If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful way to enjoy cabbage, this Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe is an absolute winner. The magic happens when crispy, smoky bacon meets tender, caramelized cabbage, all enhanced by a subtle hint of cumin and the richness of butter. This dish is simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this, bacon braised cabbage will quickly become one of your favorite cozy, savory sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe lies in how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each item plays a role in balancing smoky, savory, and sweet flavors while adding texture and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 medium head cabbage: Savoy cabbage is my pick for its tender leaves and mild flavor, but white cabbage works beautifully too.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together with a silky finish.
- ½ cup diced bacon: The star ingredient that brings smokiness and a wonderful crispy texture.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for enhancing every component’s natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional): Adds a subtle warm earthiness that makes the dish uniquely aromatic.
- ½ cup liquid: This can be water, chicken broth, white wine, or even a blonde beer—each giving a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
How to Make Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage and cutting it into quarters. Carefully take out the tough stem from each piece and roughly dice the cabbage. Washing it well ensures you get rid of any dirt stuck between the leaves. Drain it thoroughly before cooking so it doesn’t steam excessively later.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced bacon. Cook the bacon until it turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy. This renders out the flavorful fat that will become the cooking base for the cabbage, so don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Add and Sauté the Cabbage
Toss the cabbage into the skillet and stir it around so every piece gets coated in the bacon fat and butter. Turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the pan is hot and sizzling, sprinkle in salt and cumin if you’re using it. Next, pour in your choice of liquid to deglaze the pan, scraping off all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Step 4: Braise Until Tender
Lower the heat to medium and let the cabbage cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add more liquid in small amounts if the pan starts to dry out, but be careful not to add too much—you want the cabbage to caramelize and develop those lovely golden brown edges, not steam away its texture.
Step 5: Season and Serve
When the cabbage is tender and perfectly caramelized, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the bacon braised cabbage piping hot to enjoy every bit of that smoky, buttery goodness.
How to Serve Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe beautifully. Try fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and an herbaceous contrast. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can also bring some bite without overpowering the mellow flavors.
Side Dishes
This braised cabbage pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or pan-seared pork chops. It also makes a fantastic companion to creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles, soaking up the bacon-infused juices for an irresistible meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wonderful twist, serve the Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe stuffed into baked potatoes or folded inside warm rye or sourdough bread as a comforting sandwich filler. You can also add a fried egg on top for a hearty brunch option that turns cabbage into the star of the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover bacon braised cabbage into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a great dish to prepare in advance or reheat for a quick meal during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this recipe, but keep in mind that cabbage’s texture changes slightly after thawing. Place cooled cabbage in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the dish will still taste great though the cabbage may be softer.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to help crisp up any bacon bits again, or microwave covered until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the cabbage looks dry. Stir occasionally until hot and ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?
Yes! While I recommend savoy cabbage for its tenderness and flavor, green or red cabbage can also be used with excellent results. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Is the cumin necessary in the Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe?
Cumin is optional but highly recommended if you want to add a warm, earthy depth to the dish. If it’s not your style, simply omit it and rely on the bacon and butter for flavor.
What liquid works best for braising the cabbage?
Chicken broth adds richness, white wine introduces a slight acidity, and blonde beer offers a subtle maltiness. Water works perfectly fine if you prefer a neutral base. Choose what suits your taste and what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This particular recipe is built around bacon and butter for flavor, but you can adapt it with vegan butter and smoky smoked paprika instead of bacon to create a similar savory effect.
How do I avoid the cabbage becoming mushy?
Cook cabbage on medium heat, stirring occasionally, and add liquid sparingly to encourage caramelization rather than steaming. This helps maintain a tender yet slightly crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a little smoky, buttery comfort to your dinner table, the Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe is a fantastic choice to try. Its simplicity belies the richness of flavor that fills every bite, making this dish a dependable crowd-pleaser year-round. I hope it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!
Print
Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Braised Cabbage recipe offers a savory and comforting side dish featuring tender cabbage infused with rich bacon flavor and aromatic spices. The cabbage is slowly cooked in a skillet with butter and bacon until caramelized and lightly browned, creating a deliciously satisfying accompaniment for a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cabbage (savoy preferred; white cabbage works well too)
Fats and Proteins
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup diced bacon
Seasonings and Liquids
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional)
- ½ cup liquid (water, chicken broth, white wine, or blonde beer)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage, then cut the cabbage into quarters. Remove the tough stem and roughly dice the cabbage pieces. Wash thoroughly to remove any debris and drain well.
- Cook the Bacon: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it is browned and the fat is rendered.
- Add and Coat Cabbage: Add the prepared cabbage to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the butter and bacon fat. Increase the heat to medium-high to get the pan sizzling. Sprinkle salt and cumin (if using) over the cabbage, then deglaze the pan with your chosen liquid, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance flavor.
- Braise the Cabbage: Reduce the heat to medium and cook the cabbage for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the cabbage cooks, it should caramelize and brown lightly. Add more liquid as needed to prevent burning, but avoid adding too much to keep the cabbage flavorful and caramelized.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cabbage is tender and cooked through, adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Savoy cabbage is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, but white cabbage is a fine alternative.
- The type of liquid used for deglazing can subtly change the flavor; broth adds richness, wine adds acidity, and beer introduces a malty note.
- Be careful not to add too much liquid during cooking to ensure the cabbage caramelizes rather than steams.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with cumin.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a hearty vegetarian main if bacon is omitted.
