Smothered Cabbage
Tender, savory cabbage slow-cooked with smoky bacon and sweet onions until it melts in your mouth. This classic Southern side dish is pure comfort food, braised in a flavorful broth until perfectly tender and infused with rich, savory notes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Render the Bacon
- b.Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's brown and crispy, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2-3 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Add the chopped yellow onion to the bacon fat in the pot.
- c.Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion has softened and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Smother the Cabbage
- b.Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. It may seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly. Stir to coat the cabbage in the bacon fat.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything to combine well.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is very tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Uncover the pot and stir in the apple cider vinegar and half of the reserved crispy bacon.
- c.Taste the cabbage and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- d.Serve hot, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon on top.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use thick-cut, smoked bacon. It renders more fat and provides a meatier bite.
- 2Don't rush the process. Cooking the cabbage low and slow is the key to achieving that perfectly tender, 'smothered' texture.
- 3The splash of apple cider vinegar at the end is crucial; it cuts through the richness of the bacon and brightens up the entire dish.
- 4If the cabbage releases a lot of water and seems too liquidy, you can cook it uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate.
- 5Chop the cabbage into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon. Sauté the onion in 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
With SausageWith Sausage
Add 1/2 pound of sliced smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, to the pot along with the onions for an even heartier dish.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add one finely diced jalapeño along with the onion for a significant kick of heat.
With PotatoesWith Potatoes
Add one medium potato, peeled and diced, along with the cabbage. You may need to add an extra 1/4 cup of broth and increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and protect the body against damage from free radicals.
High in Fiber
This dish is packed with dietary fiber from cabbage, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and can help you feel full and satisfied.
Supports Bone Health
Cabbage is a good source of Vitamin K, an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in blood clotting and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
This recipe contains approximately 230-250 calories per serving, depending on the thickness and fat content of the bacon used.