Boiled Cabbage with Crispy Bacon
This boiled cabbage is the ultimate Southern comfort side. Tender cabbage simmers low and slow in smoky bacon drippings with sweet onion, then gets topped with crispy bacon for the cozy, savory bite that keeps you going back for more.
Servings 6 servings
Calories 150kcal
Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage cut into large chunks
- 4 slices bacon sliced (or more for extra bacon)
- 1/2 small onion julienned
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- seasoned salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into 1/2 inch slices and fry in a large stock pot over medium-low heat until crispy. Remove the bacon bits and set aside for later, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- While the bacon cooks, cut the cabbage into large chunks, discarding the core, and slice the onion into a julienne.
- In the reserved bacon drippings, cook the onion over medium-low heat until lightly colored and translucent.
- Add the cabbage and toss to coat it in the fat. Pour in water until the cabbage is just covered, then add the onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on a high simmer until the cabbage is very tender, at least an hour. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Stir in the butter just before serving and top with the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
Notes
- Frying the bacon first and cooking the cabbage in the drippings is the secret to deep, smoky flavor.
- Top with the crispy bacon at the end so it stays crunchy instead of going soft in the pot.
- Low and slow is the way; the cabbage gets meltingly tender after about an hour of gentle simmering.
- Add the butter right before serving for a silky, rich finish.
- Taste and adjust the seasoned salt and pepper at the end, since the bacon adds saltiness too.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcal