A simple, savory side dish featuring crispy bacon, tender cabbage, sweet onions, and garlic. This comforting recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and pairs well with almost any main course.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 lbs / 900 g), cored and sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
2. Sauté the onion. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the cabbage. Add the sliced cabbage, butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss well to coat in the bacon grease and butter.
4. Sauté until tender. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender with lightly caramelized edges.
5. Finish the dish. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and toss to combine.
6. Serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Optional Add-Ins

• Sliced smoked sausage
• Diced ham
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Caraway seeds
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled or roasted chicken
• Pork chops
• Meatloaf
• Beef brisket
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

Tip: Avoid overcooking the cabbage. It should be tender with a slight bite, while a bit of caramelization adds extra flavor and keeps the texture from becoming mushy.