Bacon Dressing- The combination of vinegar, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and a touch of honey creates a perfectly balanced dressing that complements the cabbage and onions.

🧾Ingredient Notes

Cabbage- Use red, green, or napa cabbage.
Bacon- Use regular or smoked bacon. You can also use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Onion- Use yellow or sweet onions.
Garlic- Fresh cloves of garlic are best.
Apple Cider Vinegar- Substitute with white wine vinegar.
Dijon Mustard- Adds a sharp, tangy flavor. You can use grainy mustard for a slightly different flavor.
Honey- You can also use maple syrup or brown sugar.

Fried cabbage mingles deliciously with crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and savory onions. A touch of Dijon mustard and a drizzle of honey blend perfectly with apple cider vinegar, all arranged beautifully on a rustic wooden surface.

⏲️How to Make Fried Cabbage

Don't toss the bacon drippings after cooking. Instead of adding extra oil, we'll use the flavorful bacon fat to sauté the onions and cabbage. If there's excess fat, transfer some to a container for later use.

Sliced onions caramelizing in a black pan on a wooden surface, with a cloth nearby.

Slowly cook the onions in the leftover fat until golden brown and caramelized about 5 minutes.

Adding fresh cubes of cabbage to the pan.

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and toss it with the onions. Cook until the cabbage softens, allowing it to develop lightly golden, caramelized edges. Avoid stirring constantly for the best results.

A mustard dressing before adding to the pan.

Stir the dressing ingredients in a bowl until combined. Adjust the dressing to taste. You can add more honey if you want it sweeter or add more vinegar if you want a tangier dressing.

A skillet filled with fried cabbage, crispy bacon, and sautéed onions rests on a wooden surface, accompanied by a wooden spoon and a gray cloth.

While adding the dressing, toss the cabbage to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the cabbage is tender and has absorbed all the flavors.

A skillet filled with fried cabbage and crispy bacon pieces rests on a wooden surface, accompanied by a wooden spoon. A beige cloth napkin is partially visible on the side, adding a rustic touch to this savory dish.

Top it with the crispy bacon bits, then serve while warm and fresh!

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

Taste the fried cabbage before adding extra salt or seasonings since the bacon already brings plenty of salty flavors.

Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?

📖 Recipe Card

A skillet of fried cabbage with crispy bacon pieces and tender onions, accompanied by a wooden spoon on a wooden surface.

Bacon Fried Cabbage with Onions

My bacon fried cabbage features caramelized onion, crispy bacon bits, and a sweet and tangy dressing. It's a delicious side dish that you can make in just a few simple steps!

Servings:

Prep: 5

Cook: 10

Total: 15

5 from 1 vote

PRINT PIN

Ingredients

▢ 6 slices bacon chopped into 1 inch pieces
▢ 1 medium onion finely chopped
▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
▢ ½ head green cabbage core removed and cut into chunks
▢ ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
▢ 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
▢ 1 Tablespoon honey warmed
▢ ⅓ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Crisp the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
6 slices bacon
Add the onion and sauté it in the bacon fat until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
Add the cabbage to the skillet with the onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and develops light caramelization, about 7-10 minutes.
½ head green cabbage
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, honey, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the cabbage and toss well to coat evenly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the bacon and season to taste with salt and pepper.
¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon honey, ⅓ teaspoon black pepper

Notes

Use red, green or napa cabbage.

🌡️Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cabbage in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. I don't recommend freezing this dish, as the cabbage becomes mushy when thawed.

Equipment

High sided saute pan

Nutrition

Author: Jen Wooster

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Looking for FREE New Recipes?Subscribe to my newsletter & get a FREE recipe ebook!

Comments

Join the Discussion Cancel reply

Kat says

May 18, 2025 at 5:13 pm

I’ve had this before without the vinegar mixture. I enjoyed the mustard and the honey, but next time I will only include about a tablespoon or two of the apple cider vinegar.

- Jen Wooster says
  
  May 19, 2025 at 10:29 am
  
  Thanks for the feedback!

Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon