Braised Cabbage and Bacon
Savor the comforting flavors of Braised Cabbage and Bacon, a rustic yet refined dish that transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering side or light main course. Tender green cabbage is cooked down to perfection in a savory blend of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and garlic, all simmered in a rich broth with a tangy splash of apple cider vinegar for balance. Infused with buttery, smoky goodness, this dish is a celebration of hearty flavors and textures, elevated with a pinch of optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or as the ultimate accompaniment to roasted meats, this one-pan wonder is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage, cut it into quarters, and remove the core. Shred or thinly slice the cabbage into manageable strips.
Dice the bacon into small pieces. Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring often, until it becomes crispy and golden, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Add the butter to the same skillet with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet in batches, stirring to coat it in the fat and allowing it to wilt slightly before adding more. This may take 3-4 minutes per batch.
Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the cabbage braise gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Let it cook uncovered for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors and allow any excess liquid to evaporate.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a side dish or alongside crusty bread for a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
666 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.9 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 2325 mg | 101% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.8 g | ||
| Protein | 27.5 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 175 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 1095 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
