Pioneer Woman Fried Cabbage Recipe: A Deliciously Simple Side Dish

Fried cabbage is a humble dish that delivers big on flavor, and this recipe, reminiscent of the Pioneer Woman’s style, takes it to the next level. Combining simple ingredients like cabbage, bacon, and onion, this fried cabbage recipe is an easy side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. It’s a low-carb, comforting, and fiber-rich option that will quickly become a family favorite.

A hearty bowl of fried cabbage with crispy bacon and tender onions, showcasing its rustic charm.

This fried cabbage recipe is inspired by the hearty, home-style cooking that The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is known for. It embodies the spirit of simple, delicious meals made with everyday ingredients. Just like Ree’s recipes, this fried cabbage is approachable, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s an ideal accompaniment to a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to grilled sausages. Imagine serving this alongside juicy roasted chicken, savory smoked sausage, or a classic ham steak – the possibilities are endless!

If you’re a fan of cabbage like many home cooks are, you’ll appreciate the versatility of this humble vegetable. Beyond this delightful fried cabbage, explore other cabbage-centric dishes such as braised cabbage for a tender and sweet side, comforting cabbage soup for chilly evenings, quick cabbage stir fry for a fast weeknight meal, or hearty cabbage rolls for a satisfying main course. Each preparation method unlocks a different facet of cabbage’s deliciousness.

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style Fried Cabbage

For this recipe, we keep it simple and flavorful with just a handful of key ingredients. Find the complete ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

Bacon: Opt for smoked bacon for the deepest flavor. Nitrate-free bacon is a great choice for both taste and health considerations. The bacon fat is crucial for frying the cabbage and infusing it with smoky goodness.
Butter: Butter adds richness and helps to brown the cabbage beautifully. You can use salted or unsalted butter; just adjust added salt accordingly.
Green Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star of the show. Its sturdy texture holds up well to frying, providing a satisfying bite in the finished dish. Make sure to core it and slice it thinly for even cooking.
Yellow Onion: A medium yellow onion provides a foundational savory sweetness that complements the cabbage and bacon perfectly.
Seasoning: Simple seasonings are key. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential. For an extra layer of flavor, consider a touch of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to introduce warmth and a gentle spice, reminiscent of Southern-inspired cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Cabbage

This recipe is straightforward and quick, perfect for busy cooks. Here’s a simplified overview; detailed instructions are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

First, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. You can use a large skillet, a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution, or even bake the bacon in the oven. Make sure to reserve the flavorful bacon grease – it’s liquid gold for this recipe! Once cooked, remove the bacon and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Next, melt butter in the same large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the reserved bacon grease to the melted butter. This combination of fats creates a rich and flavorful base for cooking the vegetables. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes softened and translucent. Then, add the cooked bacon back to the skillet, mixing it with the onions and flavorful fats.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Cook the cabbage until it reaches your desired tenderness. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The cabbage should soften and slightly caramelize, absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the bacon and onion mixture. Finally, season generously with salt, black pepper, and optional Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste.

Sizzling bacon and onions in a skillet, the aromatic start to a flavorful fried cabbage dish.

Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage Every Time

Thinly Slice the Cabbage: Thinly sliced cabbage cooks quickly and evenly and maximizes the surface area for absorbing the delicious bacon and butter flavors.
Speedy Bacon Cooking: If you’re short on time, you can chop the raw bacon and cook it directly in the skillet over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes, stirring often, then reduce the heat and add butter and onions as directed. The bacon might not be quite as crispy, but it will still be delicious and save time.
Serve Immediately: Fried cabbage is best enjoyed fresh. If it sits for too long, it can become overcooked and lose its ideal texture.
Adjust Cooking Time for Texture: For slightly crisp-tender cabbage, cook for a shorter time. If you prefer softer, more caramelized cabbage, cook it a bit longer. Taste as you go and cook to your preference.

Delicious Variations to Spice Up Your Fried Cabbage

Spice It Up: Add a quarter to half teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This adds a layer of Southern-inspired flavor, much like Pioneer Woman recipes often include.
Sweet and Savory: Introduce a touch of sweetness with a couple of pinches of brown sugar and minced garlic cloves for a more complex flavor profile.
Make it a Meal: Transform this side dish into a heartier meal by adding sliced Polska kielbasa or all-natural chicken sausage to the skillet while cooking the cabbage.
Add Colorful Veggies: For extra nutrition and visual appeal, incorporate chopped bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow) along with the onions. They will add sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
Healthier Swaps: To reduce saturated fat, consider using turkey bacon or vegan bacon alternatives. Omit the butter and bacon grease and sauté the onions and cabbage in olive oil instead. This will create a lighter, but still flavorful, version.

Serving Suggestions for Fried Cabbage

Fried cabbage is incredibly versatile and pairs well with countless main courses. Here are a few serving ideas:

Pork Dishes: It’s fantastic with pan-fried pork chops, smothered pork chops, or roasted pork tenderloin.
Chicken Classics: Serve it alongside smothered chicken, baked chicken, or crispy chicken schnitzel.
Beef Entrees: Try it with German beef rouladen for a comforting European-inspired meal.
Sausages and Bratwurst: Perfect with grilled bratwurst or smoked sausage for a casual and flavorful dinner.
Ham: A wonderful side for ham steak or baked ham, especially for holiday meals.

Explore More Cabbage Recipes

[Savory Braised Cabbage, tender and flavorful.

Braised Cabbage](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/braised-cabbage/)

[Corned Beef and Cabbage, a classic comforting dish.

Corned Beef and Cabbage](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/easy-traditional-corned-beef-and-cabbage/)

[Quick and easy Stir-Fried Cabbage, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Stir-Fried Cabbage](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/cabbage-stir-fry/)

[Hearty Cabbage Roll Casserole, a comforting family favorite.

Cabbage Casserole](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/cabbage-roll-casserole/)

[Warm and comforting Cabbage Soup, perfect for chilly days.

Cabbage Soup](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/cabbage-soup/)

[Classic Cabbage Rolls, a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Cabbage Rolls](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/cabbage-rolls/)

Pioneer Woman Inspired Fried Cabbage Recipe

This fried cabbage recipe is a simple and delightful side dish featuring pan-fried cabbage, onions, and bacon, lightly seasoned for maximum flavor.

5 from 59 votes

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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 87kcal
Author: Beth Pierce

Ingredients

6 slices smoked bacon
2 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ -½ tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Alternatively, bake bacon on a baking sheet in the oven. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve bacon grease. Coarsely chop the bacon.
Melt butter and heat reserved bacon grease in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with butter and onions.
Add the thinly sliced cabbage and cook until tender, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and, if desired, Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Recipe Notes

Adjust cooking time for desired cabbage texture, from crisp-tender to softer.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
To freeze fried cabbage, cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Information

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