Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (2024)

By Rebecca Hubbell on | Updated | 28 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy

Irish Fried Cabbage and Bacon is a simple recipe that's pan-fried in bacon grease and loaded up with bacon pieces and onion and seasoned with brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

Jump to Recipe

This Irish Fried Cabbage is the side dish you need for St. Patrick’s Day! It’s been perfected with just the right balance of ingredients and has been enjoyed over and over again by readers since 2017!

If you’re a big fan of Colcannon, you can combine this Irish Fried Cabbage with my Mashed Potatoes recipe! And don’t forget to make my Irish Cream No Bake Cookies for dessert!

Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (2)

Table of Contents

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

By paying close attention to detail, I found just the right ingredients to deliver the best Irish Fried Cabbage out there! And if you need reassurance, check out what readers have said about it in the comments section!

This Irish Fried Cabbage is made with bacon, studding it with crisp bacon bits throughout while also adding a deliciously smoky flavor to the dish! The addition of onions, salt, and pepper lends a savory flavor while you enjoy a natural sweetness from the cabbage that’s highlighted with a touch of brown sugar.

Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (3)

You get all that flavor in this easy-to-follow recipe that’s ready in just 25 minutes! Making it the perfect side dish for all of March, a simple yet flavorful dinner at home, or for the holidays!

If you think you don’t like cabbage, this is the recipe that will change your mind! Between the flavor, texture, and ease of the recipe, it’ll be one that you carry with you from here on out!

Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (4)

What you’ll need for Fried Cabbage with Bacon

  • Thick bacon and the drippings
  • Diced small onion
  • Shredded green cabbage
  • Light brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (5)

How To Make Fried Cabbage and Bacon

  1. Cook bacon in a deep cast-iron skillet until crisp. Then transfer the bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate but leave the drippings in the pan.
  2. Add the diced onions to the drippings and cook them until they become translucent.
  3. Stir in the shredded cabbage. Afterward, add in the brown sugar, salt, and pepper and cook until the cabbage becomes tender.
  4. Add the bacon back into the pan with the cabbage and cook the mixture together.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (6)

What to serve with Cabbage and Bacon?

You can serve this with anything, anytime! Try it with Corned Beef, Ham, Skillet Baked Pork Chops, or even with Air Fryer Steak!

Fried Cabbage and Bacon Recipe FAQs

Can I Used Leftover Boiled Cabbage In This Recipe?

Absolutely, that’s such a great way to repurpose leftovers into a new tasty dish! The only thing I would recommend doing is reducing the cooking time.

Could I Leave The Brown Sugar Out Of This Fried Cabbage?

I actually find that the brown sugar adds a great depth of flavor to the recipe. However, if you’d like to leave it out you certainly can.

How to store this Cabbage Bacon Recipe

Just tightly cover them and store them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the fried cabbage again you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (7)

St. Patrick’s Day can be filled with just as much seasonal flavor as the other holidays when delicious recipes like this Easy Irish Fried Cabbage and Bacon exist! Grab another recipe to try for even more Irish flavor!

  • Irish Cream French Toast – A sweet way to start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!
  • Easy Homemade Irish Cream – The perfect additon to your cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or co*cktails!
  • Corned Beef Hash – Use up that leftover corned beef in this simple breakfast hash that the whole family will devour!
  • Irish Potato Candy – This sweet treat is made with just 7 easy ingredients and ready in under an hour!
  • – A simple, classy drink that’s creamy, rich, and slightly fruity!

Let’s Connect!

If you’ve tried thisrecipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review. I love hearing from you!

Don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos or join our Sugar & Soul Show-offs Community and share them there, where you can join our recipe challenges!

Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (8)

Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (9)

4.79 from 23 votes

Irish Fried Cabbage Bacon Recipe


Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Irish Fried Cabbage and Bacon is a simple recipe that’s pan-fried in bacon grease and loaded up with bacon pieces and onion and seasoned with brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces thick bacon and drippings
  • ½ small onion diced
  • ½ head green cabbage shredded
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook bacon in a deep cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 4 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spatula to remove the bacon pieces and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

  • Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and cook until translucent, about 1 to 2 minutes.

  • Add shredded cabbage to the pan and toss to coat. Add in brown sugar, salt, and pepper and cook until cabbage is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

  • Add the bacon back to the cabbage and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Serve hot and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Video

Notes

  • Brown sugar can be left out if desired.
  • Leftover boiled cabbage can also be used, reduce cooking time.
  • This recipe is common in many regions with many variations, this one is mine.

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 28.4mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Don’t forget to share it with me on Instagram @sugarandsoulco and follow on Tiktok @sugarandsoulco and Pinterest @sugarandsoulco for more!

