Old-Fashioned Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Apples

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Old-Fashioned Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Apples is a classic dish that brings a delightful twist to your table. With the smoky flavor of bacon, the sweetness of apples, and the tang of apple cider vinegar, it’s a perfect harmony of tastes, especially during the cozy fall months.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Apples

Bacon provides a smoky, savory base and crispy texture that enhances the entire dish. Butter adds richness and helps in sautéing the ingredients to perfection. Green cabbage, when shredded, becomes tender and absorbs the flavors beautifully. Apple introduces a sweet contrast that complements the smoky bacon. Onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth. Garlic brings an aromatic note that rounds out the flavors. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy zest, balancing the sweetness. Salt and black pepper season the dish, enhancing all other flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
  • For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the garlic.

Serving Suggestions

This fried cabbage goes wonderfully with roasted pork or chicken for a hearty meal. Try it alongside mashed potatoes to soak up all the buttery goodness. It also pairs well with crusty bread to enjoy every last bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes, you can. Red cabbage will give a slightly different flavor and a vibrant color to the dish.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Reheat it gently before serving to retain its flavors and textures.

Old-Fashioned Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Apples Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the chopped bacon. Cook it until it’s crispy, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, setting it aside on a paper towel, but don’t discard the bacon fat in the skillet.

Next, add the butter to the skillet with the bacon fat. Once melted, toss in the sliced onions. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.

Now, pile the shredded cabbage into the skillet. Give it a good stir to coat it with the delightful bacon fat and butter mixture. Let it cook for around 10 minutes. You’ll notice it starting to soften, which is exactly what you want.

Time to introduce the diced apple, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to the mix. Stir everything together and let it continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes. You’re aiming for tender cabbage and soft apples.

Finally, return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Give it all a good stir to combine. Let it all cook together for another 2 minutes or so to ensure everything is warmed through. Serve it hot and enjoy the flavors melding together.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and straightforward preparation that even beginners can handle.
  • Uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a balanced dish.
  • Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

1 head green cabbage, shredded
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 large apple, peeled and diced
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
2. Add the butter to the skillet, then add the sliced onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the fat and cook for about 10 minutes, until it begins to soften.
5. Stir in the diced apple, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the apples are soft.
6. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.
7. Serve hot as a side dish.

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