Southern Cabbage and Bacon Skillet
A soulful Southern staple, this stovetop cabbage and bacon medley offers a savory union of seared cabbage, sweet golden onions, and crunchy bacon bites. Enhanced with subtle seasonings and finished with a touch of acidity, it delivers rich, home-cooked flavor using minimal ingredients. Suitable as a satisfying side or a rustic main dish, it’s a quick, comforting meal any day of the week.
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 tablespoons plain unsalted butter
- 1 –2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar optional for acidity
- Freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt to taste
- 6 strips thick bacon chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional for depth
- 1 medium green cabbage approximately 2 pounds, cored and coarsely chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion finely sliced
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until the fat renders and the bacon becomes crisp, around 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Into the reserved bacon drippings, add the thinly sliced onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring intermittently, until it softens and begins to take on a golden hue.
- Introduce the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook uncovered for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even wilting and caramelization.
- Once the cabbage has reduced in volume and begun to brown slightly, incorporate the butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika if using, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cabbage is fully tender with caramelized edges.
- Return the crisp bacon pieces to the skillet. If desired, drizzle in the apple cider vinegar and stir for a final minute to meld the flavors.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main entrée.