Savory Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon: A Comfort Food Classic with Ingredients

Nothing beats the warm, hearty flavors of savory fried cabbage and potatoes with bacon. This classic comfort food brings together crispy bacon, golden potatoes, and tender cabbage, all cooked in a single skillet for a meal that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dish, a delicious side, or a filling meal, this recipe is perfect. The combination of crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, and garlicky cabbage creates a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and packed with texture. If you grew up with home-cooked meals that filled the house with an irresistible aroma, this dish will take you back to those cherished moments.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make this savory fried cabbage and potatoes with bacon a new favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

✔ Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and takes under 30 minutes to prepare.
✔ One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes to clean, making it a quick and convenient recipe.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Cabbage, potatoes, and bacon are all affordable and easy to find.
✔ Packed with Flavor – Smoky bacon, garlic, and perfectly seasoned vegetables make this dish incredibly satisfying.
✔ Versatile – Enjoy it as a main dish or a side, and customize it to your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to prepare savory fried cabbage and potatoes with bacon:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Shredded green cabbage	10-ounce package (about 5 cups)
Russet potato	1, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
Bacon	5 strips
Garlic cloves	5, minced

Seasonings & Spices

Ingredient	Quantity
Table salt	¼ teaspoon
Ground black pepper	¼ teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Peel the potato and cut it into ½-inch cubes. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking.
• Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.

2. Cook the Bacon

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy, turning occasionally.
• Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
• Keep the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.

3. Cook the Potatoes

• In the same skillet, add the cubed potatoes to the bacon fat.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender (about 10-12 minutes).

4. Add the Garlic

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

5. Cook the Cabbage

• Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir well.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender.

6. Season the Dish

• Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the mixture.
• Stir to distribute the seasoning evenly.

7. Combine with Bacon

• Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and add it back to the skillet.
• Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend.

8. Serve and Enjoy

• Transfer to a serving dish while still hot.
• Enjoy your savory fried cabbage and potatoes with bacon as a main meal or a hearty side!

Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

✔ Choose the Right Potatoes – Russet potatoes give a crispy texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes work well too.
✔ Use Fresh Cabbage – Pre-shredded cabbage is convenient, but fresh cabbage gives better texture.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Cabbage – Keep it slightly crisp for the best taste and texture.
✔ Add More Flavor – Try adding paprika, red pepper flakes, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra depth.
✔ Cook on Medium Heat – Avoid high heat, which can burn the garlic and make the dish bitter.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~270 kcal
Protein	~9g
Carbohydrates	~25g
Fat	~15g
Fiber	~4g

This dish is a great source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients while being low in processed ingredients.

Delicious Variations to Try

1. Make It Spicy

• Add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Stir in diced jalapeños while cooking the potatoes.

2. Make It Creamy

• Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a creamy texture.
• Add shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.

3. Add More Vegetables

• Toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
• Try Brussels sprouts instead of cabbage for a unique twist.

4. Swap the Meat

• Use turkey bacon or smoked sausage instead of traditional bacon.
• Add ground beef or shredded chicken for a protein-packed meal.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes on medium power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.

2. How do I keep my potatoes from getting mushy?

• Cook them separately in the bacon fat before adding cabbage.
• Avoid over-stirring to keep their crispy texture.

3. Can I use red or purple cabbage?

Yes! It will have a slightly different flavor and color, but it works just as well.

4. What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with grilled chicken, pork chops, or a fried egg for a complete meal.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter instead.

6. Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, but you may want to reduce or replace the potatoes with a low-carb vegetable like cauliflower.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This savory fried cabbage and potatoes with bacon is the ultimate comfort food—simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you make it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

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