Sweet and Sour Cabbage Recipe with Bacon

Simmered slowly with delicious flavor, this Sweet and Sour Cabbage is a great side or main dish that has minimal ingredients and is easy to put together.

You are missing out if you have never tried Sweet and Sour Cabbage. It’s one of my every day recipes. This is so full of flavor with red cabbage, bacon, scallions, and more!

It really is sweet and sour with a mixture of sugar and vinegar it really brings out the flavor of this dish. If it’s your first time, just know that it’s one of our favorites year-round side dish recipes.

I have always been a huge fan of cabbage leaves, and we have been making this dish for years. It is one of those dishes that, in our family, it is a staple at gatherings.

There are just so many ways to use green cabbage and purple cabbage. Whether it’s a simple side dish for healthy eating or a main course.

I know that a lot of people may have never heard of this, but now you have, and you absolutely have to try it. The sweet and sour aspect is what pulls you in.

The red cabbage is a nice contrast and turns absolutely a beautiful color that is eye-catching, so when this is on your table, it will draw your eye to it.

If you love cabbage, bacon, sweet, sour, and more, then you have to give this Sweet and Sour Cabbage a try! It’s one of my mom’s recipes and is especially good during the holidays and St. Patrick’s day.

Some of our other favorite side dishes that we have on our site include: Bruschetta with Garlic Crostini, Southern Collard Greens and Warm Bacon, Pear and Kale Salad.

1. Everything is made in one pan, so it cuts down on dishes!
2. You can easily double healthy recipes like this to make more for larger groups.
3. Other meats can be used in place of the bacon to switch up the flavor. Make sure to save it in your recipe box!

• Bacon
• Red cabbage
• Garlic
• White vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Unsalted butter
• Scallions

1. Cook the bacon until crispy in a large pot over medium-low heat. Let the bacon drain on a paper towel and set aside.
2. While the bacon is cooking, slice the cabbage. Discard any outer leaves and cut them into four even pieces, cutting through the core. Cut out the core of each section and slice it into 1/2-inch strips. Throw away core pieces. 
3. Add the garlic directly to the pot with the leftover bacon fat and cook, constantly stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 
4. Place cabbage into the pot and toss until fully coated in fat. Season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. 
5. Add the vinegar, sugar, and water. Stir until evenly combined.
6. Cover and simmer, occasionally stirring for 30-45 minutes or until you reach your desired tenderness. If the bottom of the pot goes dry, you can add a little more water but lower the heat as well.
7. Just before serving, add the butter and stir to coat the cabbage. Serve with the bacon pieces on top and scallions, optional. 

CAN I USE SOMETHING OTHER THAN BACON?

Absolutely! If you are not a fan of crunchy bacon, you can use ham in this recipe.

You can use any ham that you’d like, leftover ham, ham chunks, etc.

You can also use prosciutto in this recipe, it really goes great, and we love the flavor contrast that it gives this Sweet-Sour Red Cabbage. Use this the same as bacon.

However, if you are not using bacon, you will not have that additional fat you need to cook the garlic and cabbage in.

Instead, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot over medium-low heat, then continue with the rest of the recipe.

If using ham, you can add it in with the butter in the first step and get a little sear on it, then continue with the garlic, etc. but the ham can stay in the pot the entire cooking process.

DO I HAVE TO USE RED CABBAGE?

While this is my personal favorite cabbage to use, if you cannot find or do not want to use red cabbage, you do not have to.

Regular cabbage will work fine in this recipe. It won’t change the flavor; it is more about the color than anything.

So use whatever cabbage that you like or that you can find! It is absolutely up to you.

IS SWEET AND SOUR CABBAGE GOOD FOR YOU?

Yes, cabbage is extremely healthy and a fantastic vegetable to work into your diet whenever you can. 

However, we are using bacon and the bacon grease that comes from it.

Along with sugar, I would suggest eating this side dish in moderation. For a slightly healthier alternative to sugar, you can use the same amount of honey.

ANY ADDITIONS?

This delicious recipe can be changed to fit your taste buds. That sweet and sour sauce blends with other ingredients amazingly well.

• Caraway seeds: Add a teaspoon of caraway seeds for an authentic, earthy flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar: Substitute some of the white vinegar with balsamic for a deeper taste.
• Apple slices: Add thinly sliced apples for a sweet and tart contrast.
• Onions: Sauté sliced onions with the cabbage for extra sweetness.
• Bell peppers: Add chopped bell peppers for a colorful and tasty addition.
• Soy sauce: Splash in some soy sauce for an umami boost.
• Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
• Honey: Drizzle a little bit of honey for added sweetness.
• Raisins: Mix in some raisins for a sweet surprise.
• Parsley: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

If you’re a huge cabbage fan like me, this will all make sense. It really is the perfect side dish!

• Red cabbage: Use white cabbage or a mix of both for a different color and flavor.
• Bacon: Substitute with diced ham, prosciutto, or pancetta.
• White vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar for a milder, fruity taste.
• Granulated sugar: Substitute with brown sugar or honey for a different sweetness.
• Butter: Use vegetable oil or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
• Scallions: Replace with chives or omit altogether if you prefer.

This Sweet and Sour Cabbage Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

To reheat, you can microwave until heated through or place it back in a pan on the stove and heat on medium-low until heated through.

It can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight.

Want a different, fun, and tasty side dish recipe that will stand out in the crowd?

Then you absolutely need to make this Sweet and Sour Cabbage!

If you’ve tried this SWEET AND SOUR CABBAGE let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!