Reader Interactions

Share your thoughts!

Love this recipe? Share your thoughts with me below and leave a review! And don’t forget to connect on your favorite social platform below!

    Leave A Reply!

    Comments & Reviews

  1. Pam says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (10)
    This is so easy to make and my family loves it. I first tried it foe St.Patricks day a few years ago and it has been a hit ever since

    Reply

  2. M J says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (11)
    I have friends that throw holiday parties with 20 – 50 people. I found this recipe for the cabbage to compliment the main entry, Shepard’s Pie being served. The recipe was easy and quick to make. I cooked it for a longer time for the cabbage to cook to a softer texture. Everyone LOVED IT!! I will be making it again next year, but tripling the recipe since so many people raved about Irish Fried Cabbage with Bacon. YUM!

    Reply

  3. Cathy Willson says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (12)
    Very good for a group meal. I will make this again!

    Reply

  4. Kelly says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (13)
    I have made this for the past three years. Even the non cabbage eaters eat this! DELICIOUS! Thank you for sharing this recipe with us!

    Reply

    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (14)
      So glad everyone enjoys it!

      Reply

  5. Becky says

    I was wondering what is the serving size? I have to track macros very carefully so I would like to know how your calculations are balanced. Thank you so much. The recipe does seem like such a great one. I would love to try it!

    Reply

  6. Sharon says

    How much is a serving in this recipe? 4 oz or 8 oz?

    Reply

  7. Chrisy says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (16)
    Love Irish classics like these! Plus, there’s *bacon* 😀 Can’t wait to try your recipe!

    Reply

  8. Janie Sheehan says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (17)
    My Grandmother made this and made a big pan of mashed potatoes and then mixed the two together, with green onions. Her version of colcannon which I make to this day. So good.

    Reply

    • Rebecca says

      I love colcannon, it’s such a great way to use fried cabbage!

      Reply

  9. Melody says

    One add-in idea: after removing cooked bacon pieces, add Turmeric to the bacon fat, stir well, then continue with recipe instructions. Turmeric is Very healthy for you! My husband’s Dr. says Turmeric coats the brain neurons preventing Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Also aids in preventing inflammation & lowering high Blood pressure.

    Reply

  10. Mel says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (18)
    My husband and i were in Ireland for right at 3 years.. Actually steamed cabbage and ham (bacon) with no additives. Very delic the best served to us had to be in the town of Mallow @ The Gallery ❤ if visiting a must try!

    Reply

    • Rebecca says

      I will have to look it up and see if I’ll be nearby when I’m back in Ireland in the fall!

      Reply

  11. Marietta says

    I make this and add a can of fixed tomatoes

    Reply

  12. JB says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (19)
    I just made this! So delicious!

    Reply

    • Rebecca says

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, JB!

      Reply

  13. Marta says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (20)
    Also delicious if made with a little bit of garlic and a pinch of marjoram! (but without the brown sugar in that case)

    Reply

  14. Joan Anderson says

    Looks delicious! Could you also use red cabbage in this recipe?

    Reply

    • Rebecca says

      Hi Joan, I’m not sure as I’ve never tried it. Red cabbage isn’t as sweet after cooking as green cabbage, so you could definitely try it out if you want, just may need to add a little more sugar.

      Reply

      • Heather Dean says

        Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (21)
        Thankyou Rebecca for great recipes. Keep up the great work ! Yours Truly, Heathet Dean.xox

  15. Supriya Kutty says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (22)
    Hi Rebecca, This is Awesome Recipe. I tried your Recipe and it Worked Well So Thank you for Sharing this.

    Reply

    • Rebecca says

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  16. Edith Grimstead says

    I love cabbage just about any way!!This recipe sounds yummy!!

    Reply

    • Rebecca says

      I hope you get a chance to enjoy it soon!

      Reply

      • Irene says

        My Mother in law taught me how to make this 40 yr ago..
        Real soul food..the two of us could finish off a pan full ?

      • Rebecca says

        It’s such a classic recipe in so many parts of the world!

  17. Linda Williams says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (23)
    Yummmmmm

    Reply

Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is vinegar added to cabbage? ›

Then, there is the red cabbage which tends to turn blue when cooked and so, most commonly just eaten raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect.

Why do you put baking soda in cabbage? ›

Baking soda does help green vegetables retain color, but it causes undesirable color changes in red cabbage—it turned blue. The science can be distilled to this: Adding baking soda to cooking water makes it slightly alkaline, which stabilizes the green color of chlorophyll.

