Print

Crispy Cabbage and Bacon Skillet

crispy cabbage and bacon skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy comfort food recipe featuring caramelized cabbage and crispy bacon with a smoky, tangy twist. Perfect as a side or a light main dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and sliced into thin strips
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients (10 minutes): Rinse the cabbage and pat dry. Remove the core and slice the cabbage into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  2. Cook the bacon (8 minutes): Place the bacon slices in your cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. Flip occasionally until bacon is crispy and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and set on paper towels to drain, reserving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic (4 minutes): Add the sliced onions to the bacon fat and sauté on medium heat until translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook the cabbage (10-12 minutes): Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Toss well to coat with the bacon fat and onions. Spread it out in an even layer, pressing down slightly. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to develop a golden crust. Then stir and repeat a couple of times until cabbage is tender but still has some bite and edges are caramelized.
  5. Season and finish (2 minutes): Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the cabbage. Crumble the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Serve warm: Transfer to plates or serve straight from the skillet. Enjoy immediately for the crispiest texture.

Notes

Start bacon in a cold pan to render fat slowly for crispier bacon. Slice cabbage thin and evenly for consistent cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Let cabbage brown undisturbed to develop crispy edges. Use smoked paprika for smoky warmth and apple cider vinegar to balance richness. If skillet gets dry, add olive oil or reserved bacon fat. Crisp bacon is essential for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy cabbage, bacon skillet, comfort food, easy recipe, quick dinner, caramelized cabbage, smoky bacon

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/crispy-cabbage-and-bacon-skillet-easy-comfort-food-recipe-to-try-today/