Readers have been devouring this 5-Star Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe since 2017! This side dish has been perfected with just the right flavors and ingredients to serve up a mouthwatering dish that’s filled with smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavor! Perfect for St. Patrick’s day yet also incredibly satisfying any day of the year!
Irish Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Whether you’re looking to complete your big St. Patrick’s day meal or want to mix up dinner with a fresh new side that’s packed with flavor, this Irish Fried Cabbage is a winner every time! Made with only 6 ingredients, ready in 25 minutes or less, plus there’s bacon: need I say more?
This tender fried cabbage is loaded with crisp bits of bacon, giving the dish a mouthwatering smoky flavor that pairs deliciously with the natural sweetness of the cabbage that’s highlighted with a touch of brown sugar.
And if you need more reassurance than bacon, check out what readers have said about this delicious recipe in the comments section! You’ll find that even non-cabbage lovers have been converted through this recipe!
Fried Cabbage with Bacon Ingredients
Whip up a skillet of this Fried Cabbage with Bacon in 25 minutes or less using simple ingredients that pack in the flavor! To start the dish, thick bacon is cooked until crisp and is then removed from the skillet, leaving the drippings behind.
Diced onion and shredded green cabbage are then fried up in the drippings before adding light brown sugar, salt, and ground black pepper.
How To Make Fried Cabbage and Bacon
- Cook bacon until crisp in a deep cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the bacon becomes crisp use a slotted spatula to transfer the pieces onto a paper-towel lined plate.
- Cook the diced onion in the bacon drippings until translucent.
- Add shredded cabbage to the pan, tossing to coat. Afterward, stir in the brown sugar, salt, and pepper and continue cooking until the cabbage becomes tender.
- Transfer the crisp bacon back into the skillet and continue cooking the fried cabbage and bacon mixture for a few more minutes. Then serve hot and enjoy!
Rebecca’s Tips
- I find that adding brown sugar to this Fried Cabbage Recipe adds a delicious depth of flavor. However, feel free to omit it from the recipe if you prefer!
- Feel free to use up leftover boiled cabbage to make this recipe! To do so, I would just recommend reducing the cook time.
- Don’t forget to remove the bacon bits from the skillet before adding the diced onion and shredded cabbage. If the bacon is left in it for the entire cooking time of this dish it will burn and become hard.
- Do not drain the skillet of the bacon drippings after removing the bacon! This is what the diced onion and cabbage are cooked in to lock in the flavor.
How To Serve With Cabbage and Bacon
Though this Irish Fried Cabbage is especially delicious around St. Patrick’s Day, it’s truly a dish you can enjoy with anything, anytime! For the perfect Irish dinner, serve this up alongside Corned Beef or a boiled Ham with a batch of Baileys Irish Cream Brownies for dessert.
This fried cabbage with bacon also pairs great with Skillet Baked Pork Chops and Air Fryer Steak! And if you’re a big fan of Colcannon, you can combine this Irish Fried Cabbage with my Mashed Potatoes recipe!
How To Store Irish Fried Cabbage
Once the leftovers have cooled, transfer them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. To reheat the fried cabbage, you can use the microwave or stovetop!
More Recipes With Irish Flavor
- Baileys Irish Cream Brownies – Easy-to-make gourmet-style brownies loaded with Irish cream liqueur!
- Easy Homemade Irish Cream – The perfect additon to your cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or cocktails!
- Corned Beef Hash – Use up that leftover corned beef in this simple breakfast hash that the whole family will devour!
- Irish Coffee Cookies – Fudgy double chocolate chip cookies topped with Baileys Irish cream frosting and ganache!
- Guinness & Champagne Black Velvet Cocktail – A simple, classy drink that’s creamy, rich, and slightly fruity!
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you’ve tried this recipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review. I love hearing from you!
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Irish Fried Cabbage Bacon Recipe
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
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Comments & Reviews
Pam says
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
M J says
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!
Cathy Willson says
Very good for a group meal. I will make this again!
Kelly says
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!
Rebecca Hubbell says
So glad everyone enjoys it!
Stephanie Stone says
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
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!
Sharon says
How much is a serving in this recipe? 4 oz or 8 oz?
Chrisy says
Love Irish classics like these! Plus, there’s *bacon* 😀 Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Janie Sheehan says
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.
Rebecca says
I love colcannon, it’s such a great way to use fried cabbage!
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.
Mel says
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!
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!
Marietta says
I make this and add a can of fixed tomatoes
JB says
I just made this! So delicious!
Rebecca says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, JB!
Marta says
Also delicious if made with a little bit of garlic and a pinch of marjoram! (but without the brown sugar in that case)
Joan Anderson says
Looks delicious! Could you also use red cabbage in this recipe?
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.
Heather Dean says
Thankyou Rebecca for great recipes. Keep up the great work ! Yours Truly, Heathet Dean.xox
Supriya Kutty says
Hi Rebecca, This is Awesome Recipe. I tried your Recipe and it Worked Well So Thank you for Sharing this.
Rebecca says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Edith Grimstead says
I love cabbage just about any way!!This recipe sounds yummy!!
Rebecca says
I hope you get a chance to enjoy it soon!
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!
Linda Williams says
Yummmmmm