Easy Cabbage with Bacon Recipe (2024)

By Rebecca Hubbell on February 17, 2017 | Updated December 18, 2023 | 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!

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.

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!

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

How To Make Fried Cabbage and Bacon

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.
Add the diced onions to the drippings and cook them until they become translucent.
Stir in the shredded cabbage. Afterward, add in the brown sugar, salt, and pepper and cook until the cabbage becomes tender.
Add the bacon back into the pan with the cabbage and cook the mixture together.
Serve hot and enjoy!

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.

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!

4.79 from 23 votes

Irish Fried Cabbage Bacon Recipe

Author Rebecca Hubbell

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Irish

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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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!

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Comments & Reviews

Pam says
October 22, 2023

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
M J says
March 19, 2023

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
Cathy Willson says
March 17, 2023

Very good for a group meal. I will make this again!
Reply
Kelly says
March 21, 2022

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
  March 22, 2022
  
  So glad everyone enjoys it!
  Reply
Stephanie Stone says
February 20, 2022
See Also
What Goes with Chili? 40 Sides to Serve with Your Favorite Cozy Dish

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
Becky says
April 19, 2018

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
Sharon says
January 14, 2018

How much is a serving in this recipe? 4 oz or 8 oz?
Reply
Chrisy says
August 15, 2017

Love Irish classics like these! Plus, there’s *bacon* 😀 Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Reply
Janie Sheehan says
June 12, 2017

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
  June 13, 2017
  
  I love colcannon, it’s such a great way to use fried cabbage!
  Reply
Melody says
May 26, 2017

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
Mel says
March 14, 2017

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
  March 14, 2017
  
  I will have to look it up and see if I’ll be nearby when I’m back in Ireland in the fall!
  Reply
Marietta says
March 10, 2017

I make this and add a can of fixed tomatoes
Reply
JB says
March 7, 2017

I just made this! So delicious!
Reply
- Rebecca says
  March 7, 2017
  
  I’m so glad you enjoyed it, JB!
  Reply
Marta says
March 7, 2017

Also delicious if made with a little bit of garlic and a pinch of marjoram! (but without the brown sugar in that case)
Reply
Joan Anderson says
March 6, 2017

Looks delicious! Could you also use red cabbage in this recipe?
Reply
- Rebecca says
  March 6, 2017
  
  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
    March 7, 2017
    
    Thankyou Rebecca for great recipes. Keep up the great work ! Yours Truly, Heathet Dean.xox
Supriya Kutty says
March 6, 2017

Hi Rebecca, This is Awesome Recipe. I tried your Recipe and it Worked Well So Thank you for Sharing this.
Reply
- Rebecca says
  March 6, 2017
  
  I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
  Reply
Edith Grimstead says
March 2, 2017

I love cabbage just about any way!!This recipe sounds yummy!!
Reply
- Rebecca says
  March 2, 2017
  
  I hope you get a chance to enjoy it soon!
  Reply
  - Irene says
    March 3, 2017
    
    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
    March 4, 2017
    
    It’s such a classic recipe in so many parts of the world!
Linda Williams says
February 28, 2017

Yummmmmm
Reply

FAQs

How long does it take for cabbage to boil? ›

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!

Read On ›

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.

Show Me More ›

Is fried cabbage good for you? ›

You can enjoy cabbage cooked or raw, but it's crucial you prepare it the right way to reap its health benefits. Avoid cooking cabbage, which can reduce its nutrients. Opt for quick-cooking methods like stir-frying or chopping it up and eating it raw in a salad or slaw.

Keep Reading ›

How do you cook cabbage without making it soggy? ›

Insert a steamer basket inside a saucepan. Add enough water to the pan so the water level is just below the bottom of the basket. Bring water to a boil, then add cabbage wedges to the steamer basket. Cover and steam for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cabbage is crisp-tender.

Find Out More ›

How long to boil white cabbage on the stove? ›

Whether the cabbage is in wedges or in strips, boil until it is fork-tender, about 8 to 12 minutes. Cabbage can be steamed too, but it takes longer. Drain well before seasoning.

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How much water should you use to boil cabbage? ›

Add about 8 cups of water to a pot.

Read The Full Story ›

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.

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How to cook bacon by boiling? ›

directions

Add 6 slices of uncooked bacon to deep pan.
Add 1/2 cup water to pan (may add more or less; just cover the bacon). ...
Cook on high setting until water boils rapidly.
Reduce heat to medium-high until water is boiled from pan.
Reduce heat to medium-low; flip bacon.
Flip Bacon at about 5 minutes.

More items...

Read On ›

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.

See Details ›

What does too much cabbage do to your body? ›

While cabbage offers lots of vitamins and minerals your body needs, there can be a downside to eating cabbage. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. It's best to slowly introduce these vegetables into your diet and gradually increase your intake.

Read The Full Story ›

What is the healthiest way to eat cabbage? ›

Although you get different nutrients if you cook or ferment it, raw red cabbage in particular might give you the best nutritional boost per serving. Slice it very thinly and leave it for about 10 minutes to help bring out the fullest, most complex flavors. Then add it to salads or sandwiches or turn it into coleslaw.

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Is too much cooked cabbage bad for you? ›

Consuming cabbage in excess can result in abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and flatulence. It can also result in ingesting toxic chemicals like goitrin, thiocyanates and benzyl cyanide.

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.

How do you get the gas out of cabbage? ›

Boil it. In general, cooking makes vegetables easier to digest, which can help reduce gas. To retain the nutrients in the cabbage that would be lost when you drain the water, try cabbage soup or Mexican cabbage roll soup.

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Can you overcook cabbage? ›

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.

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How long does it take for cabbage to be ready? ›

Cabbage takes between 60 and 100 days to mature. A July planting will begin to form a head as summer turns to fall, and be ready to harvest before a hard freeze.

Get More Info ›

Is Boiling cabbage good for you? ›

A cup of boiled cabbage has just 33 calories. It is low in fat and high in fiber. Furthermore, cabbage increases excretion and detoxification, which speeds weight reduction and improves liver health.

Can you overcook cabbage in soup? ›

Yes, the cabbage is overcooked when it's very soft or pretty much falling apart in the soup.

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