Braised Cabbage with Bacon
Transform your simple cabbage into a comforting, flavor-packed side dish with this Braised Cabbage with Bacon recipe. This dish combines tender ribbons of green cabbage, slowly cooked in savory chicken broth and tangy apple cider vinegar, with the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon. Aromatics like sautéed onion and garlic add depth, while a hint of red pepper flakes provides optional heat. Perfectly balanced between hearty and tangy, this versatile recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for holiday gatherings. Ready in under an hour, it pairs beautifully with roast meats, sausages, or as part of a cozy vegetarian spread (bacon optional). Try this approachable dish for a crowd-pleasing classic with a modern twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head (about 2 lbs) green cabbage
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium (diced) onion
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
- 0.25 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, cut it into quarters, and remove the core. Slice each quarter into thin strips (about 1/4-inch wide). Set aside.
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until they are crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Crumble the bacon into small pieces once cooled.
Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet in batches if needed, stirring to coat in the oil and onion mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Once the cabbage has softened slightly, pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the cabbage braise for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the cabbage is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
Before serving, mix in the crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Serve warm as a side dish to complement your favorite main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
550 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.2 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 2710 mg | 118% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.8 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.3 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.8 g | ||
| Protein | 34.1 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 440 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 2290 mg | 49% | |
*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.
