Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion & Garlic!

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion & Garlic 🧄

A hearty, flavorful side dish or main meal full of smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and savory goodness!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bacon

• 1 large head of cabbage (about 2–3 lbs), cored and sliced

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes.
   Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2–3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.

2. Sauté Onion & Garlic:
   In the same pan with the bacon grease, add the diced onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

3. Add the Cabbage:
   Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet a handful at a time, stirring to coat it in the bacon drippings. As it cooks down, continue to add more until it all fits in the pan.

4. Season and Cook:
   Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   Stir well and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.

5. Finish with Bacon:
   Crumble the cooked bacon and add it back to the pan. Stir everything together. If you’re using apple cider vinegar, drizzle it in now for a tangy kick.

6. Serve Hot:
   Serve immediately as a side or enjoy it as a main dish with cornbread or potatoes!

💡 Tips & Variations:

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter; add smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.

• Add protein: Stir in cooked sausage or diced ham.

• Make it low-carb/keto: This dish is naturally low in carbs—perfect for keto-friendly meals.

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