I learned to cook cabbage this way from someone who grew it in their garden and refused to boil it into submission. Bacon goes into a heavy pan first, crisping slowly until the fat renders out. Once it’s golden and broken into pieces, the cabbage gets added to that same pan, where it softens in the bacon fat and butter without turning grey or mushy.
The whole process takes less time than you’d expect. I shred the cabbage finely so it cooks evenly, then watch it transform from raw to tender in just a few minutes. Salt and pepper are all it needs, though a pinch of caraway seeds changes things if you’re in the mood for that earthiness. The bacon flavour threads through everything, making a simple vegetable taste like something intentional.
This is one of those dishes I return to because it asks almost nothing but delivers properly. No complicated steps, no ingredients that need hunting down. A head of cabbage, some bacon, butter from the fridge. By the time it’s done, you’ve got something warm and savoury that pairs with everything from roasted chicken to sausages. The kind of cooking that feels effortless once you’ve made it a few times.
Why You’ll Love this cabbage
If you’re wondering whether a humble half-head of cabbage can actually taste like something you’d voluntarily eat more than once, well, that’s where the butter and bacon come in to save the day. I love how this dish transforms something so ordinary into genuinely crave-worthy comfort food.
The crispy bacon adds smoky depth, while butter and the chicken stock cube create this rich, savory coating that makes each tender cabbage bite irresistible. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show at dinner. Plus, it’s affordable, simple to prepare, and honestly, it just makes me feel good about eating my vegetables.
Also read: Creamy Classic Egg Salad Recipe for Picnics
What Ingredients are in cabbage?
The Buttery Cabbage & Bacon Recipe requires a carefully selected collection of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a comforting side dish. Each component plays an important role in developing the rich, savory flavors that transform ordinary cabbage into something truly special.
From the smoky bacon to the creamy butter and umami-rich chicken stock, these ingredients combine to produce a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly elegant for such a humble vegetable base.
- 1/2 head cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 slices bacon
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Cracked black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
When selecting ingredients for this recipe, opt for a fresh, firm head of cabbage with tightly packed leaves for the best texture and flavor. The quality of your bacon matters greatly—consider using thick-cut bacon for more substantial smoky notes.
For the chicken stock cube, use a good-quality brand as it serves as the primary seasoning for the dish. Fresh parsley makes a noticeable difference in the final presentation and taste compared to dried varieties, so choose fresh when possible. All ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe both economical and accessible.
How to Make this cabbage
- Begin by preparing your ingredients and cooking the bacon. In a small frypan, cook 2 slices of bacon with or without 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until the bacon is crisp.
- Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain and cool.
- While the bacon drains, finely shred 1/2 head of cabbage and finely slice 1 medium onion to guarantee even cooking throughout the dish.
- Heat a deep frypan over medium heat and add the shredded cabbage and sliced onion. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and crumble 1 chicken stock cube directly over the vegetables, mixing well to distribute the stock evenly.
- Turn the cabbage over frequently as it steams and cooks, allowing it to soften and absorb the savory stock flavors. Monitor the water level as the cabbage cooks; if the water evaporates before the cabbage is tender, add more water as needed to prevent sticking and ascertain thorough cooking.
- Once the water has almost completely evaporated and the cabbage is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Finely chop the cooled bacon and stir it through the buttery cabbage mixture, distributing the smoky flavor evenly.
- Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and additional cracked black pepper for both visual appeal and a finishing touch of flavor.
Buttery Cabbage & Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by preparing your ingredients and cooking the bacon. In a small frypan, cook 2 slices of bacon with or without 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until the bacon is crisp.
- Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain and cool.
- While the bacon drains, finely shred 1/2 head of cabbage and finely slice 1 medium onion to guarantee even cooking throughout the dish.
- Heat a deep frypan over medium heat and add the shredded cabbage and sliced onion. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and crumble 1 chicken stock cube directly over the vegetables, mixing well to distribute the stock evenly.
- Turn the cabbage over frequently as it steams and cooks, allowing it to soften and absorb the savory stock flavors. Monitor the water level as the cabbage cooks; if the water evaporates before the cabbage is tender, add more water as needed to prevent sticking and ascertain thorough cooking.
- Once the water has almost completely evaporated and the cabbage is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Finely chop the cooled bacon and stir it through the buttery cabbage mixture, distributing the smoky flavor evenly.
- Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and additional cracked black pepper for both visual appeal and a finishing touch of flavor.
Notes
Cabbage Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about this buttery cabbage recipe is how forgiving it truly is, which means you’ve got plenty of room to get creative without worrying you’ll mess it up. I’d swap the cabbage for kale or collard greens if I’m feeling adventurous. Brussels sprouts work wonderfully too, though they’ll need a bit longer to soften. Can’t find bacon? Ham, pancetta, or even smoked sausage gets the job done. For a vegetarian spin, skip the meat and add mushrooms instead. The stock cube stays put—that’s your flavor anchor. Mix and match, trust your instincts, and you’ll land somewhere delicious.cabbage Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about this buttery cabbage recipe is how forgiving it truly is, which means you’ve got plenty of room to get creative without worrying you’ll mess it up. I’d swap the cabbage for kale or collard greens if I’m feeling adventurous.
Brussels sprouts work wonderfully too, though they’ll need a bit longer to soften. Can’t find bacon? Ham, pancetta, or even smoked sausage gets the job done. For a vegetarian spin, skip the meat and add mushrooms instead.
The stock cube stays put—that’s your flavor anchor. Mix and match, trust your instincts, and you’ll land somewhere delicious.
What to Serve with cabbage
Now that you’ve mastered the art of getting creative with your cabbage dish, let’s talk about what actually goes on the plate alongside it. I’d pair this buttery bacon cabbage with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops, honestly.
The richness of the butter and bacon needs something protein-forward to balance it out. Mashed potatoes work beautifully too, soaking up all that savory goodness. Want something lighter? Try serving it with baked white fish.
You could even nestle it beside some crusty bread for those who want to mop up every last drop of deliciousness. The key’s finding dishes that complement, not compete with, your main event.
Final Thoughts
This buttery cabbage and bacon dish comes together in about twenty minutes, which means you’ve got yourself a weeknight winner that doesn’t require a culinary degree or fancy equipment. I find the combination of crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and that rich butter flavor genuinely satisfying. It’s one of those recipes where simple ingredients transform into something genuinely delicious. You’ll appreciate how forgiving it is—more water needed, no problem. Less seasoning desired, totally fine. This dish proves you don’t need complicated techniques or obscure ingredients to create something worth eating. Give it a try tonight.
