🕒 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 4–6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced or diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional for richness)
Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances flavor)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for that Southern tang)
👩🍳 Directions
1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet or pot:
- Cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy
- Remove bacon and set aside
- Leave the bacon grease in the pan
2. Sauté the Onion & Garlic
- Add onion to the bacon grease
- Cook until softened (about 4–5 minutes)
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
3. Add the Cabbage
- Add chopped cabbage to the pan
- Stir well to coat in bacon grease
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to wilt
4. Season & Simmer
- Add:
- Chicken broth
- All seasonings
- Stir, cover, and reduce heat
- Let simmer 10–15 minutes until cabbage is tender
5. Finish
- Stir in cooked bacon
- Add butter (optional) for richness
- Splash in apple cider vinegar and stir
6. Serve
- Serve hot as a side dish
- Pairs perfectly with:
- Fried chicken
- Pork chops
- Cornbread
🔥 Southern Tips
- Don’t overcook—cabbage should be tender but not mushy
- Add smoked sausage for a heartier dish
- A little vinegar at the end makes the flavor pop
- Leftovers are even better the next day