How do you make Patti Labelle cabbage? ›

Directions. Heat the grapeseed oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage, onions, bell peppers, stock, sea salt, seasoning salt, black pepper and cayenne. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and tender, 10 minutes.

How long to soak cabbage before cooking? ›

If there are any signs of bugs or worms as cabbage can have, soak in salt water for 15 minutes. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to enough water to submerge the cabbage.

What does soaking cabbage in salt water do? ›

The salt will draw out excess water from cabbage while helping preserve the crispiness. After letting it sit for an hour or two, rinse it with water to remove the salt. Drain and dry the cabbage with paper towels, gently pressing to release excess water. Repeat with more paper towels as the water is absorbed.

What does pouring salt into a cabbage do? ›

The salt then draws moisture out of the cabbage's cells through osmosis, forming a salty brine. This brine is important because it submerges the cabbage and deprives the Lactobacillus and other microorganisms of oxygen – the second step!

Can you overcook cabbage? ›

Yes, cabbage sizzles in stir-fries; simmers in soups, stews, and braises; adds healthy crunch to salads; and does wonders for casseroles, gratins, and meat pies — cabbage does it all, and for a bargain price. The key to cooking cabbage: Don't overcook it. Cabbage is sweet and aromatic when cooked correctly.

What can I add to cabbage to prevent gas? ›

To reduce the likelihood of experiencing gas after eating cabbage, consider cooking it thoroughly. This can help break down the fibers and make it easier to digest. Additionally, try adding caraway seeds or fennel seeds to your cabbage dishes, as these spices are known to help reduce gas.

What does cooked cabbage do to your stomach? ›

It's Good for Your Digestion

Cabbage has 1 gram of fiber for every 10 calories. That helps fill you up, so you eat less. It also keeps you regular, and it could help lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and control your blood sugar. Cabbage also has nutrients that keep the lining of your stomach and intestines strong.

What is cannonball cabbage? ›

More commonly known as green cabbage, the cannonball cabbage is one of the most popular cabbage varieties. It is so named for the way its leaves wound tightly over one another in a dense, compact fashion; with the final product resembling a cannonball.

Why is it called sweetheart cabbage? ›

Why is it called Hispi cabbage? It's tight, green and leafy. Also known as pointed, hispi, or Chinese cabbage, the name sweetheart is used because of its sweet flavour, and because the French word for cabbage, chou, is used as a pet name for a sweetheart, not, as you might think because it has a shape like a heart.

Why do you soak cabbage in ice water? ›

We wanted to find a method that would keep the cabbage from watering down the dressing and also a way to make the salad piquant without tasting too sharp. The solution: Some recipes call for soaking cabbage in ice water to make it crisp and plump.

Why soak cabbage in vinegar? ›

An old trick to use is to leave the cabbage lightly doused in vinegar water for a couple of minutes before proceeding to wash the cabbage with water. Usually between two or four minutes. Vinegar kills some types of bacteria and helps killing mold and mildew that could have grown on the cabbage.

Is it okay to not wash cabbage before cooking? ›

Cabbage. The outer layer isn't going to be eaten—the leaves are tougher and undesirable to many—so why wash cabbage? There's a good reason: Worms or other insects could be inside the cabbage, so to be safe, follow these steps for cleaning and washing it.

How much water should you use to boil cabbage? ›

ingredients
  1. 1 head cabbage.
  2. 8 -10 beef bouillon cubes.
  3. 8 -10 cups water.

What happens when vinegar is added to cabbage juice? ›

The cabbage juice is called an indicator because it can tell you the pH of a solution based on the color that it changes. The vinegar will turn the cabbage juice red because it is an acid (acetic acid). The baking soda will turn the cabbage juice greenish-yellow because it is a base (sodium bicarbonate).

Will adding vinegar to cabbage during cooking make it turn blue? ›

Anthocyanins tend to change their colour according to acidity or alkalinity of the environment. Cooking water is usually slightly alkaline, so red cabbage chnges its color to dark purple, deep Navy blue, sometimes almost black. Add a little of vinegar to the cooking water and the cabbage will retain its red colour.

What happens when you add vinegar to red cabbage? ›

When cooked in an alkaline liquid like water, red cabbage turns blue. Adding vinegar, lemon juice, or another acid helps the cabbage to retain its red-purple color.

Is cabbage in vinegar healthy? ›

Chockful of nutrients

Red cabbage offers another bonus: It's rich in natural pigments called anthocyanins, which new research suggests may help boost insulin production and lower blood sugar levels. Finally, cabbage is often prepared with vinegar, which can help lower the GL of your whole meal.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 6239

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.