Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon Recipe

Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon is a classic comfort food that brings together savory, hearty ingredients in a warm, satisfying dish. The crispy bacon and tender cabbage, combined with the soft, golden potatoes, create a dish that is both filling and flavorful. It’s a simple meal that can be served as a side or as the main attraction. This recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please.

Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon is a dish that has roots in many cultures, especially in Europe and the southern United States. It is a straightforward, one-pan meal that relies on a few basic ingredients to create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The dish is characterized by its earthy potatoes, crisp-tender cabbage, and the smoky, salty goodness of bacon.

In its simplest form, it’s often considered a “peasant” meal, as it uses inexpensive, everyday ingredients that are easy to find and combine. This recipe can be easily adjusted to suit various dietary preferences, and you can even make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon or replacing it with a plant-based alternative. The dish can be made quickly on a busy weekday evening, or it can be made in larger quantities for a family gathering or holiday meal.

Preparation Steps

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to do a little preparation to make the cooking process easier and more efficient. Here’s how to prepare the ingredients:

1. Prep the Bacon: Cut the bacon strips into small pieces (about 1-inch lengths). This helps them cook faster and ensures that each bite has a little bit of bacon.

2. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients. Cut the potatoes into thin slices or small cubes, depending on your preference. If you’re using Yukon Gold potatoes, slice them into rounds or half-moons for a tender texture. If using Russet potatoes, cutting them into cubes works well.

3. Chop the Cabbage: Remove any outer leaves from the cabbage and discard them. Slice the cabbage into quarters, then cut out the core. Shred the cabbage into thin strips.

4. Prepare the Onion and Garlic: Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

5. Set Everything Aside: Have your prepared ingredients within arm’s reach, ready to cook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps for a delicious Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon pieces to the pan.
2. Cook the bacon for about 5–7 minutes, or until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

1. Add the sliced or cubed potatoes to the skillet with the bacon grease. If there’s too much grease, you can drain some off, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
2. Cook the potatoes for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika as they cook.
3. Once the potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a plate and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

1. Add the shredded cabbage to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine.
2. Season the cabbage with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Sauté the cabbage for about 7–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the cabbage and onions.
2. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
3. Add the vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar to the pan, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer the Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for color and flavor.
3. Optionally, serve with sour cream and grated cheese on top.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Bacon Crispiness: For crispier bacon, you can cook it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes before adding it to the pan. This reduces the amount of splattering and ensures even crispness.
• Cabbage Texture: If you prefer softer cabbage, cover the skillet during the sautéing step to allow the cabbage to steam slightly.
• Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the ingredients in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Use Cast Iron: A cast iron skillet holds heat well and can enhance the flavor by giving a nice caramelization to the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon is a hearty dish that can be served as either a side or a main course. Here are a few ideas for pairing it with other dishes:

• As a Side Dish: Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops.
• As a Main Course: Serve it with a side of fresh bread or a light salad.
• For Breakfast: Serve it alongside eggs and toast for a filling breakfast or brunch.

Variations and Modifications

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegetable broth for flavor. You can also try adding plant-based bacon or smoked tofu for a smoky flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan) while the dish is still in the skillet to melt it in, or sprinkle it on top when serving.
• Add Meat: Add sausage or ground beef for a meatier version of this dish.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or cumin, to add variety.

Conclusion

Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon is a flavorful, filling, and comforting dish that brings together a few simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion. With its crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and creamy potatoes, it’s a meal that will please both kids and adults alike.

This dish is easy to prepare, customizable, and can be adapted to different dietary preferences. The balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors makes it a timeless favorite in kitchens around the world. Enjoy this recipe with family and friends and savor every bite!

Yield: 4-6

Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon Recipe

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Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon is a classic comfort food that brings together savory, hearty ingredients in a warm, satisfying dish. The crispy bacon and tender cabbage, combined with the soft, golden potatoes, create a dish that is both filling and flavorful. It’s a simple meal that can be served as a side or as the main attraction. This recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for added flavor and moisture)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
   
2. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the same pan with the bacon fat. Cook the potatoes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly crispy, about 10-12 minutes. If needed, you can add a little olive oil to help with the crisping process.
   
3. Add Onion and Garlic: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
   
4. Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender, about 5-7 minutes. You can cover the pan for a few minutes to help the cabbage soften faster.
   
5. Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir everything together. Add the crispy bacon back into the pan and mix well. For extra moisture, you can add a splash of chicken broth at this point.
   
6. Serve: Serve hot as a side dish or main course.

Notes

• Potato Variety: You can use waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for a creamy texture or starchy potatoes like Russets for a more crispy finish.
• Vegetarian Option: You can skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter for cooking, or try a plant-based bacon alternative for a similar flavor.
• Additions: Feel free to add extra seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a splash of vinegar for an added tangy flavor.