Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (2024)

By Rebecca Hubbell on | Updated | 28 Comments

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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.

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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)

4.77 from 21 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?

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Reader Interactions

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    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. Stephanie Stone says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (15)
    l cooked this to my mother in law because her mother was irish and really love it. I want to explore more of the irish cuisine

    Reply

  6. 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

  7. Sharon says

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

    Reply

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Marietta says

    I make this and add a can of fixed tomatoes

    Reply

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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!

  18. Linda Williams says

    Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (23)
    Yummmmmm

    Reply

Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook cabbage without making it soggy? ›

That's because they only knew them to be boiled and mushy. Once people started roasting them at a high heat, perhaps with a little extra salt and fat (like bacon), it was a game-changer. You can also try slicing cabbage thin and sautéing it to maintain some of its crunchy texture.

How long should I boil cabbage for? ›

How long should I boil cabbage? Shredded cabbage will be done in around 5 minutes; for wedges, it'll be done around 10. You want to cook until tender, but err on the side of caution—overcooked cabbage will turn limp and give off a less-than-pleasant smell. Tip: Make sure to drain your cabbage to prevent overcooking!

What is bacon and cabbage made of? ›

Bacon and cabbage (Irish: bagún agus cabáiste) is a dish traditionally associated with Ireland. The dish consists of sliced back bacon boiled with cabbage and potatoes. Smoked bacon is sometimes used. The dish is served with the bacon sliced, and with some of the boiling juices added.

How to cook cabbage Jamie Oliver? ›

Wash and drain your cabbage leaves, getting rid of any tough stalks. Add to a large pan of salted boiling water, bring back to the boil then cook on a medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain well in a colander and leave to cool. Carefully squeeze the cabbage leaves to get rid of any excess moisture.

Why do you soak cabbage before cooking? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

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.

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

The few drops of vinegar eliminates the odor of cooked cabbage.

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.

Does cabbage need to be washed before boiling? ›

Cooking. BOILING: Wash and cut cabbage into quarters or large wedges. Add about 1/2 inch of water into a large saucepan and bring to a boil.

How long do you boil bacon for? ›

Place in fresh cold water. Bring to the boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer gently for 45 minutes per kg (20 minutes per lb) plus 20 minutes extra at the end of cooking time. Remove cooked joint from water and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

What are the health benefits of cabbage and bacon? ›

What are the health benefits of Simply cook savoy cabbage and bacon? This simple side is packed with vitamin K for your blood, bones, arteries and cells. Try adding some finely chopped onions and a little garlic powder for a sweeter flavour.

How long does cooked cabbage and bacon last in the fridge? ›

Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours in a shallow, airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 or 4 days. Steamed cabbage without the bacon can be frozen for up to 10 months in a freezer container or bag. Wrap it in foil or freezer wrap for an extra layer of protection.

How much water do you use when boiling cabbage? ›

Add about 1/2 inch of lightly salted water to a large skillet or Dutch oven. Cover, and bring to a boil. Add cabbage wedges and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt. Simmer, covered, until the cabbage begins to soften, 5 to 7 minutes.

Do you boil cabbage in hot or cold water? ›

Bring water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

The water should be about 3/4 of an inch (1.9 cm) deep or enough to place your cabbage in without overflowing.

Why is my cooked cabbage mushy? ›

4. You overcook the cabbage. Overcooked cabbage is rather unappetizing as it becomes too soft and attains "that" annoying smell that dissuades many from cooking cabbage.

How do you keep cabbage crisp? ›

If you're not quite ready to use your head of cabbage, don't rinse it, put it in a plastic bag, and store it in the crisper drawer of the fridge. You will be shocked at how long it will remain vibrant and crisp.

How to get moisture out of cabbage? ›

With the shredded cabbage in a colander, mix in a tablespoon of salt per head of cabbage till it's evenly distributed. 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.

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